Kassidi Marie Bridge

Kassidi Marie Myrick Bridge was a driving force. When she knew what she wanted, she had the grit and determination to make it happen. There was no stopping that girl and she reached many heights both physically and professionally. But now, as she has passed and countless people remain feeling connected to her, it is clear that the thing that drove her the most, was a desire to love and uplift her people.

In the spring of 1983, Kassidi was the first born child of Wade and Karen Myrick in Laramie, Wyoming with four siblings soon to follow. Together with her family, she lived in many cities across the western states and Kassidi made friends easily with every move. At age 11 when she moved to Shelby, Montana, she began to demonstrate her athletic prowess and enthusiasm for team building as she was a stand-out player and friend. It was also here that she met the love of her life, Brandon Bridge.

When she turned 16, Kassidi moved with her family to Winner, South Dakota, where she excelled in basketball, volleyball, track and field, and music. She also became the high school state champion in throwing the discus.

Kassidi went on to university where she studied education and became an All-American athlete. She also graduated cum laude. One of her teammates shared, “If you met her, you LOVED her, she was one in a BILLION, a heart of gold, brutally honest- but in an eloquent way.” 

After a number of years of letter writing, Kassidi and Brandon connected on a deeper level in 2004 and soon after were married. They became parents to the clever Hazel Ann (15) and the dynamic Olof Alan (12). Together, they lived in Utah, New Mexico, and then settled in Missoula, Montana. 

Kassidi would tell people that she married into her love of food. She grew to be an outstanding cook and would enthusiastically plan family meals with the very best ingredients. She would make sourdough bread from a starter and in recent years, was an avid gardener, pulling Hazel and Ole into the work with her as they’d spend hours weeding and planting seeds. They would later preserve each harvest by canning the food and enjoying it all winter. 

Kassidi and Brandon taught Hazel and Ole to appreciate nature. They loved to spend time hiking, fishing, and floating the river. Favorite family trips included trekking through the wilds of Wyoming and hiking in Glacier National Park with parents and siblings . Their home was filled with music, both from great albums they loved and the songs they performed themselves. They prioritized going to live concerts. Kassidi was a songbird who could play many instruments with ease. Hazel and Ole have followed in her footsteps as they have both explored passions for playing the violin, cello, and drums. 

Kass loved a nickname and was fondly known by those who loved her as Kapacity, Kassidinio, Ice Box, Monkey Toes, Mootsie, Moot Beans, Didi, and Mama. She was playful and funny and had a laugh that rang like a bell. She had a very particular design sensibility, appreciating vintage treasures, authentic materials, and color. She loved to create art through many mediums including watercolor, quilting, and jewelry. Shortly before passing, she was inspired by the idea of life as a matchstick and dreamed of creating a storybook on this theme. 

One of Kassidi’s primary love languages was gift giving. She kept the post office busy with notes to deliver to her nieces and nephews in celebration of upcoming seasons and holidays. She was quick to write and mail a note of encouragement or congratulations to her loved ones and readily gave meaningful gifts that were beautifully wrapped. 

Kassidi had to live for many years in a body full of pain. She endured countless surgeries and treatments and was not a stranger to suffering. However, at the core of all she endured, grew a depth of wonder and appreciation for life. She turned unflinching toward the unknown and was stabilized by her love for others. She was attentive and present to others, even when she was feeling terrible. She learned to release the tight grip she’d held on life and appreciate true and simple beauty. 

Kassidi is lovingly remembered by her parents, Wade and Karen Myrick, and siblings, Kaile (wife Cambria), Whitney (husband Andy), Rustin (wife Charlyn), and Hunter (wife Laie). She is also dearly missed by her parents-in-law Alan and Colleen Bridge and their children Sara (husband Jean Marcel), Daniel (wife Christal), Connor (wife Nicole), and many nieces and nephews on both sides.