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    Loved By
    RDLJMBGJJB
    + 7
    1 Sep 2015

    Kiley Eggebraaten First day of middle school and Graduation party

    Loved By
    RDJMBGJJBS
    + 5

    Patti Such a good sport with all of the girls at the lake!

    Loved By
    JMBGSRMSKE
    + 3

    Patti Trinity Lutheran pre school

    Loved By
    JMBGSKRRTD
    + 5
    11 Jul 2018

    Matt Simms Cross Country camp - White Pass. Hill climb with the squad in the books. Respect for the strength it took to get up there.

    Loved By
    JMBGSRSTKE
    + 2
    10 Jun 2021

    Matt Simms High school graduation parade around South Whidbey. AO and the boys.

    Loved By
    STBIJMBGJJB
    + 7
    10 Jun 2021

    Matt Simms High school graduation parade with the boys about to fill the jeep.

    Kiley E. What a group of handsome young men❤️
    Loved By
    KBGRKEMSKG
    + 3
    20 Feb 2025

    Matt Simms AO the Biochemist

    Kiley E. What an achievement!
    Ashleigh T. I enjoyed learning about Aidan's research through our discussions after my CHEM 321 class. He was such a joy to interact with - caring, inqu...
    Loved By
    JMBGJBSRST
    + 5
    13 Mar 2021

    Matt Simms AO jumping in Lake Washington after Fulton said not to jump in Lake Washington but hey that was a hard Sand Point race and the lake water feels good!

    Robert . Haha! The thing of it was, as i recall Fulton didn’t catch AO doing it; he caught Sophia after she followed Aidan’s lead! 😂
    Loved By
    BIJMBGSRST
    + 3
    11 May 2021

    Matt Simms XC stars play soccer at an elite level too who knew

    Loved By
    RDJMBGJBSR
    + 6
    9 Oct 2019

    Matt Simms AO and AD hammering on that straightaway in the woods on our course. IYKYK.

    Loved By
    JMBGSRKE
    9 Jul 2019

    Matt Simms World travelers all smiles couldn’t find a better set of international representatives of our school and our island than these.

    Loved By
    JMBGRSTKEKG
    8 Dec 2018

    Matt Simms Birthday hike to Beckler Peak near Stevens Pass.

    Loved By
    RDJMRMSKES
    + 2

    Patti

    Loved By
    STRDJMBGRST
    + 6

    Patti

    Loved By
    JMBGRMSKE

    Patti

    Loved By
    JMBGRSTMSKE
    + 2

    Patti

    Loved By
    JMJBRAPMS
    4 Jul 2014

    Dana Moffett So many beautiful memories. Nyeredzi, shining stars, was the name of Aiden and Ian’s marimba group. ♥️♥️♥️

    Loved By
    RDJMBGRKEKG
    + 2
    23 Oct 2020

    Matt Simms The road to a first ever state championship started here…

    Loved By
    JMRTDKELP
    19 Jun 2019

    Matt Simms Preseason Cross Country team training run to the top of Mount Si, and then to the way higher top of Mount Si, and then out onto the knife-edge ridge.

    Loved By
    JMRMSKE
    10 Jun 2016

    Jodie Braun Aidan was a shining star… just like the name of his marimba group Nyredzi.

    Loved By
    JMRMSKELP

    Jamie Zundel Birthday party fun!

    Loved By
    LJMBGRKEKG
    + 1
    20 Oct 2016

    Matt Simms AO with the LMS Cross Country squad at the Cascade League Championships in the cold and mud and pouring rain at Arlington. With that smile…

    Loved By
    STJMRKEKGLP
    16 Jun 2017

    Matt Simms LMS Graduation, with AO in front of the bush in the back row at right next to Sterling and Magnus. An amazing class of incredible young adults.

    Loved By
    RDJMRSTKEKG
    + 1
    28 Sep 2015

    Matt Simms Looking up at the LMS track team getting ready to race with that pure AO smile shining right back down

    Loved By
    JMRMSKEES

    Tom Donnelly Winter break at Whistler

    Loved By
    STJMRMSKELP
    + 1

    Kate Grossman McVay

    Loved By
    JMBGRMSKEES

    Kate Grossman McVay

    Loved By
    JMRSTMSKERM

    Kate Grossman McVay

    Loved By
    STRDJMRSTMS
    + 4

    Kate Grossman McVay

    Kate G. Science Fair 2016?
    Susan . Rock stars!
    Loved By
    RDJMRSTMSKE
    + 1

    Kate Grossman McVay

    Loved By
    JMRMSKE

    Kate Grossman McVay

    Kate G. A little soccer when Heng the international student from China visited in 7th grade. He and AO made a nice connection.
    Loved By
    STRDJMBGRST
    + 5

    Kate Grossman McVay

    Loved By
    JMBGRSTMSTD
    + 3
    Mar 2015

    Rosie Donnelly The Aidans

    Loved By
    STLJMRSTMS
    + 3

    Rosie Donnelly 8th grade graduation

    Loved By
    JMSPRSTMS
    + 6

    Rosie Donnelly

    Loved By
    JMBGRSTMSTD
    + 4

    Rosie Donnelly A. O. and A.D. birthday at the Machine Shop.

