Tristen L. Whitlock

Tristen L. Whitlock

Tristen Lee Whitlock received his angel wings Wednesday, March 19, 2008, after a lifelong battle with autosomal recessive PKD Foundation.

Although his short life was filled with many struggles, he touched numerous lives and always had the biggest and brightest smile on his face. He overcame tremendous odds and battled for 13 months showing everyone around him that life is precious and should never be taken for granted.

Tristen spent his days laughing and playing with his many toys, reading books, taking walks to the park, and swinging high on every swing he could ride.

With Tristen's passing, we remind others that his life is one to be celebrated. Although we will miss him every day, he will forever remain in our hearts and ingrained in our memories.

Tristen leaves behind many wonderful caregivers who provided love and support to our entire family. Thank you to everyone who had a part in caring for him since the day he was born. You all enhanced his life so greatly and will always have a special place in our heart.

Tristen is survived by his loving parents, Rhea and Michael Whitlock of Locust Grove; his grandparents, Herbert and Pamela Whitlock of Unionville, and Richard and Harper Robinson of Locust Grove; his aunt and uncle, Lisa and Monty Roberts of Louisa; his aunt, Susan Whitlock of Hoboken, N.J.; and his uncle, Jesse Robinson of Honolulu, Hawaii.

Family night will be held Saturday, March 22, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Johnson's Funeral Home, Locust Grove.

There will be a memorial service Monday, March 24, at 11 a.m. at The Lake of the Woods Church in Locust Grove. A gathering will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tristen's name to U.Va. Children's Hospital, Charlottes-ville, Va.; to Ronald McDonald House, Charlottesville, Va.; to Infant Toddler Connection of Rappahannock & Rapidan, Culpeper, Va.; to ARPKD Foundation at arpkd .org.; or to Lake of the Woods Fire and Rescue, Locust Grove, Va.

In an effort to keep Tristen's memory alive, please take the time to do an act of kindness for someone who crosses your path, and let them know you were inspired to do it in his honor. Let our little boy's short life continue to touch others.