Vinnie J. Hovland
July 21, 1981 - November 24, 2005
Obituary
Vinnie J. HOVLAND
Born 21 July 1981 – Died 24 November 2005
Vinnie was taken from all of us suddenly and leaves a void that will never be filled. He attended Kent Meridian High School and was a graduate of Fair Start Culinary School. He was president of “T & T’s Lovin Oven.” Vinnie was a vibrant leader involved in both youth and adult ministries at Grace Community Church in Auburn. Vinnie’s passion in life was his love for Jesus Christ. Survived by his father and mother, Dennis and Linda Hovland; brother Dennis Hovland Jr.; sister Marla Hovland and her sons, Teddie, Tre’ and Ty.; grandmother Laura Hovland and Helen Bouska God bless you Granny, for your personal and financial support. Also numerous aunts and uncles, cousins and friends. Graveside service, 1:00PM, Friday, December 2, 2005 at Washington Memorial Park, 16445 International Blvd., SeaTac. Followed by a Memorial Service at 2:30PM at Grace Community Church, 1320 Auburn Way S., Auburn, WA 98002. In lieu of flowers, please send any remembrances to “Celebrate Recovery”, which was Vinnie’s passion, in care of Grace Community Church.
I was very sorry to read about your loss. My Mother sent me an unrelated article that was on the facing page of the newspaper and I just happened to turn it over and saw the notice of your sons death. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
This is the smile I remember seeing everyday at 6 in the morning… nothing could make my days better than Vinnie’s smile and a good morning and see-you later hugs. He is where he belongs, he is safe and he is looking down on all of us. He’s everyone’s guardian angel. I’ll miss you Vinnie!
THANKYOU FOR SHARING YOURSELF TO US AT THE STAFF RETREAT,I’LL SURE MISS YOU BUDDY.
Dennis, Linda and family,
Please accept out sincere sympathy at this time. We hope that as time goes on, you and your family will find comfort in your memories of your beloved son.
God Bless,
Evelyn and Sherrie
Vinne you hurt us all when you took your life but i’m also glad that your in heaven and that your fight is over.
Saw Vinnie’s name in the morning paper, My family and I send our heartfelt sympathy. God bless you. Doris, Win and Chris
I only knew Vinnie a short time, but what a blessing that was. He was a joy to be around, and his love for the Lord flowed from him. He will be greatly missed.
Vinnie’s legacy is in all the lives he touched. He was the epitome of the lost lamb that found his way back to the fold. It was the journey back that was his powerful testimony to those fighting the same issues as Vinnie. His love for the Lord was his strength. I’m just sorry it had to be such a short ministry. I look forward to seeing you again in Heaven.
Our condolences go out to Vinny’s family and closest friends. Vinny brought light and life into the room whenever I saw him enter it. His impact on young people through his work at Grace Community Church was tragically cut short, but his memory will live on in those lives he touched.
Dennis,Linda, and Family. Please accept Lila and My deepest sympathy. We did not know your son very well, but if he was anything like you guys I bet he was a very great person. You guys will always be in our prayers. Your cousin Ryan & Lila
I will always remember Vinnie’s laugh and smile. He encouraged me,through his example, to love students with greater joy. Thanks, Vinnie, for the Agape Biscuits!
Vinnie,
Man I am going to miss you bud. You brought a joy in my life like no other man. One day I will see you again in Heaven, and I’ll give you a hug. Miss you alot bud.
Vinnie you rock.
My heart is heavy, and hard. But with the Lord all things are good.
Matt
Dear Hovlands,I am so sorry for your loss, My heart is aching for you. Please let us know what we can do.You all will be in our prayers.
With much love,
Brent, Terrie,& Desiree Butts
Vinnie was the best thing to happen to wholefoods market. He made coming to work a joy and life around him was always filled with corney jokes that you couldn’t help but laugh and smile to. I sent my prayers out to him and his family, especially his nephews whom he spoke of everyday. Bless you all.
