By Quinn Kisling, Jaycee Dawbin and Kaylin Dennis
Our hearts have never felt so heavy and so full at the same time. We never expected to have to say goodbye to our Sydney so soon, but we are incredibly grateful for every precious moment that we shared with her. There are so many lives that Sydney touched. A piece of us will always be missing; she was a daughter, a sister, an auntie, a cousin, a granddaughter, a friend, and to us, the Fourth Amigo. The three of us feel so honoured to be writing this for her, and we each wanted to share a little bit about what she meant to us.
As Sydney once said, we were blessed with a best friend since birth. I am so thankful I got to grow up with Syd; all the memories, laughs, love, lessons and growth. “Growing up with you as a best friend is the best thing that’s ever happened to me!” Syd was more than just a friend or a sister, she was my person. We were always together, like two halves of a whole. I was so at home with Syd as we talked about anything and everything. We always wanted to be best friends, just like our Dads, calling each other every day. We joked that our kids would have no choice but to be best friends as well. I can’t believe how much we’ve been through, and I am so thankful that we had each other through each challenge and celebration. I wouldn’t be who I am without Syd — she always has and always will inspire me. Words can’t express how much she meant to me and so many other people. Thanks for all the memories Syd. I’m going to miss our ‘Syd and JC time,’ but I know that someday I will squeeze you tight and listen to the enthusiastic stories that only you can tell.
Syd often said that Living Springs Bible Camp was her favourite place on earth and I feel so lucky to be the one who introduced her to such an important part of her life. She came to camp with me for the first time in 2011 and after that nobody would have been able to stop her from going back. She spent the majority of the summer there the past five years, and touched so many lives through her time there. But to me, Syd was so much more than just someone I spent the summer with. She was the first person I went to about everything; I knew that no matter what, I could always tell her what was on my mind. She was my shoulder to cry on, the source of my greatest laughter, and she was never afraid to call me out when that was what I needed. No one could ever replicate that special Sydney-and-Kaylin bond. Even though she isn’t physically here anymore, she will definitely continue to have an impact on who I am for the rest of my life.
The relationship between Syd and I was truly one-of-a-kind. Everyone described us as so similar, but at the same time so different. She was the forest fire to my tsunami; I know she would really enjoy it if we stuck a good Zodiac reference in here somewhere, and since she was a Leo (fire sign) and I’m a Pisces (water sign) I thought that would be a suitable metaphor for our relationship. The two of us really pushed each other to our limits, in the best possible way. We challenged each other’s beliefs, and we were always able to go from the Silent Treatment on Saturday to singing Hamilton songs in the car on Sunday. We fought like true sisters, but through every fight and argument, we always came out as stronger friends. I knew she was someone I could go to with anything, no matter what. It didn’t matter the mountain we had to climb, our friendship was built to stand the test of time; I believe that it still will. Syd and Quinn will always be a force to be reckoned with.
The immensely special bond that Sydney had with her family was expressed through so many of her stories. Anyone who knew her, knew how much they all meant to her. We all refer to ‘Nana and Papa, Auntie Carrie and Uncle Wooh,’ Ireland and Presley as our family. Curt, Candace, Kenny and Taylor are like our family as Syd graciously shared them with us since her love for them overflowed to all those around her.
Syd demonstrated her love for her family by sharing stories with us constantly. There isn’t enough paper in the world to share all the countless memories.
She loved spending time with Nana and Papa, helping in the garden, cooking, and looking at pictures. She knew that Auntie Carrie and Uncle Wooh always had her back; if she forgot her wallet going to the Meat Market, she wouldn’t be leaving without food. Syd would always hype Presley and Ireland up about their style, loving their individuality and encouraging them to embrace who they are and to be so ‘freaking’ proud. Sydney was always ready to help people. Being Taylor’s Maid of Honour and helping her after Isla was born was such a privilege and joy for her. Syd and Kenny may look a lot alike, but their personalities kept each other balanced. Sydney always had big dreams, like her dayhome, but Kennedy was someone who supported her and made it so successful. Kennedy was always by Syd’s side, walking with her until their feet were bleeding just so they could see Nana and Papa. Curt and Candace were kept on their toes from the moment she was born. She had such a zest for life that they will always hold dear. Once Syd got an idea in her head, like marrying Harry Styles, she always made her parents laugh. Even so, they were right there listening to his music and getting her concert tickets and merchandise. So many are like family to the Hunters and Syd was so proud to share them.
It isn’t easy to describe Sydney, but it will be so easy to remember her. Anyone that was lucky enough to meet her will tell you the same. There just aren’t enough words in the world to do this beautiful young woman justice and to describe the love and light she brought to every single life she touched. Sydney felt so blessed to have been able to impact so many young lives. It doesn’t feel real yet; we’re still waiting for her to call so we can finally tell her about how crazy this is. Sydney Grace Anne Hunter was that one of a kind, once in a lifetime soul that we will never be able to replace. Our friendship was supposed to last a lifetime, but God had other plans for her. In her short 20 years, she left us with a lifetime of love and memories which we will cherish forever.
Oh man Sydney, will we ever miss you here on Earth, but we can’t wait until we get to see you again. There were so many things we were still supposed to do, and it almost seems impossible to imagine what our future looks like without you. Though there will forever be a missing piece in our hearts, we know that you’ll still be right there with us wherever we go.
READ MORE: OBITUARY: Sydney Grace Ann Hunter
