Honoring Sylas Willyard: Funeral and Family Support

Dear friends and family,

It is with profound sorrow that we share the heartbreaking news of Sylas Willyard’s passing. At just two years old, Sylas touched the hearts of everyone around him with his light, laughter, and love. He was taken from us far too soon.

In this time of unimaginable grief, our family is coming together to support one another as we cope with this devastating loss. We are raising funds to assist with funeral expenses and to help provide some comfort during this incredibly difficult period. Any donation—no matter the amount—or even sharing this message can make a meaningful difference.

Thank you for your compassion and support. His parents have asked us to share a few words in honor of their precious boy:

In Loving Memory of Sylas Ace Willyard

June 16, 2022 – April 14, 2025

Dear Sylas,

From the moment you came into this world, you filled our hearts with a kind of love we never knew existed. You were born perfect—so full of life, light, and joy. Your strawberry-blonde hair caught the sun like a flame, and your bright blue eyes held the kind of wonder only a pure soul could carry. From the very beginning, you were happy—smiling, content, and rarely upset. You didn’t even have to cry to be understood. We just knew what you needed.

You loved your mommy and daddy with your whole heart. We felt it in every hug, every giggle, every time you reached for us with those tiny hands. You loved being held. You’d wrap your arms around us so tightly, pat our backs gently, lay your head on our shoulders—and in those moments, the world felt complete.

One of your favorite things was when daddy would stomp his feet at you. You’d squeal with laughter, hide behind mommy, and then peek out just to stomp your feet right back. It was our thing. And you never got tired of it. You loved having your back tickled, and every time we touched you just right, you’d wiggle and giggle like you were made of sunshine.

You were so smart—already starting to talk and saying the cutest words, like “Excavator” from watching Blippi. Every time you said it, our hearts melted. You’d light up when Toy Story came on. You knew every scene, and when Rex came on screen, you’d let out the sweetest little “Rawr!” like you were his tiny dinosaur sidekick.

And oh, how much you loved being outside. Whether it was the breeze, the dirt under your feet, or just being free in the world, that’s where you lit up. The outdoors called to you, and you were always ready to explore—with your family right by your side.

Most of all, you loved your big brother, Blaise. The way your eyes would shine when you saw him—it’s something we’ll never forget. You looked up to him with so much love. You wanted to be just like him, and every time you saw him, your whole face lit up like nothing else.

Every single part of you was a blessing. From the way you waited for daddy to say, “One, two, three, go!” when lifting you out of the car, to the way you held on just a little longer in every hug—you gave us more joy in your short time here than we could’ve ever dreamed possible.

Losing you has left a hole in our hearts that can never be filled. You were taken from us so unexpectedly on April 14, 2025, and it still doesn’t feel real. But even in this pain, we hold onto the love you gave us. We carry you in everything we do.

You will always be our sunshine.

Our joy.

Our Sylas Ace.

We will keep you alive in every story, every memory, and every beat of our hearts. And when the breeze blows just right, when we hear a little “Rawr,” or someone says “Escavator,” we’ll know you’re still with us.

We love you, Sylas. Always and forever.

Love,

Mommy, Daddy & Blaise ❤️

As we grieve the loss of Sylas, we also feel called to raise awareness about the importance of pool safety. Sylas’s passing was the result of a tragic drowning in a neighbor’s pool that was not properly secured by a fence. This devastating accident is a heartbreaking reminder of how crucial it is to follow safety regulations and secure all bodies of water, especially in areas where young children are present.

In honoring Sylas’s memory, we hope to prevent future tragedies and encourage every family and community to prioritize pool safety.