Owen Robert Hess

Owen Robert Hess, also known as Kai, departed life on December 10, 2023 at the age of 19. A caring, clever soul, his family and friends will deeply miss him. 

Born July 14, 2004 in Kokshetau, Kazakhstan, Owen’s loving parents, Robin Henshaw and Donn Hess, adopted him February 2, 2005. He grew up in Kansas City, Missouri, and Newton, Massachusetts, outside Boston. But Owen was a true child of the world and adventured in Paris, London, Puerto Vallarta, and Costa Rica in addition to exploring many states in the U.S. He spent his last years in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. He made fast friends everywhere he went, charming people around the world with his outgoing nature, gentle wit, and genuine empathy. 

He loved his pets, skateboarding and snowboarding, and all things electronic. More than anything he wanted to establish deep, lasting connections with the people around him, but he struggled to recognize the intense bonds already in place with the many who adored him so much. 

A celebration of his life will be held on his “Gotcha Day,” February 2, 2024, at 6 p.m. in the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church parish hall where Owen often volunteered in the food pantry. The church address is 11 E 40^th Street in Kansas City, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the KC Pet Project or Children’s Mercy Illuminate program.