    Loved By
    JMRSTMSKELP
    + 1

    Rosie Donnelly The indoor soccer birthday

    Loved By
    JMRMSKELPKG

    Rosie Donnelly No longer sure why we are playing pin the eyes on the bat at their 6th birthday, but AO sure is cute!

    Loved By
    JMSRMSKELP

    Rosie Donnelly More of the Machine Shop birthday

    Loved By
    JMRMSKE

    Rosie Donnelly Helping Lori at the marina

    Loved By
    STJMBGRSTMS
    + 3
    12 2023

    Rosie Donnelly Being ridiculous as usual, just at Whistler.

    Loved By
    JMRMSKELPKG

    Rosie Donnelly The beginning of the pack - middle school track

    Loved By
    JMSRMSKELP
    + 1

    Rosie Donnelly Before they were runners...

    Loved By
    JMRMSKELPES
    + 1

    Rosie Donnelly

    Loved By
    STJMBGRMSTD
    + 3
    2021

    Reilly McVay Party

    Loved By
    JMBGRMSKEES
    + 1

    Reilly McVay

    Loved By
    LJMRMSKEKG

    Annie Philp Some of my favorite memories, making music and performing together.

    Loved By
    RDJMBGSRMS
    + 4
    2019

    Sammi Daly europe trip 2019 - the girls picked out outfits for the guys

    Loved By
    JMRMSTDKEES

    Sammi Daly

    Loved By
    JMJRMSKELP
    2019

    Sammi Daly brunch in london

    Loved By
    JMJRMSKE
    2019

    Sammi Daly

    Loved By
    RDLJMJTSR
    + 4

    Netty Jurriaans

    Robert . I think Aidan lost his phone on this boat ride??
    Loved By
    RDJMJRMSKE
    + 2

    Netty Jurriaans

    Kiley E. Such a great picture!
    Loved By
    RMSKE

    Netty Jurriaans

    Loved By
    RDJMJRMSTD
    + 2

    Netty Jurriaans

    Loved By
    JMBGRTDLPES
    + 1
    16 Jun 2021

    Matt Simms AO and the boys. First time in school history. Respect. Not just given. Earned.

    Loved By
    JMRKEKG
    3 Apr 2022

    Matt Simms AO and Tommy at the UW Ultimate tournament, with AO taking the time to come show some Island love and then sharing his favorite place on the Ave.

    Loved By
    JMBGRKEQLP
    + 1
    12 Jun 2021

    Matt Simms A graduation smile

    Loved By
    JMBGRSTKEQ
    + 1
    8 Jun 2021

    Matt Simms Movie night at the drive ins

    Kiley E. What a great capture! Epic Whidbey tradition.
    Loved By
    JMRTDQLP
    28 Apr 2021

    Matt Simms AO working the midfield with his ball skills and that calm confidence vs a tough Overlake squad

    Loved By
    JMSRQLP
    3 Apr 2021

    Matt Simms AO putting in work on the way to a Conference championship against a stacked field of tough teams. Respect.

    Loved By
    JMR
    6 Mar 2021

    Matt Simms AO taking it through the sharks teeth at a tough league meet at Magnuson. Hilly and windy course and serious competition and he took it all on.

    Loved By
    JMRQ
    3 Oct 2020

    Matt Simms AO and the squad taking on the unique challenge of facing the entire world in the Microsoft Virtual 5k. With thanks to Bob for making it happen.

    Loved By
    RDJMBGRKELP
    + 1
    14 Sep 2015

    Matt Simms When you take a lot of pictures, sometimes you get lucky. AO and Luc.

    Loved By
    RDJMBGJRMS
    + 2

    Kiley Eggebraaten Group camping at South Whidbey State Park! Photo credit goes to Bob

    Loved By
    RDLJMBGRMS
    + 3

    Kiley Eggebraaten 1st day of Kindergarten-1st day of Middle School-High School Graduation Party❤️

    Loved By
    LRMSESKG
    11 Dec 2012

    Kiley Eggebraaten Hope Lodge

    Loved By
    RDRMSMSKG

    Kiley Eggebraaten Beach Day!

    Loved By
    RMSLP
    16 Feb 2008

    Kiley Eggebraaten Birthday Party!

