Eulogy

 We are gathered here today to mourn the death of Maxwell James O'Hagan. His death was devastating everyone here today I am sure. Knowing him changed my life, by having the pleasure of enjoying his company often I also know that he would not wish for us to mourn for long, but to remember what he stood for and the lessons he tried to teach during his short but fruitful life. He once told me that he wanted his funeral to be a celebration of his life and memory, not a sad and boring service with too much crying. He wished for a party to be remembered, sending him off with good cheer by the people he loved dearly. So in respecting his wishes, we gather here today to celebrate his life. To celebrate his life we must travel back reiterating what we know about this fine young man. He cared about people and held his friends and family closer than himself, someone who expressed unconditional love for all whom he connected with. What he cared about was everything real and important, the people and world around him, constantly striving improve and effect that which brought this world closer to evil and despair. He had a love for music, art , nature , and the people around him, you could call him a Jack-of-all-trades, more importantly, a genuine person.  For those who may not know, He died at the age of 17 while he was backpacking through the Sierra Nevadas. He was mauled by a grizzly bear while cooking a fine meal in peace. His ashes have been both given to his friends for special uses and also spread across the hay meadows in the hills of Terra Alta West Virginia, a place that he cherished more than the very home he grew up in. So love his memory and never forget what mark he made on those who knew him. Somehow I know he's up their watching, making sure we're all doing the right thing.