William Albert "Will" Kenyon, infant son of Mary and John Kenyon of Iowa City, died Saturday, January 22, 2005, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics from complications of premature birth.

Will was born October 26, 2004 at 24 weeks gestation. He weighed 522 grams at birth, slightly more than one pound. He spent his 12 weeks and four days of life in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the Children's Hospital of Iowa under the expert and loving care of a dedicated team of doctors, nurses, and therapists.

Will was a strong fighter, fending off numerous challenges. He liked to hold his hands next to his face and chin. He was most comfortable lying on his tummy. He had a strong grip when offered a finger to hold. A parental hand cupping the top of his head kept him calm and comfortable. Sometimes he tapped his feet as if hearing music in his head. He was soothed listening to a lullaby CD and hearing his parents read stories, especially Goodnight Moon, Two Little Trains, and Jamberry.

In addition to his parents he is survived by his grandparents, Bill and Holly Kenyon of Des Moines, Iowa, and Martin and Maureen Geraghty of Evanston, Ill; great grandparents Jesse and Margaret Askren of Chariton, Iowa, and Mary Regina Ganey of Chicago, Ill.; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Will was also loved and cherished by hundreds of friends, family and strangers near and far who followed the story of his life as chronicled lovingly each day by his father at willkenyon.blogspot.com.

The family will greet friends from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, January 26, at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service, 2720 Muscatine Ave. in Iowa City. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Will's memory to the William A. Kenyon Memorial Fund. The fund will support other babies who face struggles as Will did in his short life.

Will demonstrated each day the value and fragility of life, and we are thankful for every moment we spent with him. Parents hug their children a little harder because of Will. We will hold him in our hearts forever.