    Loved By
    RDJMRMS
    4 Sep 2008

    Kiley Eggebraaten First day of Kindergarten. I love how Aidan is blushing at the fact that Maddie is holding his hand, so sweet

    Loved By
    LJMBGRMS
    6 Jun 2009

    Kiley Eggebraaten Lauren and Madeline's 6th Birthday Party

    Loved By
    RDJMBGRMSKG
    3 Apr 2008

    Kiley Eggebraaten Grapes at the beach

    Loved By
    BGRMS
    28 Mar 2008

    Kiley Eggebraaten Aidan's 5th Birthday Party

    Loved By
    RMSLP
    10 Feb 2006

    Kiley Eggebraaten Winter bubbles

    Loved By
    RMSKG
    10 Feb 2006

    Kiley Eggebraaten Bubble Time at Freeland Park

    Loved By
    RMS
    16 Mar 2007

    Kiley Eggebraaten At the Wiggles Concert in Everett

    Loved By
    RDRMSKG
    27 Oct 2007

    Kiley Eggebraaten those eyes!

    Loved By
    JMBGSTSRMS

    Kiley Eggebraaten Drama Camp in the Woods

    Loved By
    JMBGRMSKG

    Kiley Eggebraaten Just hanging out

    Loved By
    RDLBGRMSES
    + 1
    1 Sep 2013

    Kiley Eggebraaten Group Camp at SW State Park

    Robert . Whidbey Wildlings!!
    Loved By
    BGRMSMSKG
    7 Dec 2019

    Kiley Eggebraaten White elephant gift exchange 2019

    Loved By
    RDLJMRMSKG
    12 Jan 2008

    Kiley Eggebraaten Hanging with the ladies ;)

    Loved By
    RDJMBGRMSMS
    17 Aug 2007

    Kiley Eggebraaten Island County Fair!

    Loved By
    RDBGRMSKG
    17 Aug 2007

    Kiley Eggebraaten Rocket ride with Madeline

    Loved By
    RDJMRTDKELP
    + 1
    8 Dec 2018

    Matt Simms With Cooper up a tree near Beckler Peak, Stevens Pass region.

    Loved By
    JMRKELP
    17 Oct 2019

    Matt Simms Sandwiched by Kings no matter AO you got this

    Loved By
    JMSRLP
    17 Oct 2019

    Matt Simms Preston says it’s the shoes. Must be the shoes. Hint: the shoes come in those yellow bags.

    Loved By
    JMSR
    26 Oct 2019

    Matt Simms AO and the rest of the thundering herd coming off the start line at Magnuson.

    Loved By
    JMSRKELPRM
    24 Aug 2019

    Matt Simms Ragnar Relay at Mount Rainier. AO and the squad spent 24 long hours covering 125 miles and 25,000’ of elevation gain. Finish? 2nd out of 100+ teams.

    Loved By
    JMRKELPRM
    14 Jul 2019

    Matt Simms Out adventuring. Somewhere in the wilds of Scotland. At least it looks like Scotland.

    Loved By
    JMRRM
    9 May 2019

    Matt Simms AO and the SWHS soccer squad stopping at Five Guys. IYKYK.

    Loved By
    JMRTDKELPKG
    4 May 2019

    Matt Simms AO exuding calm despite pressure in the midfield

    Loved By
    JMBGJRTDKE
    + 3
    4 May 2019

    Matt Simms AO with the solid air game vs. Kings. Respect.

    Loved By
    LJMBGRMSTD
    + 4
    2020

    Reilly McVay Black and white ball

    Loved By
    RMSKEAG

    Laila

    Loved By
    BGRMSKEKG

    Laila Whistler

    Loved By
    LBGTSRMSKE

    Audrey Gmerek Drama Camp

    Loved By
    LRMSKE

    Audrey Gmerek Hope Lodge

    Loved By
    JMBGRMSKELP
    + 1

    Laila Science Fair

    Loved By
    LBGRMSKEKG

    Audrey Gmerek Thanksgiving

    Loved By
    JMBGRMMSKE
    + 4

    Laila

    Loved By
    RMSKE

    Audrey Gmerek Hope Lodge 2012

    Loved By
    LRMSKELPKG

    Audrey Gmerek Hope Lodge 2012

    Loved By
    JMRMMSKELP
    + 1

    Audrey Gmerek Hope Lodge 2012

    Loved By
    RMSKEKG

    Audrey Gmerek Hope Lodge 2012

    Loved By
    LDGJMRMMS
    + 4

    Audrey Gmerek Washington State Science Fair

    Loved By
    RMSKE
    14 Dec 2012

    Audrey Gmerek

    Loved By
    RMS

    Audrey Gmerek Whistler

    Loved By
    RMSKEKG

    Audrey Gmerek Hope Lodge 2012

    Loved By
    RMSKEKG

    Audrey Gmerek Whistler

    Loved By
    RMSKE

    Kate Grossman McVay

    Kate G. Sequoia, Aidan, Reilly goofing around Maxwelton beach
    Loved By
    RMSKE
    2015

    Kate Grossman McVay Pat takes the boys to Pier 57!

