When Harrison Sylver's name lit up your phone, you never knew what to expect. It might be a request to meet him at the beach immediately, an invitation to join him for steaks he was grilling up, a last-minute request to pick him up from the airport, or a heads up that he was about to go camping off the grid. He lived life joyfully, spontaneously, and passionately in the present. But that was just part of his story. He was also a beloved son, brother, nephew, cousin, and friend who broke our hearts when he left his story unfinished on January 13, 2024, at 20 years old.

Although Harrison was a twin, he was also an original who charged into the world less than one minute before his brother, Jackson, on April 9, 2003, in New York City. His parents, Nancy Arnold and Brett Sylver, describe him as an adorable baby with big brown eyes, a mischievous smile, and a voracious appetite. Though the boys shared a crib and good looks, the similarities ended there. As they grew, they continued to distinguish themselves as unique from each other.

When his baby brother, Anderson, arrived less than three years later, Harry's fraternal instincts immediately kicked in, and he kept Andy under his wing. Like most brothers, Harrison also hassled Jackson and Anderson as if it were an art form. But no matter how they fought or disagreed, the love and respect between them always remained strong.

A child of both the city and the country, Harrison spent his first four years in his family's small Manhattan apartment and weekends at their upstate house in Accord, NY, where he developed an obsession for the outdoors. He would throw rocks into the backyard pond for hours, set off rockets, fearlessly hike in the snow, and go on adventures ("avenchus" as he called them). Wherever he went, he had his tattered stuffed "Monkey" in tow, well-weathered by love.

When his family moved to a large house in Pelham, NY, in 2007, Harry was excited to have his own room and a backyard. This new life in the suburbs meant he spent weekends playing soccer, watching his favorite club FC Bayern München, perfecting his chess game, hanging out with his friends and cousins, and eating dumplings in Chinatown or big Italian dinners on Arthur Avenue.

He was less enthusiastic when his family relocated to Hermosa Beach, CA, during his sophomore year of high school. Starting over is never easy, but Harrison quickly made loyal new friends, fell in love with the ocean, and discovered the delights of California girls and legendary tacos. He was naturally drawn to the water, so he quickly learned to surf and relished the challenge of facing even the biggest waves. Harry grew into a devilishly handsome, wickedly funny, and endearing young man who was as loveable as he was loved. His signature expression was a half smirk/half smile of someone who knew something that you didn't.

After graduating from Mira Costa High School in 2021, Harry found a new home at the University of Washington, Seattle, where he was majoring in Economics. He was a natural leader at Sigma Chi fraternity, holding positions as Recruitment Chair and House Manager. Harry was devoted to fraternity brothers, and, like a true brother, he always had their backs, as they had his.

Harry enjoyed exploits in the Pacific Northwest with his college brothers, continuing to hike, ski, camp, and seek new adventures, often spontaneously. An admitted ‘mama's boy,’ he’d sometimes call Nancy late-night to share his excitement: “It’s so beautiful here. We're in the middle of nowhere in Idaho on the side of the road. We're just gonna pull over and sleep in the truck tonight. Don't worry, don't worry, I'll drop a pin. Love ya, Mah!”

Harry's adventurous spirit extended to his palate as well. A lifelong foodie, he became a prolific cook, revealing his creativity and generosity through the delicious meals he would share with people he loved. A less-than-optimal setup never deterred him from preparing gourmet feasts at campsites on an open flame or in his room at the fraternity house without much more than a frying pan and hotplate. You can see him proudly display these skills on his dedicated Instagram account (@fratcooking).

When better equipped with his favorite cast iron skillet and a working kitchen, he impressed his friends and family with elaborate dinners of expertly grilled steaks and his signature mashed potatoes, lamb chops, or chicken curry and roti. Brett claims Harry made the best hamburger he's ever eaten in his life (which, if you know Brett, is no small feat). Harry never met a shallot, flaky high-end salt, or garlic clove he didn't love. Raised on New York City’s finest, he was also an discerning critic who was more than happy to share his strong opinions about restaurants, dishes, or even a cup of coffee that didn't meet his standards.

Harrison was many things to many people, but he was above all deeply loved. He will always be missed beyond belief by his parents, Nancy and Brett, brothers Jackson and Anderson, half-sister Gaelyn Sage, and beloved dogs Wilson "Darnell" and Franklin. He will also be forever loved and cherished by his maternal grandmother, Iris Arnold, Uncle Robert Arnold (Jackie Taufield), Aunt "Ro Ro" Rosemarie Arnold, Auntie Liz Arnold (Dan D'Aquila), Aunt Susan Arnold (Aaron Mannella), Aunt Joanie Janak (Kevin), au pair sister Susan Lerche, childhood nanny Bibi Telford, and many cousins, extended family, and so many friends.

The Arnold/Sylver family is deeply grateful to everyone who has and continues to support them in their grief.

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