Travis Billy Maki left this world of natural causes on October 15th, 2021 in Pasco, WA at the age of 33, with his best friend by his side - his beloved Cane Corso, Maximus. Known for his witty sense of humor and playful spirit, most were unaware of the health struggles challenging him behind closed doors. Despite overcoming cancer in April of 2021, and many years pushing through his "invisible illnesses," (ailments that cannot be seen with the naked eye) he maintained a fairly "normal" life. However, Travis was anything but "normal," in a standard sense. Rising to the occasion of any challenge; feeding the masses on his Yoder and Char-Broil grills; performing random acts of kindness for his friends, family, and extended network in the foodie community (and being particularly skilled with witty banter; memes, song lyrics, puns or obscure pop culture references, for any occasion) – Trav, AKA "TMak" was a bright light to anyone he crossed paths with. Lead by the incredible examples of his Grandfather and mentor Bill Robinson (who recently passed), Grandmother Carla Robinson, parents Theresa and Steve Maki – he enjoyed humbly making a difference, encouraging others to be the change, and soaking up as much knowledge and wisdom from those he encountered, as possible. He was incredibly proud of and inspired by his brother, Tyler Maki and grateful to sister-in-law Alexis, who gave "Uncle Trav" the greatest joy in nephews Silas (6), Magnus (2), and Elias (6mos). He also loved his brother's Miles Mikkelsen (fiancé Giovanna) and "Snoop" Lozano dearly and enjoyed reminiscing over countless adventures and memories they'd shared, over the years. He worked long hours at the family business, T-Enterprises Inc. Truck Driving School, with hopes of someday running the company with fiancé Chantelle by his side and a legacy to leave behind for their girls. They were looking forward to getting married at the family cabin near Pomeroy, WA over Memorial Weekend of 2022, and took great pride in their blended family, daughter's Brianna (14), Addisyn (9), and Naomi (7). He loved giving Brianna a hard time for adding A1 to his steaks or snacking on Takis, and was incredibly proud of her intelligence, beauty inside and out, incredible artwork, and recent victories in volleyball. His bond with Naomi was always strengthened with outdoor activities such as catching grasshoppers or snakes (which they weren't supposed to sneak into the house) teaching her to swim with her mermaid tail on and watching her excel in gymnastics. Addisyn, his "bonus daughter," was also loved as his own. He enjoyed teaching to drive the golf cart and F350, building Legos together, teaching her to boogie board in Hawaii, or tackling new recipe challenges; they recently made their own gummy bears from home. He was passionate about his career as a CDL instructor and enjoyed many playful shenanigans along their routes, such as introducing students to his favorite locally-sourced food trucks; convincing them to honk the horn near golf courses at tee time; visiting "Gravity Hill;" meeting his favorite butchers (Bryan's, Knutzen's, and Templeman's); and stopping by the Richland Farmer's Market Friday mornings - where he never failed to bring home fresh produce to share, or Chantelle's weekly hand-picked arrangements of sunflowers. Travis had countless acquaintances and social media friends but kept a close-knit circle to include his fellow T-Enterprises instructors, "Sons of Sanford" biker friends, his fishing buds, and foodie pals. Friends were family in his heart and eyes, and he'll be greatly missed by all. The impact he has made on his community behind-the-scenes has truly come to light, despite the tragedy of his untimely departure, and has been a welcome testament to who he was to the core – intelligent, ornery, selfless, passionate, playful, genuine, hard-working, loving, loyal, and kind. If he were still with us today, he would encourage the following: turn on some Reggae and drink a Great Notion. Do something kind for a stranger, outside of the spotlight. Remember to self-care for physical and mental health. Shop local and support small businesses. Live each day to the fullest and never give up on love. Hold your loved ones tightly and make sure they know how much you care. Work hard, play harder; stay safe, but let the good times roll. Be your unapologetic, authentic self. Lastly, never give up on your dreams, because with enough hard work and dedication, they just may come true. "Live for yourself and you will live in vain; live for others, and you will live again." – Bob Marley