Rowyn Edward O’Brien Obituary (2005

Rowyn Edward O'Brien, age 15, of Elgin, IL, passed away on September 27, 2021. He was born October 11, 2005 in Elgin, IL to his loving parents, Frank and Seon Yeup O'Brien. Rowyn had started attending the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) in late August of 2021 as a proud sophomore. He had matriculated from District 301 Central High School after having maintained a solid 4.0 grade point average and having successfully co-led the Scholastic Bowl team. He was already on his way at IMSA with straight A's as well. Despite having only been gifted to us for a short time, Rowyn managed to pack a great deal into his life. He loved nature, and loved trips into the mountains taken as a family (Black Hills, Smokey Mountains, Glacier National Park, Lookout Mountain). He said he felt "free to be so high up and to see so far." Music was Rowyn's passion. He had started playing piano at the age of 4, and his love of music in all its forms blossomed from there. These included active participation in band/jazz band (percussion, oboe, piano) and choir (baritone, bass). He won multiple awards and accolades in various events, including active participation in the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA). He was very active in musical composition and had won state awards for his piano solo and ensemble pieces. (Rowyn had been active on SoundCloud for over the last year, posting some of his remixes and scores.) Everything for Rowyn had a rhythm he wanted to explore. He can rest now in the memory of his loving family. Rowyn is survived by his parents, Frank and Seon Yeup O'Brien, and his younger sister, Isolde O'Brien. The family will be holding a private ceremony that will respect Rowyn's final wishes. Mourners are encouraged to recall Rowyn as he was - a loving, kind, effervescent young man who would want nothing more than others to remember him with a smile and a laugh. Final arrangements entrusted to Symonds-Madison Funeral Home. For more information, call 847-741-1128 or visit www.symondsmadison.com.