Denver, Colorado - Alejandro Rion Nemoto Padilla

July 25, 1998 - April 23, 2026

Born out of love, passion, and intention, Alejandro Rion Nemoto Padilla entered this world on July 25, 1998, in Arvada, Colorado. He was the missing piece to a young, loving family, and from the moment he arrived, his presence transformed it completely — immediately awakening his big brother Kaito into a life of motion, laughter, adventure, and unconditional love. Together they became pajama partners, bath buddies, sword mates, sparring partners, Power Ranger reenactors, and lifelong protectors of one another — brothers who should have remained lifelong partners in the journey ahead. His joy was contagious, his energy boundless, and his love for life impossible to ignore. Even as a child, Alejandro inspired people through the depth of his thinking, the intensity of his spirit, and the genuine happiness he carried into every room. From the very beginning, his light was unmistakable. Running by nine months old — and later nicknamed "Messi" by peers and coaches on the pitch — and riding a bicycle by age two, Alejandro possessed a rare physical brilliance and natural athletic genius that defined much of his early life.

Alejandro was a special human; from birth, his magnetism, charisma, and passionate nature were unmistakable. People were naturally drawn to him, and he gave freely from that energy — whether through a disarming smile, an honest conversation, or a laugh that filled the room. His warmth, humor, and love radiated outward in a way impossible to ignore. His innate ability to notice and process the smallest details around him became especially evident on the basketball court, where he instinctively led teammates and seemed to see the game several steps ahead. Basketball became his devotion and lifelong love, and by childhood he was already known as a gifted athlete, leader, and competitor whose love for movement and the game inspired everyone around him. Recognized by many as "The Ice Man" for his beautiful jump shot and calm demeanor attacking the basket, Alejandro's talent was so evident that even at a young age, high school coaches had already begun asking where he would eventually play.

A proud Arvada native, Alejandro attended both Pomona High School and Ralston Valley High School. After years of struggle, perseverance, and support from his advisors and parents, he graduated from Ralston Valley High School with great pride and joy. Alejandro understood early on that traditional schooling and office life were never meant for him. Drawn instead toward movement, craft, and experience, he first explored working in kitchens and hospitality, hoping to build a life around his sophisticated palate, genuine love, and creative approach to food — whether tongue tacos, sushi, Thai or Indian cuisine, Tío Ricardo's grilled steak, or even a simple bowl of popcorn topped with brewer's yeast and good cheese. He understood food deeply and appreciated the way it brought people together. But remaining isolated in one place all day proved difficult for his restless spirit, so he continued carving his own path throughout the Arvada area, exploring service, construction, and multiple trades before ultimately finding his calling in electrical work. Regardless of where he was in life, basketball remained a constant — whether playing pickup games at VASA and local recreation centers, organizing teams, or passing down his love of the game to his little brother Oliver, whom he mentored with pride and intensity.

Alejandro's life was marked by both extraordinary light and profound struggle. After enduring profound trauma at a young age, he spent many years battling PTSD, anxiety, and depression with remarkable resilience. In many ways, he suffered while protecting those he loved. Your love and courage knew no bounds. Thank you for protecting your family. Though he carried burdens few could see, he continued to rise again and again with determination, honesty, and heart.

Those closest to Alejandro knew him as deeply thoughtful, charismatic, unapologetically authentic, and a constant creator of jokes so bad they became hilarious because of his infectious laugh. He was a poet, philosopher, lyricist, artist, proud of being half Japanese and half Mexican — while joking that he was "100% American" — and a lover of the simple things in life: early mornings, deep conversation, dinner with family, long drives, a good run, basketball, a good bottle of olive oil with sourdough bread, strong miso soup, craft coffee — especially Corvus Coffee, where he always boasted about the perfect cup of coffee and the kind, beautiful people who made it — writing, kind humans, self-deprecating jokes, and his greatest love: rapping as a self-proclaimed lyrical master. His ability to love deeply and find beauty in all forms reflected the shining beauty within him.

Music became a constant companion. He rarely went anywhere without it, finding comfort, inspiration, and expression in every beat and lyric. Music was one of his deepest passions, especially rap from Vin Jay and Eminem, along with rapping himself — something he committed to every day, often spending hours driving the streets of Arvada while practicing and perfecting his lyrics, preparing himself to one day find the courage to perform live or on video.

Alejandro worked as an electrician apprentice with Modern Electric, where he completed over 800 hours and found a sense of belonging among a crew he genuinely respected. He took pride in wearing the Modern Electric colors and in building a future with his own hands. He dreamed of one day owning his own electrical company and creating a life built through discipline, hard work, and purpose.

Above all else, Alejandro cherished being a father. The birth of his son, Brian, transformed him. In fatherhood, he rediscovered purpose, peace, and hope. He spoke openly of his commitment to becoming the father Brian deserved and embraced that role with tenderness, pride, and devotion. More than any title in his life, Alejandro coveted being called "Dad."

In America, Alejandro is survived by his beloved son Brian; his father and best friend Francisco; his mother Mami; stepmothers Victoria and Nikki; his most treasured and beloved brothers, Kaito and Oliver; grandmothers Carmen and Deanna grandfather Francisco; and loyal dog Cosmo.

In Japan, he is survived by his Baba Mitsue, Aunt Yuka, and cousin Maine.

He also leaves behind a large and deeply connected extended family whom he loved fiercely. He shared an especially profound bond with his cousins Ricardito, Liliana, and Diego, who were not only family but his closest friends and lifelong companions. He is also survived by cousins Isabella, Eric, Andrew, and Keanu.

His aunts and uncles Ricardo, Xochitl, Andy, Joshua, Sara, Celia, and Tío Matthew played important roles throughout his life. Ricardo, whom he deeply loved and thought of as a second father, held a special place in his heart. Andy and Joshua, in particular, were like brothers to him.

I will miss our daily conversations and your insight; you had so much to say and were always so deep and willing to have honest conversations. Your ability to speak openly about life, pain, hope, and growth touched everyone who truly knew you.

Tragically and unnecessarily, on April 23, 2026, at 4740 Bow Mar Drive in Bow Mar, Jefferson County, Colorado, Alejandro suffered a fatal electrocution while working as an electrician apprentice — a profession he had grown deeply proud of and committed to. He was pronounced dead at the scene. To those who loved him, there will always remain the unbearable truth that his death came through no fault of his own, just as he had mapped out his purpose, identified his strengths, and finally embraced the gifts that defined him — kindness, love, music, and fatherhood. The world lost a light that had only just begun to understand its own brilliance. He often said, "I fear not failure, but how great I will become."

Risen, powerful, strong, and determined, even in finding death, you stood your ground. You are my hero, our hero. We will spend our lives trying to honor your beauty, your love, and your strength.

Arvada lost one of its own: a native son, athlete, poet, philosopher, lyricist, artist, and father whose light had only just begun to reveal its true brilliance.