Owen Michael Hollar, 3, of Harrisonburg died Tuesday June 17, 2008, at the Rockingham Memorial Hospital in Harrisonburg. Owen was born Dec. 29, 2004, in Norfolk, Va.

He is survived by his parents, Travis Michael and Dena Carrier Hollar of Harrisonburg. He attended the Pre-school program at South River Elementary School in Grottoes.

Owen was diagnosed with Leigh’s Disease, a form of Mitochondrial Disease, two years ago.  His courage battling this illness brought family, friends and community together giving the entire family a sense of strength.  Owen could light up a room with his bright smile and big, blue eyes.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by a brother, Andrew “Drew” L. Hollar, age 5; maternal grandparents, Raymond and Wanda Carrier of Mount Sidney; paternal grandparents, Michael and Shelby Hollar of Edinburg; a great-grandfather, Eugene McIlwee; great-grandmother Ruth Hollar;  two aunts and uncles, Chad and Michelle Carrier Sligh and Matthew and Stacey Hollar Smith.  His three surviving cousins, Lynsey and Cole Sligh and Madison Smith shared lots of smiles and giggles with Owen.

He was loved by his entire family and will be missed by all who knew him.  

A private Graveside service will be held on Friday June 20, 2008, at East Lawn Memorial Garden. A memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, June 20, 2008, at the Harrisonburg Baptist Church located at South Main and Liberty Street. Pastor David Burch will officiate the services. A reception will follow in the church’s fellowship hall. In honor of Owen, the family has asked those attending the service to wear something blue.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation, 8085 Saltsburg Road Suite 201 Pittsburgh, PA 15239 or www.UMDF.ORG

Online Condolences may be sent to the Hollar Family at www.kygers.com

Arrangements entrusted to the Kyger Funeral Home in Harrisonburg. 

	41. 20-06-2008 21:05
	Dena and Family,  I'm so sorry you have lost your precious little boy. May God comfort you.  With love and prayers,  Mrs. Sheets, Dena's sixth grade teacher

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	42. 20-06-2008 22:16
	Dena and Travis,    Words can not express how my heart breaks for you and your family right now. As a parent, I can only imagine how terribly difficult it must be to lose a child that you love so dearly. Stay strong and know that he is always with you. My father passed away recently when there was no cure for him. I still talk to him everyday. I know he is watching over and protecting us down here. This is the quote on my father's mass card: God saw you getting tired, and a cure was not to be, so he put his arms around you and whispered, "come with me". With tearful eyes we watched you,and saw you pass away. And though we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest. With aching hearts we must accept, he always takes the best. Gos Bless you.

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	43. 21-06-2008 05:50
	Travis, Dena & Drew,    What a beautiful service yesterday...Owen was the luckiest child to have such a full life of love and laughter. Thanks for sharing all the wonderful pictures during the ceremony, it was a great reminder of what joy a smile can bring even in the most sadest times. You truly did have an Angel as his bus driver said.    Our love goes out to you!

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	44. 21-06-2008 07:14
	Dear Dena and Travis,  Thank you for sharing Owen with us! Brody so looked forward to seeing Owen at school, to helping push Owen's chair in the hallways and to riding the bus home with him. Your son was a gift to all who knew him. He will be deeply missed by more people that you might realize...both young and old.    Our prayers our with you and all who loved Owen.

Andy, Shiree and Brody

	45. 21-06-2008 07:17
	Dena and family,   I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Please know I am praying for you and your family Dena.

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	46. 21-06-2008 07:44
	Words cannot begin to express how sorry we are to hear about Owen. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with all of you and your family. Please pass our condolences along to our friend, Wanda. We wish you peace!    Love, Judy and Jane

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	47. 21-06-2008 08:28
	Owen and your family has constantly been in our prayers and will continue to do so. Our love goes out to your entire family.

Tripp and Liz Martin

	48. 21-06-2008 08:35
	I am so sorry to hear of your loss, may the lord be with you during this time of hardship, give you the strength to carry on and know that your little boy is now back with the lord and angels, he is watching down on you everyday and he is free and whole again.

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	49. 21-06-2008 12:38
	I am so sorry for the loss of your son.May GOD BLESS you all.You don't know me but i read about Owen in the paper and my heart goes out to his family.I will pray for you all to get through this difficult time until you can see Owen again.My prayers and heart is with you.

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	50. 21-06-2008 12:57
	I am so sorry about Owen. My thoughts and prayers are with every member of his family.

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