Obituary

Hennessey Christian Idstein-Young, 21, of Lake Forest, California passed away peacefully, in his sleep, of natural causes at his home on Wednesday, May 8^th.  This world and everyone who knew him is brighter because of Hennessey.

Hennessey packed so much life into each of his too-short 21 years.  Hennessey is a 2016 graduate of El Toro High School and has spent the last several years chasing “powder pockets” and his dreams by spending as much time snowboarding on the mountain as he could pack in. Most recently Hennessey spent the winter in Big Sky, Montana where he gratefully and proudly spent 105 days on the mountain, snowboarding all day “laying down sick turns”, working nights at Lone Mountain Ranch at the Horn and Cantle restaurant.  His most beloved spot was of course, his second home, Bear Mountain in Big Bear, California, where he spent many, many “sick” winters doing” hot laps in the park.”

To his friends he was Big Hen or Sasquatch, but to his family he was Hennessey or H or HP or Henny. To everyone, he was love, adventure, exploration and chill.  Hennessey wanted everyone to slow down to enjoy life.  He took his time in life to do what he loved. He chased his dreams and took everything in – whether it was taking in beautiful scenery at a new place, methodically enjoying a meal, soaking in a hot tub, or spending as much time with his loving Mom as possible.

Hennessey lit up each room he was in and always wanted to make sure everyone was happy and having fun. He was truly a no-drama kind of dude and the biggest lessons he taught everyone he came in contact with were to live every day to its fullest, say YES to adventure, chase your dreams and always remember, “You Do You.”

Hennessey is survived by his mom, Katrina Idstein-Laws, stepdad Rusty Laws, siblings Bailey and Jordan Laws, grandmothers Music Sprouse, Ann Barnett, grandfather Ken (Ania) Idstein, Uncle Tom (Abbie) Idstein, Uncle Ryan (Ashley) Ruggles, Uncle Derek (Erica) Idstein, cousins Hannah, Cooper, Halen, Jordan, Lexi and Autumn, Great Grandma Mary Morris, Great Grandpa John (Jack) Idstein and many Great Aunts, Great Uncles, Cousins and their families, a huge group of amazing friends, including Devin, Jake, Julian, Robert and Joseph and his dog, Bella.

In lieu of a formal service we are honoring Hennessey his way with “Remembering Big Hen” – a celebration of Hennessey’s life, which will be held on Friday, May 17 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Doheny State Beach (25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, CA 92629) Picnic Area A, dinner and beverages will be provided. We are looking forward to sharing your memories of Hennessey with us, so please bring your best memories in any way shape or form. We are celebrating Hennessey’s life, so come dressed vibrantly and brightly – comfy and chill, just like Hennessey.

We are also inviting you to Hennessey’s visitation on Saturday, May 18 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at O’Connor Mortuary 25301 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Hills, CA 92653.  Again, please come dressed vibrantly and brightly – comfy and chill, just like Hennessey.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his name to Chill Foundation (The Chill Foundation inspires youth to overcome challenges through boardsports – their development program uses snowboarding, skateboarding, surfing and paddleboarding to teach life skills and increase self-esteem to disadvantaged kids) at www.chill.org.

The family is asking for ANY and ALL photos, videos and stories about Hennessey to be emailed to remembering.big.hen@gmail.com.