I never spent a birthday with Rowan, but sent him a card every year. This year I sent a special card to the family to let them know Rowan and them are not forgotten.
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Sorry I'm a few months late writing this. I've been meaning to do it though so here are my condolences to the Hayden family. I'm deeply sorry for your loss and I understand what it is like to lose someone you love. Rowan went to the same school I attend for certain classes. I never knew him or got to meet him but I do recall seeing him walking around the halls at school. It is sad to see somebody have to go especially at such a young age. It makes me realize just how precious life truly is and how much we all take it for granted. I'm sorry you guys have to go through this, but just know you are not alone. May he Rest in Peace.
-Owen Relyea
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We did not know Rowland but our grandchildren (Henry, Silas, and Ellie) did. Our love and prayers continue for your family.. Howard and Pat Wright
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I didn’t know Rowan- but I’m seeing the photos & reading all the wonderful descriptions of his spirit and character. I only have memories of Dana, Teri & of course Josh who I babysat the first 2-3 years of his life before moving to Va from Louisville Ky. I came across Rowan’s passing on the internet by complete happenstance. If Rowan is anything like Dana, Teri or Josh- then I know the loss of him is so very unimaginable. My heart breaks for all of the Hayden family. I’m holding you in my heart & in my prayers.
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My prayer, O God is for the Hayden family. What a deep void they must feel to have their son leave so unexpectedly. I’m so glad they were able to enjoy the gift of Rowan’s life. I know you are a good God who loves families, so please surround the Hayden’s with your steadfast love. As they contemplate Rowan in Your presence Lord, fill them with Your Shalom.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
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My favorite memory of one of the times spent with Rowan was a youth church event. He was assigned to my car for the motorcade of vehicles traveling to the bowling alley. We decided we were going to pump ourselves up and be the winners of every game of bowling. I turned on one of my playlists from the 80s and 90s. Rowan was all about the upbeat songs we played! He had a great time with the other kids all singing loudly in my car “Eye of the Tiger.” I will never forget his smiling face! Rowan LIVED his dash! Though his dash was way too short, he made the absolute best of it and certainly left an AMAZING mark and last impression on this world! He definitely displayed “Rising up to the challenge.” Fly high sweet boy!
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My name is Kris Young and I’m one of the track coaches at Hanover and have the awesome privilege to work with Eli. I didn’t know Rowan, but after attending his beautiful celebration of life , I feel like I got to know him just a bit . What a wonderful young man.
Eli is wonderful young man and he has tremendous talent . We are very excited to have him on our team. He is a hard worker and a great teammate.
Please know how sorry I am for your loss and if there is anything you need please let me know. Anything that Eli needs as well, we are here for him.
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Luke & I's hearts break for you guys. Sending you lots of love during this difficult time. We are here for you!
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2023, Oak Knoll Middle School-Spanish 2 class
“Papel picado” decorations for World Language Week
— with
Rowan Hayden
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I had the pleasure to teach Rowan at Oak Knoll and had him in Spanish 1 and 2. Oh, how he loved Spanish! He had so much passion in all of what he did, always willing to improve. I remember all his presentations and his ability to say all the phrases in “speedy mode”. I remember him showing me new vocabulary so that I could approve them for any of his evaluations. In class, he was always kind, and always helping his classmates. On his second year of Spanish and after learning the Childhood Unit with the Imperfect tense he was no longer Rowan, but “Rowancito”. This year I have his brother Eli, so the Haydens are and will always be in a special place in my heart. ¡Vuela alto, Rowancito! Fly high, Rowancito!
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Jordan Fetty
2024, Patrick Henry High School, West Patrick Henry Road, Ashland, VA, USA
Every A day when Rowan would come to PH I had the pleasure of eating lunch with him and his friends from ACA like Landen and Emme. Rowan was always such a light and I loved talking to him about church which he was always very happy to talk about. Rowan was such a breath of fresh air and he wasn’t quite like anyone else our age, he was more mature and never had something not nice to say. Rowan was a very good influence on me and all of his friends and I will forever cherish the small amounts of time that I got to spend talking to him. I wish I had more time to talk about God and share my stories with rowan and in my heart he will always be missed. A day lunches were always my favorite!! P.S rowan also always shared his snacks with me and they were very good.
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May God surround you with his everlasting love during this time. We are praying for you all. Sending you all lots of love. So, so sorry for your loss. 💕🩷💕
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Josh, Shey, and Eli, I am so sorry for your loss. Your love for Rowan shone through in every mention I ever heard you share, and I can only pray God’s grace and comfort for you now and in the days ahead.
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My prayers are with you Dr. Hayden and family. May the Lord grant you comfort and grace for today and those that lie ahead
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I was shocked and deeply saddened when I heard the news of Rowan's passing.
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Love for God and love for family are two themes that run strong through the Hayden generations. Rowan had amazing parents and amazing grandparents…and great-grandmother too. What a blessing for him….but what a heartache for all who are left behind. We don’t have words…but you have our love and prayers and tears.
— with
Grandma MiMi (Lois),
Dana & Teri
and Josh & Shey & Rowan
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I was fortunate to have Rowan as a student in my chemistry class this year and I am truly heart broken about his passing. He was a kind, caring, and intelligent young man. He would always ask for help when needed and also helped his peers when they needed it. He was always proud of his work, even when he was apologizing about his handwriting. He would enter my classroom everyday with a smile and would always leave with a "have a nice day". His presence has been missed so much and I am grateful to have known him for the short time he was in my class.
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Trey Hayden
2024, Gelati Celesti Ice Cream, Atlee Road, Mechanicsville, VA, USA
Josh was always the oldest cousin and he was way too kind to all of us younger ones. He and Shey were the first wedding I ever went to! I only knew Rowan through Christmas cards and Grandpa Dana stories. Until last year when I met with Josh and heard stories about what Rowan was like and how awesome he was.
I caught Josh & the boys at Gelati Celeste one day and saw one of the most wonderful interactions. Rowan was trying to get my son to smile and also telling me that he would be going to Hawaii over the summer. Eli looked at him and said "wait, are you gonna miss my birthday?". Rowan said "of course not!". They talked about having awesome times together during their birthdays. There was an awesome brotherly love there and my heart was touched by their bond. A younger brother who wanted to be with his older brother AND an older brother making it known that he would enjoy a brother's birthday over Hawaii.
This stings so much to know that Josh, Shey, Eli and the rest of the world will be missing Rowan. I can't imagine what your family is going through and we will be praying for you all for the rest of time. May God bless you all and comfort you until you see your loved one again some day.
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2024, Room 307-Flinchbaugh’s ACA
You guys left a surprise selfie in my phone and are forever in my ❤️
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Pastor Josh Hayden(and family ) and First Baptist Ashland family deepest condolences from Pastor Don Coleman and the East End Fellowship family. Over the years there have been so many connections between our churches so this moment has touched so many. Our prayers of comfort are fervent and deeply sincere. Knowing that the God of all comfort and the Prince of Peace are ministering to all impacted by Rowan’s life in this moment.
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