Vinnie, Vin, Big homie…
This is so very hard trying to find the words to describe how you have touched so many people.. your smile.your
love for the lord,and your love for ALL gods people,but I must stop and ask “I wonder where you got your love and kind ways..”..? to me it was how you were raised and who raised you..?? to very beautifull people your mom and dad. thank you for sharing your son with all of us while he was here. I know your in good hands now and its time for us to look for the footprints in the sand ..I LOVE YOU BIG HOMIE AND ONE DAY I KNOW I’LL SEE YOU AGAIN..I’LL HOLD MY HEAD HIGH EVEN THOUGH ITS HARD….I LOVE YOU HOMIE ALWAYS ROCK
Dennis, Linda, and family,
My heart goes out to you at this hard time. Vinnie was such a loving vibrant person and his love for Christ was so obvious. I will miss his joyful laugh.
I will miss his memorial service on Friday as I have to be in Portland. However, know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
I ONLY NEW VINNIE FOR THE LAST 7 OR 8 YEARS,BUT WILL REMEMBER HIS SENCE OF DEDACATION TO HIS FRIENDS,FAMILY,AND INFECTIOUS HUMOR AND BOOMING LAUGH. WE ARE ALL BETTER FOR KNOWING HIM AND VINNIE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED BY ALL WHO HAD THE PRIVELAGE KNOWING HIM.YOU’LL ALWAYS BE MY BOY VINNIE.
My heart broke when I heard about Vinnie’s death. He has been the darling of Celebrate Recovery. His love for Jesus and for his fellow Christians has blessed my life again and again. His joyous transparency, his ability to express his thankfulness for others and his love for his mom always touched my heart. How deeply I will miss him.
My husband worked w/ Vinnie at Whole Foods, and I was saddened to hear the news of his passing. I remember distinctly the time I met him. Such a handsome and charismatic young man very funny too!. His desire to help others and his deep love for God were evident. Take comfort in knowing he made an impact and left his mark in this world. You will be missed Vinnie, but you will live on in our hearts until we meet you again.
My sister ran into the room crying as she told me about what happened. For days I was shocked like it wasn’t true. Then suddenly it hit me that you were gone. There wasn’t going to be any more New Years or July 4th’s with you there. The superbowl afternoons at the house will forever be lacking with out you there to root & holler for your chosen team. I’ll remember you as a great loving brother, uncle, son & friend who was a big part of us all. It will take a long time for this pain of losing you to lighten. You will be in my memories and heart always and I am truly blessed to have known you.
We have been fortunate to have been welcomed into the Hovland family 18 years ago. Vinnie has always been like a big brother, ready to defend and protect our girls. Vinnie could always make you smile, laugh or just feel good. I have many memories of family gatherings, tremendous closeness. I admire the love within this family always loving and caring through the toughest of times. I have a special memory after I had my surgery and was losing weight I had worn this orange sweater and one day when I dropped by Vinnie was on his way out and he said, “looking good Liz” giving me a thumbs up. I came home and told my husband Clemens that if my friends youngest son can say that to me, I’m wearing this sweater everyday. He was always sweet. God, must have a bigger plan for you Vinnie. You are an amazing angel. This isn’t good-bye, we’ll be seeing you later. We will miss you. You are always in my thoughts and memories. You will forever remain in our prayers. We love knowing you and lucky to have been a part of your laughter, Love and Kindness. Hugs & Kisses. Liz Barrabas
My heart goes out to you Dennis, Linda and the entire Hovland family. I am truly sorry for your sudden loss. Your family will be in our prayers. If there is anything me or my family can do to help just let us know.
I love you guys so much, words can’t express the sharp pain in my heart, then I think that Vinnie’s pain was worse, but now he is FREE! I love him so much, I can still smell his cologne from when he came into the office a few weeks back, so tall and strong with his deep voice, my little cousin now twice my size, so strong, I wish I could have been stronger for him. My tears now are of the wonderful memories we had as kids, I just wish we could have had more. Marla and Denny I love you guys. Don’t forget you little cousin Janelle!
I love you guys so much, words can’t express the sharp pain in my heart, then I think that Vinnie’s pain was worse, but now he is FREE! I love him so much, I can still smell his cologne from when he came into the office a few weeks back, so tall and strong with his deep voice, my little cousin now twice my size, so strong, I wish I could have been stronger for him. My tears now are of the wonderful memories we had as kids, I just wish we could have had more. Marla and Denny I love you guys. Don’t forget you little cousin Janelle!
