Dustin “Dusty” Elliott Bambarger of Baton Rouge, son of Lisa Marie and Kenneth Layne Bambarger, has died. He was 17. Dusty will be buried at 1 p.m., December 31, 2004, at Resthaven Gardens of Memory on Jefferson Highway. A visitation will precede the burial from 9 a.m. to 11:30 at the adjacent Parkview Baptist Church. It will be attended by family and friends. A procession to the gravesite will begin at 12:30. Pall bearers will include father Kenny, cousin Eric, and friends Nathan, Darrin, Sam, and Newman.

The precise circumstances of Dusty’s death may remain a mystery, but the facts of his life are fondly remembered by those who knew and loved him. Dusty was born September 16, 1987. He spent his childhood close to home, cultivating lifelong friendships among the kids in his Woodlawn Estates neighborhood. Dusty attended Jefferson Terrace Elementary, Parkview Baptist School and both the old and new Woodlawn High Schools. He maintained strong friendships between schools and considered these the best reasons for daily attendance. “He wasn’t the greatest student,” said his sister Kassey with a smile.

A dutiful and respectful son, Dusty was eager to work for things he wanted, pushing lawnmowers before he was tall enough to do it easily. He saved to contribute to the purchase of his first car, working a variety of after-school jobs. One former employer demonstrated the affection and high regard for Dusty that was characteristic of his relationships, recently telling his parents, “I loved this kid so much, I kept his picture on my fridge.”

Dusty’s hobbies reflected a loyal, yet independent young man. He preferred intense, solo sports, especially bicycle motor cross and skateboarding, but practiced them always within a tight group of good friends. He taught himself to play the guitar and drums and joined a rock and metal band with others from his school. His father Kenny feels that music was Dusty’s true calling and is certain his son would have pursued this seriously in adult life. Friday’s service will include a tribute performance to Dusty by the remaining members of his band.

Dusty struggled in recent months with issues common to young people everywhere. He experimented with alcohol and drugs and would ultimately be destroyed by them; it is a lesson his parents hope will not be lost on the many friends Dusty leaves behind. Yet even in this difficult period of Dusty’s life, Kenny and Lisa marvel at their son’s constant love for those around him. He left cheerful, daily notes on his mother’s desk. He talked at length with his father about the work of becoming a man. “He never raised his voice,” remembers Kenny. “He never lost his ‘Yes mam’ and ‘No mam,’” added Lisa. “He never wanted to have the last word.”

Dusty Bambarger is survived by his mother and father, and his siblings Kassey Ann Tate, Matthew Wade and Brittany Ruth. The Bambargers hope those who knew Dusty will choose not to mourn his death but to celebrate his life: In Lisa’s words, “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it was.”