Evan Haffner

With so much living yet to do and memories yet to make with those who meant the most to him, Evan Haffner’s million dollar smile and love for his family will surely be his lasting legacy. He will also be remembered for his rather warped sense of humor, along with his willingness to always lend a helping hand. Evan had a contagious love for life which was clearly evident since the birth of his beloved little girl. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered in the hearts of many.

Born on August 14, 1993 in Allegan, Michigan, Evan Johnathan Haffner was the son of Debra Haffner and Buddy Rowe II. During this time, Bill Clinton was the 42nd President of the United States, and Beanie Babies made their popular debut. Jurassic Park took movie theaters by storm, and Mariah Carey hit the top of the music charts. Yet nothing could have brought his parents greater joy than welcoming their bundle of baby boy.

Evan was raised in the Allegan area and attended Allegan schools. His father worked in the construction trade, and his mother remained at home with young Evan during the early years of his life. Having enjoyed a typical childhood, Evan experienced the adventures of boyhood along with many friends. He was raised alongside his sister, Lily, and through the years numerous and memorable times were shared with family. They went camping several times, and every year Evan’s dad treated him to a Detroit Tiger’s game. When he was young he went up north fishing with his paw paw, and he always loved spending summer weekends at their family cottage.

Evan’s dog, Zeppie was never far from his side growing up. From his earliest beginnings, the two were nearly inseparable. Evan learned to walk holding onto Zeppie, and later, they even ran away together, although they only made it a block from home.

Scouting played an integral role in Evan’s life. He was involved in Cub Scouts and then Boy Scouts through high school, and also played soccer and was on the wrestling team for a couple of years. As a member of his school’s marching band, Evan always looked forward to performing at Ford Field during the championships each year. Although he was set to graduate from Allegan High School in 2012, Evan discovered he was short by a few classes and instead went on to receive his GED in 2014.

Even though Evan’s school years were an exciting time for him, nothing compared to his feelings for Amanda Pope. Evan and Amanda first met one another in middle school while on the bus, and truth be told, they each thought the other was a little on the weird side. They didn’t even talk to each other, but in time they became good friends, and in high school they started a dating relationship. After dating for several years, Evan and Amanda shared the love of a beautiful little girl they lovingly named, Brooklynn. With the two girls he loved more than anything by his side, Evan proposed to Amanda in April of this year and they were making plans for a bright and promising future together.

Following school, Evan began working for Unipac in Allegan and later at Challenge in Holland. He recently began working at a restaurant at the Gun Lake Casino, but Evan’s most important and valuable “job” was when he was able to be a stay-at-home dad for two years. Evan was a wonderful father to Brooklynn. He was amazed at how much love his heart could hold for his little girl, and there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t have done for her. She brought so much joy to his life and he considered her his greatest accomplishment.

Saying Evan was a loud individual would be an understatement. With his zest for life and fun loving ways, everyone knew when Evan was around. He was extremely outgoing, and easily brought smiles to those around him. His love for talking and telling stories made him the life of the party wherever he went. When it came to music, Evan listened to current rock and a little rap, but in his free time he really loved reading. Evan was the type who could read a book in a day given the opportunity. He had a huge movie collection, loved video games and spent a lot of time disc golfing with Amanda and friends. Cooking recently became one of Evan’s pastimes. He liked learning to cook and experiencing different types of food.

Ever helpful, Evan was a good friend who never hesitated in lending a hand. He shared great times with friends, and made numerous memories along the way. He had an uncanny sense of humor, and for those who knew him best, he leaves much to be remembered. One of the best fathers a child could ever ask for, Evan lived for his baby girl and loved her deeply. Although gone much too soon, Evan’s love lives on in the hearts of many.

Evan Haffner, age 22 of Allegan passed away on Tuesday, December 8, 2015. Visit with his family and friends on Saturday, December 12 from 11:00–12:00 at the Plainwell Church of Christ; 911 James St. A memorial service will follow at 12:00 p.m. at the same location. Pastor Doug Kranenburg officiating. Evan’s family includes his parents: Bud Rowe II, Debra (Haffner) Ehn; daughter Brooklynn; sister, Lillian; two stepsisters: Courtney and Taylor; fiancee' Amanda Pope; grandparents: Jack and Shirley Vandyk as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents; Bud and Evelyn Rowe and Jack Haffner; and by his aunt Dena. Please visit Evan’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can share a favorite memory or photo of Evan and sign his memory book online. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made at. https://www.gofundme.com/exevzcg4.