My dear sweet baby brother, you filled mine and the boys lives with so much love, joy, and happiness. I now have to fill the hole in my heart with all of my memories that you and I shared. You are a beautiful person and I would give my life just to kiss you one more time. I love you Vinnie and know that you are finally free and walking with your Lord and Savior. My baby brother is finally out of pain.
Linda, Dennis, Marla, Teddy, Tre and Denny,
Our thoughts are with you at the sad occassion. May you find strength and love from within and with each other to move forward.
Martha and Harry
Vinnie- I love you and miss you, but I’m so glad to know that your safe in heaven. Till we meet again my friend.
Our son is and will be deeply missed. We now understand the battle that raged in him and he wanted nothing more than to win that battle and be with his KING. “Well done, good and faithful servant”
I want to thank you all for your kindness and caring at this time. We know you are all hurting as well. Again, thank you. My family feels your prayers and we will go on and live. We have to.
Vinnie was an inspiration to us all and will be missed by so many. He will always have a special place in my heart. I love you Vin.
Vinnie…I love you and will miss you. I wrestle with imagines of what possibly went through you and your mind in those twilight hours of your life. Many questions are unanswered. Though now I have to go through this rough life with one less comrade, my brother in battle and spirit, I take heart in knowing that your fight is won. You are in Christ’s mighty arms. You are at peace and that alone will give me strength courage and love to continue to stand in the Lord and fight onward. We have already won! Save a seat for me at the banquet table. I am proud to call myself your friend.
I would like to send my most heart felt condolences to Denny Sr. Linda,Denny Jr., Marla and the rest of Vinnie’s family. I knew Vinnie a long time ago and what I remember most about him was his cute dimples and his funny giggle. I know he is in a better place and I hope to see him again in Heaven, laughing and playing like we did when we were kids. All my love and prayers, God Bless YOU VINNIE!!
Vinnie was a great cousin and awsome guy. There was no bad about him. There is no way I could feel any less about him. Atleast he is as free as he could possibly be. I will always love him and care about him.
Dennis, Linda and Family,
You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Dennis, Linda and Family.You are in our prayers. God lent our Childre to us for the amount of time we are allowed to have them. They are on this Earth for a reason we do not know but from what I’ve heard Vinnie has touched so many lives and will never be forgotten. Remember you have lots of support and will never be forgotten by God or youFriends.God Bless you all.
Vinnie was an amazingly loving and caring guy. He was fun to be around and was always encouraging people and making them feel better. I am going to miss his vibrancy for life and his passion for people. He put others before himself and I will enjoy seeing him in heaven someday. He is truly missed.
Vinnie was a true and loving friend. I was blessed to know Vinnie for many years, and throughout those years it was truly awe-inspiring to see how the Lord worked in his life. You brought so much joy to so many people, and even more importantly, were a brave warrior for Christ. We love you so much Vinnie and our prayers are with your family. I will miss our visits, but I look forward to the day I see your big smile in heaven.
Our family will miss you! Our comfort is found in Christ and the knowledge that you are at peace with Him. Your battle is over, rest now soldier of the Lord. Your absense will not make us forget your smile, the passion of your voice, excitement we shared together, and friend you became. We look forward to seeing you when our walk here is over.
We’ll never forget the day Vinnie showed up at our front door for our Purpose Driven Life small group. He’s been an inspiration and encouragement to us ever since. Vinnie has always been a dedicated servant and friend in our small group, twenty somethings and other ministries at Grace. It’s impossible to realize that his smiling face and encouraging presence will not be experienced again until we meet him in Heaven. Our sincere thoughts and prayers go out to the Hovland Family. We thank God for the brief time He allowed Vinnie to impact our lives.
Vinnie was a gift to FareStart and all of us here. We were priveledged to have known him and will continue to carry his word and his memory on. May we all find peace, Mariam
I will truly miss your smile and humor. Often times at Celebrate Recovery I just wanted to go up and give you a hug because you looked so huggable. I didn’t and that is my loss. I was afraid that you might think I was odd. I will never forget you and my grandaughter Ashley will never forget you. You were an inspiration to everyone from the youngest to the oldest of people. We all adore you. I know that you are in the arms of God the Father now and you will have no more pain. My granddaughter will always remember summer camp and all the fun she had and how you touched and enriched every ones life. You can rest now! I will see you again!
