Ikaika James Winder

Ikaika James Winder was born February 5th, 2007 in St. George, Utah. Kaika’s birth parents Destiny Marie Delgado and Lydell Cristobal graciously and lovingly placed him in the arms of James Bryan, Julie, and the Winder family the following day. There’s no higher honor than being entrusted with someone’s child–their entire heart and soul–through adoption. The natural parental bond that Julie and Bryan felt was instantaneous, and anchored their love to him through his entire life and beyond. Succeeded by Kaika’s adoption, the Winder family also adopted and raised Harley Hokulani Winder, also born to Desi and Lydell, a couple years later. The Winder family raised and loved him tenderly for the following years of his life. Ikaika James unfortunately passed away at the age of 18 in Hurricane, Utah.

Early on, Kaika was the “cutest tornado on wheels.” Even though he was lovingly referred to as a “tiny tornado,” he had a tender heart of gold. His big brown eyes were full of compassion that matched his golden heart. He was full of love, life, and energy. He was a natural comedian. All around him could always count on him to bring forth many laughs. Despite his lactose intolerance, he could chug an entire gallon of milk in 30 seconds: and then make it known to all around him just moments later for the rest of the evening. Whether it was losing his swimsuit while boating, holding a staring contest until his eyes watered, or making the silliest of faces, he was always doing goofy things to make everyone around him feel joy.

In addition to his abundant love for all around him, he had an undying love for animals, especially his own dogs. The amount of nights he slept without one of his dogs by his side could be counted on one hand. As he grew older, he gained many wonderful friendships and shared his love with many of his peers. He spent all the time that he could with them, getting into trouble with them, making all of them laugh, or driving around and enjoying the freedom of being a teenager. He had a joy for driving, despite his lack of talent at it. Kaika had a special gift for finding curbs and telephone poles with his car, proven by his 4 wrecks.

Kaika’s true talent was hugs. His hugs were warm and infectious, allowing all to melt into his arms as he spread his love to all who would receive. In honor of Kaika, find someone to give a big bear hug to every single day, and spread your own love. If you are looking for someone to hug and share your love with, look out for those who may be struggling in unseen ways. While all will appreciate any love you have to share, those struggling are the ones who need it most.

He is survived by his parents, James Bryan and Julie Winder, as well as his three siblings, Jaxton, Brexen, and Harley Winder.

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