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. 

	51. 21-06-2008 16:27
	I am very sorry for your loss, you all will be in our prayers.

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	52. 22-06-2008 14:39
	I am so sorry to hear of Owens passing and hope that God will help you during this difficult time. I only knew Owen briefly but he was the kind of child you can never forget. That beautiful smile which he had to give to everyone he met. Matthew is also very sorry to hear that Drew had lost his little brother and has also being praying with me for you and your family. God Bless!!

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	53. 22-06-2008 22:00
	Travis, Dena:  Please accept my sincerest condolences on the loss of your son. Please know I'll keep your family in my thoughts and prayers.

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	54. 23-06-2008 10:33
	Sharing in your sorrow more than words can say. Please know how very much you all are cared about and how deeply your loss is felt by all.    Our thougths are with you now and always.  Roody, Becky and Whitney

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	55. 23-06-2008 11:32
	Travis, Dena and Drew:    I can't begin to imagine the pain and suffering you are going through. I wish there was something we could do to ease your pain. We are deeply sorry for your loss. You are forever in our thoughts and prayers. Please know that we are here if you need us.

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	56. 23-06-2008 14:09
	Dena,  I was so saddened to read of Owen's passing. I remember running into you in town and you talking about your sweet little boy. The loss of a child is unbelieveably difficult and my heart goes out to you and your family. Know that he is in good hands and he is now your quardian angel, watching over you. Each day makes it a bit easier to get through the day, especially when you realize that he no longer hurts and is thriving as he should be. He was a blessing here on earth and has taught many people many things that only now they may realize.

Tammy Massie Stine

	57. 23-06-2008 14:50
	Dena and family, I was very saddened to hear of Owen's passing. I hope you find comfort in the joy he brought to so many people during his short life. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

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	58. 24-06-2008 11:48
	Dena and family,    I was deeply saddened to hear the news about Owen. You and your family remain in my thoughts and prayers. My warmest thoughts in such a diifcult time.

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	59. 25-06-2008 14:21
	Dena, Travis, and Drew,    It is not fair, and there is no explanation for "why me? or why now?", but know this is how God wanted it to be. Find comfort in knowing Owen is always with you. You are in our thoughts and prayers as always.    Lots of Love.

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	60. 26-06-2008 21:22
	Dena, Travis, and Drew,  I am very sorry for the loss of your son. Our oldest son, Justin, was diagnosed with Leigh\'s Disease 10 years ago. He became suddenly ill shortly after he turned 2, and he passed way at age 2 1/2. April 26th this year was 1o years, and not a day goes by that I don\'t miss him. I was 7 1/2 months pregnant with our son, Zachary, when Justin passed away. Zachary attends South River and he is going into the 5th grade this year. A good friend of mine worked with Owen at the school in his class, and I know he held a special place in her heart. His beautiful eyes remind me a lot of Justin. Your family has been in my thoughts and prayers and will continue to be.    Amy Wilson

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