Robert "Rob" Haywood, a beloved son, brother, and friend, passed away unexpectedly on September 10, 2024, in San Francisco, California. Rob, a 2019 graduate of Strawberry Crest International Baccalaureate High School in Florida, was just 23 years old. His sudden passing has left his family, friends, and community in deep shock and mourning.
Born on May 15, 2001, in Tampa, Florida, Rob was the cherished son of James and Maria Haywood. He grew up in a loving home where he was encouraged to pursue his interests and dreams.
From a young age, Rob was known for his inquisitive nature, bright mind, and infectious smile. He was always eager to learn new things and explore the world around him.
Rob attended Strawberry Crest International Baccalaureate High School, where he excelled academically and was known for his intelligence, curiosity, and dedication to his studies.
He was an active member of the debate team, the school newspaper, and several volunteer organizations, where he demonstrated a strong commitment to community service and leadership.
His teachers and peers admired him for his thoughtfulness, kindness, and drive to make a positive impact on the world.
After graduating in 2019, Rob moved to San Francisco to attend the University of California, Berkeley, where he pursued a degree in Political Science.
Rob was passionate about social justice and dreamed of making a difference in the world through policy and advocacy.
He was actively involved in several student organizations, where he continued to showcase his leadership skills and dedication to improving the lives of others.
Outside of his academic pursuits, Rob was an adventurous spirit who loved exploring the outdoors, traveling, and spending time with friends.
He had a passion for photography and enjoyed capturing the beauty of the world through his lens.
Rob was known for his compassionate heart, always willing to lend a helping hand or a listening ear to anyone in need.
Rob is survived by his parents, James and Maria Haywood, his younger sister, Anna, his grandparents, Robert and Patricia Haywood, and Carlos and Lucia Fernandez, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. His passing has left an irreplaceable void in the lives of all who knew him.
A memorial service to celebrate Rob’s life will be held at Holy Trinity Church in Tampa.
In lieu of flowers, his family requests donations be made to the Robert Haywood Memorial Scholarship Fund, established to support students who share Rob’s passion for learning and community service.
Rob Haywood will be remembered for his bright mind, kind spirit, and the love he showed to all those around him.
His memory will continue to live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.