Kanajai Burton

Kanajai Daishaun Burton born on December 24, 2002, was undeniable the greatest Christmas gift. From the moment he was first placed in his mother’s arms until his final day, he brought joy to all that experienced even a slight second of his presence. With his infectious laugh and charismatic personality, he was sure to brighten up any room.

Some may remember him as “Man-Man” or simply “Man” as his mother called him. Others may know him as KJ, but whatever you called him, to know him was to love him. KJ has touched lives of many from North Carolina where he was born and raised all the way to Colorado where he called home for the last 5 years.

KJ loved to play around and make everyone laugh. I think it’s safe to say, he enjoyed annoying those he loved. KJ would do things like walk out the room when his mother was talking to him and when she jumped up to chase him, he would be right there waiting and laughing. Although it got on his mother’s last nerve, he would just stand there and laugh until she laughed and then hug her. When he was 14 years old, he went shopping with his stepdad and found some real nice sneakers. KJ took the sneakers to show Mike and he asked KJ where he found those at, his son responded “over there in the grown man section, they don’t have your size.”

KJ had the most genuine and selfless heart and cared deeply for every and anyone. Growing up as the youngest of 3 children from a single mother home, KJ didn’t have much. But he didn’t complain about what he didn’t have but instead was beyond grateful for what he did have. So much so that he came home one night on the coldest of nights shivering without a coat on. When his mother asked him where his coat was, he told her he gave it to a homeless man. At first, his mother was upset but he looked at her with a dumbfounded face and said “Ma, he doesn’t have a warm house to come home to like I do”. KJ couldn’t drive by a homeless person without searching the car for any piece of money to give. If he loved strangers this much, one could only imagine the magnitude of love he had for his family & friends. He took great pride in being the little “big” brother. And as the only boy instantly became the true “man of the house”. A momma’s boy to the core and didn’t care who knew it.

From the age of 4, KJ played football and dominated many fields. It brought him so much joy to play the game and be part of the team. Winning several Championship games and having colleges from across the states interested in him was an honor within itself. KJ had dreams of playing professional football and as difficult as it was to explain to him that he needed a backup plan, he could not grasp it. Football was his calling. He most recently played for the Rangeview Raiders and absolutely loved his team and coaches. Even after leaving the school, he still wore his Raider memorabilia.

KJ was in a transitional phase in his life. At an age where he was finding himself, he had recently become a young father to his son, Sekani. He was so excited to be a father and wanted nothing more than to be a good father. Every smile that his son gave was always like the first for KJ and his entire soul would light up at a mere glimpse of Sekani’s smile. KJ took fatherhood seriously and accepted all roles from staying up all night for feedings and diaper changes to everything in between. He was 100% dedicated.

To honor his memory, KJ leaves behind his most prized possession his son, Sekani Ky Burton; mother, Casandra Watkins and stepfather, Michael Watkins; sisters, Daija Delgado, Teiyanna Burton, Kaylin Neff and Destinee Burton; the love of his life, Elizabeth Sanders; grandmother, Carmen Federick; grandfather, Kelvin Figueroa; uncle Troy Boseman; aunts, Crystal Hood and Kristina Figueroa; nieces, Kayliah Delgado, ZaNiyah Stewart, Novah Stewart, Zay’Driana Jones, Ruby Burton, and Ja’layiah Neff; nephews, Ramir Taylor and Canelo Jones; and a host of other relatives and friends.