Hayden Garrison Brown, 30, of Traverse City, Michigan and Washington DC, died whilst on diplomatic assignment for the United States Department of State on July 28th, 2017.
Hayden was born on September 25th, 1986 in Traverse City to Connie and Steve Brown. He married the love of his life, Kaitlynn Lovell Schneider, on September 5th, 2015 on the best beach in Traverse City.
Hayden was born a Spartan, and graduated with his Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from James Madison College at Michigan State University in 2009. After living and working in Washington, DC for three years, he completed a Master of Arts in International Relations and Economics from Johns Hopkins University, School of Advanced International Studies.
Hayden was happiest when he was outdoors, whether fly fishing on Wilton Creek, sailing across the Mediterranean, yurt skiing in Idaho, mastering his tennis serve, or cycling on Old Mission Peninsula. He was a proud Traverse City Central High School alumnus, continued to play goalie in Washington, DC, and aspired to support the local Arlington, VA high school football program.
Hayden's passion for the environment and travel extended beyond his hobbies. After his degree, he was awarded a Presidential Management Fellowship and took his dream job as an Energy Officer with the United States Department of State. His work focused on shaping long-term energy policy and supporting sustainable development in South Asia and the Middle East.
Hayden leaves behind his wife, Kaitlynn Brown, his parents, Connie and Steve Brown, his parents-in-law, Paul and Shauni Schneider, his three brothers, Cam, Greg, and Kurt Brown, and their dog, Loki.
Hayden was a person who poured his heart into all that he did, determined to leave the world better than how he found it. His intellectual curiosity, light hearted nature, and compassion left an imprint on all who met him. His life will be forever honored and cherished by those he influenced.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Hayden's name may be made to Sail Future's mentoring program at http://sailfuture.org/donate.html .
The memorial service will be held at First Congregational Church on Saturday August 5th, at 4:00 PM. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.
An additional memorial will be held in Washington DC on a date that has yet to be determined.