Owings Mills, MD — People poured into a tent in the intense heat to honor Rob Hiaasen at a Going Home Service in Owings Mills, Md. on Monday evening.
In that space, he was your buddy …
"We invented new games, a game called, ‘Whiplash,’ a bizarre board game that required two number two pencils,” said a childhood friend to Hiaasen.
He was your inspiration …
"I'm destined to be a father because he was such a fantastic role model for me,” said his son, Ben Hiaasen. His voice trembled as he fought back tears speaking at the podium.
He was your brother …
"In high school, he stole my locked diary,” said Hiaasen’s sister, Judy, “He broke the lock and read it. And then he put it back. You may have read it too, I don't know, Paul." Those there to remember Hiaasen laughed.
On Monday night, the Capital Gazette journalist killed last Thursday was brought back to life in a Going Home Ceremony that honored Rob Hiaasen's memory in every way possible, starting with the location: The Irvine Nature Center.
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Friends called Hiaasen a "Florida boy" who loved the outdoors and warm weather.
Supporters remembered Hiaasen’s love for words, family and laughter.
"He always brought humor. He brought humor, not to deflect from the situation, but because he genuinely hated seeing the people he loved, hurting,” said one of his daughters, Samantha Hiaasen.
Despite the pain, Rob Hiaasen's wife said towards the end of the ceremony, she IS the luckiest woman in the world.
She ended with this:
"He would tell me, ‘Don't be afraid just to sit and be quiet and let your mind be still,'” said Maria Hiaasen, “I'm going to try to be quiet and to hold him here," she pressed her hands to her heart. "That's not going to take an effort. I think the effort really is getting back to the quiet.”
“If you can ever shut me up about that husband of mine, I don’t know, good luck -- good luck with that,” Maria Hiassen added.
