The Colin Halleland Memorial Scholarship Fund

Turning Grief Into Legacy: Honoring Lives, Healing Hearts

The Colin Halleland Memorial Scholarship Fund was created to honor the vibrant and adventurous spirit of Colin “Col” James Halleland—an 18-year-old whose life was tragically cut short in a motorcycle accident on February 5, 2018. Colin’s story is one of passion, adventure, and connection, and this fund is a way to keep his memory alive while helping others find hope in their darkest moments.

Colin was more than a son, brother, and friend—he was also a beloved roommate and dear friend of Brandon Finch. Inspired by their son’s deep bond with Colin, Brandon’s parents, Darin and Cindy Finch, created this “Epic Comeback” scholarship to assist parents who’ve endured the unimaginable loss of a child. This fund is here to help those grieving parents find hope and healing while continuing to honor the lives of their loved ones.

Remembering Colin

Colin was born on April 8, 1999, to Greg Halleland and Melissa (Jensen) Niichel. He grew up in Rochester, Minnesota, and graduated from Lourdes High School in 2017, where he played baseball and hockey. But his real love? His Harley.

At just 16, Colin bought his own motorcycle and spent his free time cruising through the mountains, snapping photos of incredible sunsets, and soaking up the beauty of God’s creation. He was also a gamer who loved hanging out with his buddies, a part-time worker at the Anaheim Ducks’ “rinks,” and a student at Orange Coast College in Irvine, California.

Colin lived life full throttle, chasing sunsets and carving out memories wherever he went. His energy and love for life were magnetic, and his adventurous spirit inspires this fund, which helps grieving parents rebuild their lives with purpose.

Colin’s memory is held dear by his loving family, including his mom, Melissa (Chad) Niichel; dad, Greg Halleland; sisters, Kayla, Jaiden, and Maya; grandparents Abel and Nancy Dockter, Judy Renwick, and Anneliese Buskowiak-Johnson; Nieces Collins, Annabelle, Talia; Nephew;, brother-in law Marcos; and so many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. He’s missed but never forgotten.

The Three Deaths

There’s a powerful idea that every person dies three times:

  1. The First Death happens when your body stops working.

  2. The Second Death is when you’re laid to rest.

  3. The Third Death comes when your name is spoken for the last time.

This fund exists to defy that third death. Every scholarship given ensures Colin’s name lives on,
helping parents who’ve lost a child to heal and rebuild while honoring their loved one’s memory..

The Colin Halleland Memorial Scholarship Fund is here to:

  • Keep Colin’s Legacy Alive: Honoring his adventurous and creative spirit by helping others.

  • Support Grieving Parents: Providing financial aid for counseling, support groups, and healing resources like the Epic Comeback program.

  • Turn Pain Into Purpose: Helping parents find strength and hope as they move forward in their journey.

Who Can Apply

This scholarship is open to parents who’ve experienced the loss of a child. Funds can be used to access:

  • Therapy and counseling services

  • Workshops and support groups that foster healing

  • Resources from the Epic Comeback program

Get Involved

Imagine being part of something bigger than yourself—giving someone the support they need to turn unimaginable loss into hope. Every donation makes a difference. You’re not just helping parents heal; you’re keeping Colin’s story alive and showing that love and kindness can create ripples that last forever.

  • Donate: Every dollar counts toward providing scholarships for grieving parents.

  • Share Colin’s Story: Spread the word about the fund and Colin’s incredible life.

  • Keep the Legacy Alive: Support us in defying the third death by ensuring Colin’s name continues to inspire others.

When you support the Colin Halleland Memorial Scholarship Fund, you’re doing more than giving financial assistance—you’re keeping Colin’s story alive. Every parent who receives a scholarship is a part of his legacy, carrying forward his love for adventure, photography, and the people he cared about most.

This fund is also a testament to the Finch family’s dedication to helping others. As Colin’s roommate and best friend, Brandon Finch shared countless adventures with him, and Brandon’s parents, Darin and Cindy, are passionate about making sure Colin’s memory inspires hope and resilience for grieving parents everywhere.

The Colin Halleland Memorial Scholarship Fund proves that even in the face of tragedy, we can find ways to honor the lives of those we’ve lost. Colin lived with courage, adventure, and joy, and his memory now helps others do the same. Be a part of this story. Help us turn grief into a legacy of hope, love, and resilience.