Colby Ryan LaBelle, 36, passed away unexpectedly from a tragic accident on December 20, 2024. He was born in Colchester on February 16, 1988, the first child to his loving parents, Rick and Chris LaBelle. He grew up in Colchester, where he enjoyed some of the best times of his life playing backyard baseball, shooting hoops and riding bikes with his brother and neighborhood friends. Some of his favorite family memories were camping with his mom and brother and going to Red Sox games with his dad. Colby's family vacationed annually on the coast of Maine, where he loved catching crabs, finding starfish, building giant animals in the sand, flying kites, deep sea fishing, and eating Dippin' Dots.

Colby had a passion for art, music and cars. His love for music was passed down to his brother Tyler, who was his best friend growing up. Tyler and Colby were inseparable, sharing all the same hobbies and interests. He always wanted his brother by his side and included him in everything. Colby was also known for his love of all creatures, big and small, insects and reptiles especially. Since childhood, he always had unique pets like frogs, geckos, tarantulas, fish, many different kinds of snakes and exotic insects.

In 2006, Colby graduated from Colchester High School and followed his passion for art by earning a graphic design degree from Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont.

He loved football and was a huge Vikings fan. He stuck with them through thick and thin, and he was so excited about how well they were doing this year.

Colby loved spending time with good friends. He was always hanging out with someone who cared about him, which eventually led him to Autumn Brugger. She was a big part of Colby's life, and he was grateful for the good times and the wonderful child they shared together.

Colby adored his 7-year-old son Carter, who was the light of his life. He loved taking him swimming, going to Cub Scouts together and teaching him how to play his favorite games from childhood on Playstation 2. He passed his gentle soul onto Carter, who shares the same love for nature and animals as he did.

Colby was kind, honest and always willing to help someone whenever they needed it. That is how he will be remembered in our hearts.

Colby is survived by his son Carter LaBelle of Colchester, VT; parents Rickie and Christine (Racine) LaBelle of Colchester, VT; brother Tyler LaBelle and his partner Erin Skala of Colchester, VT; grandmother Dorothy "Dee Dee" LaBelle and her life partner Brent Gagnon of Burlington, VT and many extended family members and friends.

Colby is predeceased by his grandparents Gertrude and Raymond Racine of Burlington, VT and grandfather Robert LaBelle of Swanton, VT.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Colby at the Elks Lodge on North Avenue in Burlington, VT on Sunday, January 12, 2025 from 12pm–3pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to support raising Colby's son: https://gofund.me/7bde9d2c.