Trooper Cody James Donahue was so honest he once ticketed his wife, according to a tribute for the Colorado State Patrol veteran who was killed Friday.

“He was a gentle giant who loved kids and helping people,” according to his obituary. “Cody is our angel and his death has left a hole that cannot be filled.”

A service for Donahue, 34, is scheduled for Friday in Englewood. Donahue was struck and killed by a careless driver Friday afternoon on Interstate 25 south of Castle Rock. Donahue was struck by a commercial truck owned by U.S. Foods near Tomah Road. Noe Gamez-Ruiz has been cited in Donahue’s death. He faces charges of careless driving resulting in death, a misdemeanor, and failure to yield the right-of-way to an emergency vehicle.

“Cody was extremely hard working, honorable, and genuinely kind,” his obituary reads. “He was so honest he even gave his own wife a ticket. He was always happy to lend a tool or stop what he was doing to lend a hand. He loved being a daddy and teaching his daughters to ride a bike, build a snowman, and rock climb.”

Donahue was born in Grand Forks, N.D., in 1982 and had two daughters. He met his wife, Velma, while in college in North Dakota and they later moved to Colorado.

“He was an exuberant kid who wore through the tires on his big wheel,” the tribute says. “He loved water skiing, four-wheelers, and snowmobiling.”

As he grew older he was always the designated driver for his friends, making sure everyone got home safely. He met Velma Dusper right after graduating high school.

“He was immediately head over heels,” the tribute says, “although it took him two more months to ask her out.”

Cody was pursuing an engineering degree at the University of North Dakota when he and Velma got married three years later and moved to Denver. They had their first daughter shortly after he joined the Colorado State Patrol and had their second daughter three years later.

Donahue was a family man who loved taking his wife and daughters out for Sunday morning donuts or making them pancakes. He always included them when he worked on projects like remodeling the bathroom, building a shed or changing brake pads.

“He was a husband who unwaveringly believed in his wife and did project after project to create a beautiful home for his family,” the tribute reads. “He was a son who would change the headlights on the car and changed all the batteries in the smoke alarms for his mom. He enjoyed riding motorcycles with his dad. And he was a brother who could always be counted on.”

He had a great sense of humor and an easy smile.

“He could set you at ease with a simple shoulder pat and he gave great big hugs,” the obituary says. “He knew the exact right lawnmower setting for a perfect lawn and he hated doing laundry.”

Donahue was an exemplary trooper, according to colleagues.

“He took pride in treating every person fairly. And he was the kind of guy who came in when he was sick because he didn’t want his team to be short handed,” the obituary says.

Donahue’s favorite holiday was Saint Patrick’s Day.

“We ask that you remember him in your St. Patty’s Day toasts,” the tribute says.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Denver First Church of Nazarene, 3800 E. Hampden Ave., in Englewood.

He is survived by Velma, and two daughters, Leila, 10, and Maya, 7; his parents, Jim “Bonnie” Donahue and Susan Kauk; his siblings, Erin “Marc” Donahue-Paynter, Colter Donahue, Z “Renee” Dusper; in-laws, Nikica and Emina Dusper; and nieces, Cleopatra and Payton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Cody’s memory to Flying Wheels Foundation, 15055 South Golden Rd., Golden. A gofundme page has been set up for the family.