Iris Colby Glidden

I've looked at every photo and see such love between you all. I wish you had more time together and the world was a softer place. Your family has been and will continue to be in my thoughts. Thank you for sharing this view into your world with Iris. Hers was a life clearly full of love. I hoped to have some words that would communicate the depth of my sympathy, but I can't find them so I will just hold you all in my heart.

Iris, I enjoyed every moment we spent together, whether it was playing games, talking about life, or sharing our experiences working at Amazon. You were supportive from day one. I still remember our first conversation with you and Ty, talking about Valorant and even playing together that same night. It was a moment that had started the whole gaming crew. Throughout our internship, programs, classes, and everything in between, you were always there with encouragement and kindness, giving me confidence in the things I did. When I found out you joined the LinkedIn team full-time, I was truly happy for you because I knew you deserved it. Hearing the news hurt deeply. You were incredibly smart and had such a bright future ahead of you. You will be deeply missed. Rest easy. My condolences to her family and the people she surrounded herself with.

Iris, I will always remember your passion for learning. I remember the day you scheduled a 1:1 with me just to share what you had been learning in the engineering space. I was so impressed by the knowledge you had acquired and the excitement you brought to the conversation. Being able to support you throughout your internship experience at LinkedIn was such a privilege. Watching your confidence grow over time was truly something special. I remember our check-ins and the conversations we had about navigating the corporate world, finding your place, and building your future. I always appreciated the authenticity you brought to every conversation. Hearing that you had been accepted into the LinkedIn REACH program was some of the best news. I was incredibly proud of you. Seeing everything you had worked so hard for begin to come to life was inspiring. I am deeply saddened to hear that we have lost such a wonderful person with so much ahead of her. Iris, you made an impact on the people around you, and you will be missed by our community. I will always be grateful for the opportunity to know you and for the time we shared working together. Rest in peace, Iris. You will not be forgotten.

Iris, It was a pleasure meeting you through Year Up. I'm glad we were able to be friends and enjoyed every moment of our time together. I was so happy when you received a permanent position at Linkedin and to see how you grew over the year. I loved your genuine personality and thoughtfulness. I hope that you're surrounded by so many kitties up there. We all miss you Iris. Bless you and Rest in Peace my friend

Iris, You were so kind, free-spirited, and always happy to help those around you. Your loss is greatly felt by many and you will never be forgotten. Rest easy, it was a pleasure knowing you. My condolences to the family, may you manage to find hope and peace in this time

Iris, Although we didn't speak everyday during yearup i will never forget the profound kindness you had for me during that first day of orientation. So welcoming and warm, you always had such a kind giving personality and i hope you're resting in everlasting peace. My condolences to the family and of course her loving partner christian during this hard time.

Iris, It was such an honor to have met you during our time at Year Up. I truly enjoyed getting to know you and partnering up for class projects. You were extremely kind and I will miss our conversations. I never thought I'd be here writing this message, but I hope that wherever you are, you're surrounded by nothing but love and comfort. Rest easy, Iris ❤️

Lovely Iris, What a privilege it was to know you. You made such an impression with your kindness and thoughtfulness. Year up was such a developmental time for all of us , excited and hopeful to see what was coming next. To hear that you were able to get into LinkedIn to be able to start your career was so exciting and absolutely well deserved. I am so proud of you. You were an amazing friend and classmate. I have you in my heart. Rest in Peace 🤍

Iris, My friend, my seat partner, We met through Year Up and spent so many days sitting next to each other, working through projects, helping each other figure things out, and talking about our goals and aspirations for the future. I always appreciated your kindness, your determination, and the positive energy you brought into every room. It’s hard to believe you’re gone. The memories of our conversations, our time in class together, and the journey we shared through the program will always stay with me. You were someone who genuinely cared about the people around you, and I’m grateful that I had the chance to know you. Thank you for being a part of my life and for all the moments we shared. You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. Rest in peace, Iris.

dear Iris, its hard to reckon with your immediate, physical absence... something we will always notice and feel. will also always be proud and impressed that you pursued and actualized the life you wanted and were able to live as your self for some years. many people in this world never accomplish this, regardless of identity. you will be missed and remembered always. love, mitchell

My grandson was deeply loved. He carried pain that many of us could not see. Iris/Colby’s death has left an ache in our hearts that words cannot express. I will remember him with love, grieve him with honesty, and cherish the gift of the years and memories we had with him. I pray that he has now found the peace that eluded him here, and that we may find comfort, strength, and healing in the days ahead. May you rest in peace. Oh what I would give to have just one more of those bear hugs! Gramma G

Iris/ Colby, Your physical presence is regretfully gone, but your spirit will never die; it lives for eternity: in our mind, soul, and the very essence of our being. You are now in the surrounding of heavenly beings and everlasting love, where you absolutely should be. With time, we will meet you, and dwell in the everlasting spirit of that love. Nothing can separate your spirit from ours, not even death. All our family functions will have a void because of your absence, but we will be fulfilled by how lucky we were to have you be present for years of our lives. The multiplicity of ways you were integrally part of holidays, and functions (no mater where they were), cannot be overly stated, leaving a physical absence, but also a spiritual one that cannot be extinguished. Life goes on with its love and anguish, but our love for you is infinite: see you in eternal life in heaven my beautiful grandson. Love forever, Grandpa