To Vinnie’s Family:
I met Vinnie last summer at the summer lunch program at Grace, although I had seen him at Grace often before that. I was so impressed with how great he was with some of the boys that had behavior issues. He said that his mom had run a daycare with some challenging kids, so he had grown up learning how to handle them. He loved them with the love of Jesus that just seemed to flow from him. And they responded to that love. He was a kind and warm, wonderful person. My two middle schoolers thought he was terrific and so enjoyed him at summer camp and at church. We will all miss his smiling face and our hearts and prayers go out to the family. He was a blessing. I wish he could have been with us for longer, but we know we will see him again in Heaven. He is at peace now and always smiling. May God bless and heal your broken hearts.
Susie, Jenna and Dustin McAllister
To the Hovland family. I am so sorry for your lose. I was shocked when I heard the news. Vinnie was the first testimony that I heard when I joined Celebrate Recovery. His testimony touched my soul. He always lit up the room. His joy for the Lord and thankful heart inspite the difficulties of life was an inspiration to me. Vinnie you will be deeply missed.
My friend Vinnie,
I’m having a hard time believing you are gone, I miss you, your smile and your heart for serving God and loving kids. I saw your love for the kids this summer when we worked in the summer lunch program. You were a vital part of that ministry. The kids loved you, everyone wanted to be with you.
My heart is broken to know that you were hurting and no one knew. I wish I could have known, I wish I could have encouraged you. I would have reminded you of the verse we taught to the kids this summer, “Be strong and couragous, do not be afraid or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you where ever you go” Joshua 1:9
I am so mad at Satan. He is the father of lies and his goal is to devour everyone he can. He is always against us, he wants us to fail, we are all vulnerable to hearing his enticements. He makes it look so good.
I want you to know, I do not want your death to be in vain. Your life and death is a huge wake up call to me. I will look beneath the surface, to try to see people as they really are, not just how they look on the outside.
I thank God for you.
Michele
Dennie & Linda;
I was heart broken to hear of your terrible loss, I can only offer my fond memories of days long past & hope you can ride through these hard times.
Love Allie Valdez Burnett
We are so sorry for your loss. At the funeral,Roger was impressed with how highly everyone thought of Vinnie and with all the nice things they had to say about him. We will be praying for you.
Vinnie,
I have known you for a little over 15 years. I can still remember the day that we met at Pine Tree Elementary, you and your redish-orange hair that curled around your ears. Come to find out that you only lived 2 houses down from me. I loved it when we would play football or hit golf balls in your backyard or roaming around the neighborhood getting into trouble. But now sunny days seem to hurt the most since you have been gone. I wear the pain like I like a heavy coat. I still can’t believe you’re gone. There is nobody who can take your place. I feel and see you everywhere I go. I can’t get your laugh or vibarant smile out of my head. The worst thing is that your life was just beginning. I love and miss you Vindo.
To Dennis, Linda, Denny, Marla and your sons. I want you all to know that I have always loved and respected your family. This is an unbelievable lost to me so it must be unbearable for you. I want you know that I am always going to be here for you, for whatever you may need. I feel comforted that he is in a better place.
Vinnie aka Vindo is a great friend and I will miss him. I cant wait to see him with his great smile and awsome loveing arms waiting for me at the end of my long road. I love you Vinnie.
You’ll be missed. I Love you Vinnie.
I have to say that Vinnie became like a brother to me. I
have known him since I was one. He was always the funniest person in the
house. If anyone could make you laugh it was Vinnie. If I had hard times
I would go to the Hovland house and Vinnie would always say something to
make me feel so much better. He was always there for everyone all the
time. I will miss him very much. Now that he is in Heaven he will be
watching all of us and sending us his love from there. We all love you
Vinnie and thank you for making me feel like part of your family. I will
miss you!
Vinnie…It makes me so sad that you are gone but I know where you went so I’ll see you again. Much Love
Shauna Stouffer Massey