Bryan Barrow

Bryan Brent Barrow, age 17, our beloved son and brother, passed away peacefully, to join his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, March 14, at St. Luke's Hospital after suffering serious injuries in a car accident Friday evening. A walk into Bryan's room would describe the important things in his life, and his housekeeping theory: "Nothing falls off the floor." His unmade bed and clothes everywhere confirmed his dedication to this theory. Elsewhere in his room, soccer trophies won by him and his teams since age 5; photographs of him and his family and friends; and his Bible and Daily Devotional Prayer taped on his bathroom mirror . . . all speak to his values in life. One person who meant everything to Bryan was his older brother, Erik. They were as close as brothers could be, as best friends and confidants. Bryan's dream was to follow his brother to college in Colorado, because he couldn't imagine living life away from Erik. He looked forward to making the annual summer trek to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin with Erik, where they spent priceless time with his grandparents, cousins, and extended family. They learned to sail at the Lake Geneva Yacht Club, ride horseback, and experience their Swedish roots. He also treasured his time at his father's family farm in Fulton, Missouri, where he learned to hunt, fish, and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounded him. He was a Barrow, through and through. "Still waters run deep" . . . and was true of Bryan as with his Grandpa Ray, who he never met, but was of kindred spirit in his love of the outdoors and his passion for doing what was right. Bryan was a natural athlete. He loved to skateboard and snowboard, play soccer, and sail. But more than just his love for sports, it was the community of friends that was special to him. One of his big dreams in life was to become sponsored in skateboarding. That dream came true a week before his death, and a video of his talent is now on Youtube.com. He was also a beautiful musician and artist. When he was in 6th grade, he wrote and recorded a song called, "Mystic Mountain," winning first place in the Shawnee Mission School District's "Reflections" contest. There are not words to fully define this young man and the impact he had on others. He had a witty sense of humor, he was wise beyond his years, and had a tender heart that reached out to everyone he touched. That was evident with the role he played at his church, Hillcrest Covenant in Prairie Village. He was a follower of Christ in every area of his life, embracing people with his loving and compassionate spirit and pointing them back to what is most important in life: to love and honor his Heavenly Father. Even in death, Bryan gave to others donating his organs, so that 5 people would be blessed with the gift of life. When Bryan was born, his grandmother called him "a peace dove," and he truly lived up to that calling. Byran had a way of making everyone feel special and loved and always greeted them with open arms, a smile on his face, and a promise that he was there for them through thick and thin. As a son and brother, he was filled with compassion and love . . . always looking at the challenges in life with the attitude that the glass was half-full, not half-empty. We couldn't get have asked for a more precious son in the world. We will miss him with all of our hearts and treasure every moment we spent with him. We look forward to being together again in our eternal life in Heaven.

Bryan is survived by his mother and father, Bruce and Anne Barrow, Brother Erik, his maternal grandparents, Ulla and Bertil Brunk, his paternal grandmother Helen Barrow, his Godparents, Aunts, Uncles, and 8 Cousins . . . and his dogs, Buddy and Jake.

A private burial for family and close friends will be held Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at Johnson County Memorial Gardens. A special celebration honoring Bryan's living legacy will be at Hillcrest Covenant Church, 8801 Nall Avenue, (87th and Nall) at 2 p.m., on Saturday, March 28. All are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Bryan's memory to the Gift of Life Foundation and Shadow Buddies Foundation. A Bryan Barrow scholarship fund is also being established. The family is grateful for the outpouring of compassion, love, and support of the community. In particular, we thank the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department, Emergency Services, Fire Department, and the Staff at St. Luke's Hospital for the care and support they provided for our beloved son and brother. Arr. D. W. Newcomer's Sons Johnson County Chapel, 913-451-1860.

---