I give you this ,one thought to keep. I am with you still,I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on snow, I am the sunlight on the ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning’s hush, I am the swift uplifting rush…. of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not think of me as gone- I am with you still in each new dawn. -Native American Prayer. Forever in my heart💜 Auntie Dawn

Words are so challenging at a time like this. Our family has always been so very close. Iris was and is always right in the middle of it all! We were so blessed to have a Grandma that helped all of us with our children. For the longest time it was always Colby, Tyler and Claire together with Grandma! All the family photos have Colby right by Grandpa’s side ! Any time I think of Maine I think of I think of Colby. They loved spending time there with all of us. We will feel your spirit and joy at The condo, the bunker , the beach, OOB , Pirates Cove and every 4th of July celebration. I think of the pogo stick jumping, hand standing, wheely shoe wearing child full of energy . I also think of going to my parents house in Bristol and finding you there for the weekend, just because. They loved their family so much! I am so happy that Iris found true love in their short lifetime with Christian ❤️. To Brenda and Greg - both your children could not have asked for better parents or role models. We all see your love, acceptance and dedication. We love you and are here for you always . We will miss Iris/Colby forever. We are so sorry for the struggles she endured and pray for peace of mind and soul. Love always, Auntie Nee Nee and Uncle Ted

My love, You were not only the love of my life but also my closest friend, my greatest source of comfort, and the person who made every day brighter simply by being in it. You mean the world to me. In your presence, I found acceptance, understanding, and a love that made me feel at home. You stood beside me through life's challenges and celebrated its joys with me. Your kindness, laughter, strength, and compassion touched my life in ways that will remain with me forever. The loss I feel is immeasurable because the love we shared is immeasurable. It is difficult to imagine a world without you in it, yet I carry you with me every day—in my memories, in the lessons you taught me, and in the love you gave so freely. Every smile you brought to my face, every conversation we shared, and every moment we spent together has become a treasured part of who I am. I feel you in the music I listen to, I see you in the beauty of nature around me, and I think about constantly. You changed my life for the better. You showed me what it means to love deeply and to be loved in return. You gave me strength when I felt weak, hope when I felt lost, and joy in countless ordinary moments that became extraordinary because we shared them together. Thank you for letting me vent about all my stressful shifts and for always having those breakfast sandwiches ready for me. Though you are no longer here beside me, your impact on my life will never fade. Your memory lives on in my heart, and the love we shared remains a part of me. I will miss you every day for the rest of my life, but I am endlessly grateful for the time we spent together. Thank you for your love, your patience, your laughter, and your beautiful spirit. Thank you for making my life richer than I ever thought possible. You were, and always will be, my world. I love you in this lifetime and will love you in every lifetime. May your love continue to guide me for all the days to come. I love you to the moon and back and for all eternity.

Iris, You will be with me every day. I will see you in sunsets and summer breezes, in beautiful flowers, and on quiet walks through the woods. I will think of you when the sun warms my face, when I look up at a sky full of stars, and when the evening light turns everything gold for a few precious minutes. I will hear you in music and find you in art. I will think of you when something makes me laugh, when our family is together, and every time I see a cute kitty and want to tell you about it. I will find you when I talk to Christian. I will see you in the love he has for you and in the memories he shares. I will find you in every young person trying to figure out who they are and where they belong. I will find you in my students, too. In their endless questions. In their energy. In the way they test my patience, make me laugh, challenge my thinking, and surprise me with their kindness. Every child who is struggling to understand themselves will remind me of you. You and your brother have always been the center of my heart. Everything good I have ever done as a mother, a teacher, or a person has been shaped by loving the two of you. I don't know exactly where you are now. But I know that you are with me. In the things I notice. In the things I care about. In the way I move through the world. I will carry you with me for the rest of my life. I love you unconditionally, wholeheartedly, and endlessly. Love, Mom

Dear Greg and Family, I was heartbroken to hear about your unimaginable loss. I am sure that no other pain is comparable to what you are feeling. I remember the day when Colby was born. You were one of my graduate students and your colleagues wote their congratulations to you on the blackboard as we welcomed you back to class. That was such a joyful time for you. Our children's lives bring us joy and sorrow, and you have experienced so much of both. I hope that you can revisit your family's happy moments frequently as you grieve the loss of your extraordinary Iris. My heart aches for you. Fondly, Donna

“Nature’s first green is gold, Her hardest hue to hold. Her early leaf’s a flower; But only so an hour. Then leaf subsides to leaf, So Eden sank to grief, So dawn goes down to day Nothing gold can stay.” -Robert Frost Iris ~ You are gold. I pray that you are finally at peace and free. We will never forget you. Abbie

Life will be less bright without you, but I will search for you in the breeze, the ocean, and all the beauty around me. My love for you will never end. Being your Auntie was a gift. I pray that you are at peace and I will see you again someday.

I'll love and miss you forever. See you when I get there, my love.