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The Hayden Cole Thorsen Memorial Fund

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*** The outpouring of love and support in this time is staggering and beyond words. We are moved to tears. Our goal is not measured in dollars - be it one or one million - but in the impact we can make through Hayden's legacy in the world. ***

In loving memory of Hayden Cole Thorsen, his family and friends are setting up a memorial fund in honor and remembrance of him.

Hayden left us so unexpectedly this past May 21st, but he lived and was loved larger than life, more than any words can tell.

His service was held Thursday, May 26th at 1:00pm at the Noroton Presbyterian Church, where so many were welcomed and many more were able to be with Hayden, and can still be, revisiting his service here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtsS69XVZDo

We aim to use this memorial fund to create a legacy for Hayden, allowing his spirit to continue to make a positive, life-affirming impact on the youth of our communities.
 
In lieu of flowers today and into the future, please consider making a donation to The Hayden Cole Thorsen Memorial Fund, the proceeds of which will be used to bring awareness and support to at-risk youth in their most critical moments of need and to help facilitate their pursuits and future accomplishments in Hayden’s name and honor.

We will continue to update the community here as we work to create and bring to life Hayden's Memorial Mission.

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Hayden grew up in the Brooklyn neighborhoods of DUMBO and Park Slope, where he attended the Packer Collegiate Institute through the seventh grade, while balancing his academic life with his pursuit of the sport he loved, traveling to play club hockey with the NJ Jr Titans and the NJ Colonials, with whom he competed in the 2020/2021 National Championships. This past season he had the privilege of playing for the Mid Fairfield Jr Rangers and was eagerly preparing to attend and play for the Dexter Southfield School in Brookline, MA as well as the u16 Boston Jr Eagles for the year ahead and beyond.

Hayden was a natural leader with an inviting presence that always started with a smile and a warm “hello” he extended to all. He was inclusive and encouraging of everyone around him – friends and competitors alike, who also always wound up friends.  

He took great pride in his sense of character and was sharp as a tack, quick with insightful one-liners that could say everything that needed to be said in just one simple thought. He’s someone his peers and adults alike enjoyed being with, wise and understanding beyond his years. 

And while hockey was a central aspect of Hayden’s life, it was the camaraderie and friendships he formed around the game, in school and beyond that truly defined Hayden’s life. Well beyond any rink or classroom, Hayden was a light in the lives of so many from peers to parents, teachers to coaches. 

He was surrounded by an astonishingly good and strong group of friends here in Darien and inside every rink across the country and beyond, where they all held each other to the best of themselves as young men and women in competition and in life, knowing and standing up for right from wrong, supporting each other through life’s experiences.

While Hayden was a member of our collective communities for a seemingly short period of time, his life and impact will be remembered and felt forever for those lucky enough to know him and now for so many more through his memorial fund.

Please feel free to add your thoughts and recollections to the page as well.
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Donations 

  • Paula Kynalis
    • $100
    • 6 mos
  • Olivia Bright
    • $250
    • 6 mos
  • Jennifer Daymude
    • $50
    • 10 mos
  • Joanne Schaper
    • $50
    • 1 yr
  • Ed & Connie Moneypenny
    • $500
    • 1 yr
Donate

Organizer

Rob Thorsen
Organizer
Darien, CT

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