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Meet Our Reasons

Dylen Carter Mead was a light in this world. At just 29 years old, he had a way of lighting up every room he walked into, leaving people smiling, laughing, and feeling a little more seen simply by being in his presence.


Dylen loved life’s passions deeply—sports, snowboarding, and music were more than hobbies to him; they were sources of joy, freedom, and connection. Whether on the slopes, immersed in a game, or lost in music, he found moments where his spirit truly soared.


He will be remembered as thoughtful, intelligent, and deeply caring. Dylen loved his friends and family fiercely, and his loyalty and kindness ran deep. He had a sharp mind, a generous heart, and a way of showing up for the people he loved that will never be forgotten.


Though Dylen carried more than many ever knew, and ultimately could no longer fight the demons he faced, his life was so much more than his struggles. His love, his laughter, and his presence remain etched in the hearts of those who knew him.


Dylen now has his angel wings, but his light continues to shine through the memories, love, and legacy he leaves behind. He is forever loved, forever missed, and forever a part of us.

Dylen Mead

May 24, 1992 - October 21, 2021

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Chris Carter

September 26, 1969  - February 29, 2024

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Chris Carter was a man of remarkable heart, strength, and skill. At 54, he was known as someone who could build or fix just about anything. Working with his hands came naturally to him, and he took great pride in creating, repairing, and making things better—whether it was a project, a home, or a space for someone he loved.

 

Chris was fiercely protective of his family, especially his children, Evan and Allison. His love for them was unwavering, and everything he did was rooted in his desire to keep them safe, supported, and cared for. He was kind, loving, and generous to a fault—someone who would do anything for anyone without hesitation.

 

He also had a deep love for gardening and the outdoors. Chris had a gift for transforming any yard into a beautiful oasis, pouring patience, care, and creativity into every space he touched. Those gardens remain living reminders of his spirit and his ability to bring beauty into the world.

 

Though Chris carried inner struggles and, unfortunately, turned to alcohol in an attempt to quiet his demons, his life was never defined by those challenges. His journey ended tragically in a car accident, leaving behind hearts forever changed by his absence.

 

To me, Chris was more than my brother—he was my best friend. He was the one I could talk to about anything, the one who always showed up, no matter what. His loyalty, love, and constant presence shaped my life in ways words cannot fully express.

 

Chris now has his angel wings, but his love, his work, and his spirit live on through his family and all who were blessed to know him. He will always be deeply loved, profoundly missed, and forever remembered.

Meet Our Board

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Karen Burtch

Founding Member
PRESIDENT

About Karen...

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Suede Mead

Founding Member
VICE PRESIDENT

About Suede...

Suede is a valued member of the Board of Directors and a living reminder of the far-reaching impact mental health struggles have on families. Having lost his brother, Dylan, and his uncle, Chris, Suede carries both grief and purpose into his role. His perspective represents the voices of those who grow up affected by mental health loss, and his involvement reflects a desire to create a world where people feel supported, understood, and never alone. Suede's compassion and courage help guide the foundation's heart and future.   

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Ashley Bruder

Founding Member
SECRETARY

About Ashley...

Ashley grew up on the East Coast and moved out West about 10 years ago. Her passion for mental health awareness and suicide prevention comes from seeing how deeply these struggles can affect the people we love, as well as from her own experiences.
 

Being part of this nonprofit is incredibly meaningful to Ashley. The work focuses on crisis intervention, raising awareness, and providing mental health education to officers and first responders, who are often the first to encounter someone in crisis. Ashley is committed to helping create a community where people feel safe talking about mental health, asking for help, and knowing they’re not alone, while supporting a mission built on compassion, connection, and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health.

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Sherre Mead

Founder
TREASURER

About Sherre...

Sherre founded Angel Wings Foundation from a place of deep love, loss, and determination to create something meaningful out of heartbreak. After losing her son, Dylen, to suicide and her brother, Chris, to alcoholism, both connected to mental health struggles, she felt called to ensure that others. would not have to endure such pain alone. Her leadership is guided by compassion, lived experience, and a steadfast belief that every person in crisis deserves understanding, care, and hope.

Through Angel Wings Foundation, she honors the lives lost by advocating for change, support, and dignity for all affected by mental health challenges.

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Rick Mead

Founding Member
DIRECTOR

About Rick...

Suede is a valued member of the Board of Directors and a living reminder of the far-reaching impact mental health struggles have on families. Having lost his brother, Dylan, and his uncle, Chris, Suede carries both grief and purpose into his role. His perspective represents the voices of those who grow up affected by mental health loss, and his involvement reflects a desire to create a world where people feel supported, understood, and never alone. Suede's compassion and courage help guide the foundation's heart and future.   

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Darin Bowman

Founding Member
DIRECTOR

About Darin...

As a loving uncle to Dylen and a devoted brother to Chris, Darin joined his sister, Sherre, in creating something meaningful to honor their family’s legacy. After witnessing the pain mental illness and loss can inflict, he is determined to help others avoid that same heartbreak. Guided by compassion and empathy, he works to ensure that people living with mental illness have access to safety, acceptance, and support without stigma. Through Angel Wings Foundation, Darin hopes to honor his family while helping others find a path toward healing.

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Jane Bowman

Founding Member
DIRECTOR

About Jane...

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Robin Kessler

Founding Member
DIRECTOR

About Robin...

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Let's Connect

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PO Box 548
Whitehall, Montana 59759
(406) 498-3384
angelwingsmontana@gmail.com

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