The community has come together to mourn the passing of a Seguin toddler.
Owen Hill passed away in hospital on June 22, one day after falling into Oastler Lake. His mother, Rebecca, says Owen somehow managed to get outside of the family home and enclosed deck before making his way to the water.
According to Hill, Owen would have been 18 months old in July.
“Owen was a fantastic little boy. He was adventurous and mischievous, always ready to go exploring with me and we went everywhere together. He just loved to play, and he loved to explore and find new things. He loved outside, running around. He was big and boisterous and fast. He had the best belly laugh ever, and he was happy and healthy. He was a great kid.”
Hill stresses the importance of teaching children about water safety early on.
“Accidents are going to happen. They’re not always preventable or can be caught in time,” says Hill. “But you can teach your kids. We live in a wonderful place with lots of water, and just them knowing to have you around, how to be safe around water, and learning how to swim is invaluable.”
Hill adds that learning CPR is also a priority, and something she’s pushing to have included in the region’s prenatal courses. She says although it did not save Owen’s life, it meant he was able to donate his organs to save others, something she encourages everyone to sign up for.
“There are three other people in the world right now that are sharing part of Owen, and he’s helped them live a nice, happy life now. And it makes me so happy that we could help others in this tragedy.”
Among other supports such as an auction and boot drive, a GoFundMe was set up for Owen’s funeral expenses by a family friend. In less than a week, it had raised more than $12,000 of the $10,000 goal.
“It’s unbelievable that friends, and family, and loved ones, and people we haven’t even met have been so generous and so supportive, so kind and gentle with us in this time,” says Hill. “I can’t thank them enough for what they’ve done to help us alleviate some of that financial burden.”
Hill says the extra funds will be used to support Owen’s two brothers, Bryson and Rory. She says it will help cover therapy, as well as getting them out of town for a bit. Anything left over will be put towards the boys’ education, as well as finding a new home, as the family currently lives with relatives.
The family will hold a celebration of life for Owen 1:00 p.m. on July 11 at the Carling Community Centre. Hill says everyone of any age is welcome to attend.
“Hug your babies close,” says Hill. “For those that met him, remember what a wonderful person he was. And just be like him. Be happy, enjoy life while you have it, because it can go so fast.”