    Loved By
    JMRMSKE

    Kate Grossman McVay More goofing around can you imagine that?!

    Loved By
    RMSKE
    2017

    Kate Grossman McVay Castle Park Sled Day

    Loved By
    JMRMMSKEMS
    + 1
    Sep 2024

    Kate Grossman McVay Pat, Bob, Aidan cheering on the Huskies!

    Loved By
    JMRMMSKEMS
    1 Dec 2014

    Liz Andre Aiden & family in Leavenworth. It was a joy to spend time with this caring, humorous, and smart kid. His love for his brother and parents just shone.

    Loved By
    JMRMS
    4 Sep 2008

    Kiley Eggebraaten

    Loved By
    BGRMMSMSLP
    + 1

    Rachel

    Loved By
    MS

    Rachel

    Robert . Letchworth State Park in New York, I think?
    Loved By
    RMS

    Kiley Eggebraaten Trick or Treat!

    Loved By
    R

    Kiley Eggebraaten

    Loved By
    RMS

    Kiley Eggebraaten

    Loved By
    JMRMSES
    Jul 2022

    Tori Schuller all dressed up for the minions movie

    Loved By
    JGRMSKELPES
    20 Jun 2021

    Sterling Patton Forever and always, buddy. I'll see you sooner than you know.

    Loved By
    RMMSKELP
    4 Jul 2009

    Laura and Gordon Free Maxwelton Parade

    Laura and Gordon F. We Love Our Memories of the times we shared with Aidan.
    Loved By
    JGRMSKELP

    Laura and Gordon Free

    Loved By
    RMMSKELPES
    4 Jul 2010

    Laura and Gordon Free July Celebration

    Loved By
    RMSKEMS

    Laura and Gordon Free Christmas 2010

    Loved By
    RMMSKELP

    Laura and Gordon Free Birthday Celebration March 2011

    Loved By
    RMMSKE
    21 Jul 2011

    Laura and Gordon Free Microsoft Picnic

    Loved By
    RMMSKELP
    Aug 2011

    Laura and Gordon Free Outdoor Classroom

    Kiley E. The beginning of his journey into chemistry :)
    Loved By
    RMMSKE
    Aug 2011

    Laura and Gordon Free Crabbing

    Loved By
    DHRMMSKE

    Emma Kimsey Memorial Day Weekend 2017 with AO and all the cousins

    Loved By
    RMSKELP

    Erin Simms 2012 Sounders game

    Loved By
    RMSKELP

    Erin Simms Michael Gspurning Autograph after the game

    Loved By
    STRMMSKELP

    Erin Simms Graduation

    Loved By
    STRMSKELP

    Erin Simms Dem Boys

    Loved By
    RMMSKE

    Erin Simms Game night December 2024 ❤️

    Loved By
    RMSKELP

    Erin Simms Capture the Flag in the rain party

    Loved By
    RMMSKELP

    Erin Simms Finishing State! Covid addition

    Loved By
    RMMSKELP

    Erin Simms State Champs!

    Loved By
    RMSKEMSLP

    Erin Simms World Cup 2022 viewing at a bar 7:00 am Whistler!

    Loved By
    RMSKELP

    Erin Simms State!

    Loved By
    RMMSKEMS

    Robert Aidan’s listing on the Free Radicals chemistry mentoring site

    Loved By
    RMMSKEMSES

    Robert Merry Christmas, boys! Make a nice face, Aidan!

    Loved By
    RMSKE

    Robert Hiking with Aidan and Ozzy near Brandywine Falls, near Whistler, British Columbia

    Loved By
    RMSLP

    Erin Simms 2016 to 2019 Hole in the Wall re-creation

    Loved By
    RDRMSLP

    Erin Simms Gondola ride Whistler

    Loved By
    RDRMSLP

    Erin Simms Token Olympic Rings photo

    Loved By
    RDRMS

    Erin Simms Gingerbread and game night!

    Loved By
    SMRMSLP
    2005

    Mary Simmons A visit to Whidbey to meet newborn Ian and sweet little Aidan. Beautiful day.

    Loved By
    RMSLP

    Erin Simms State 2019

    Loved By
    RMS

    Kiley Eggebraaten

    Loved By
    LORMS

    Kiley Eggebraaten Luau dance party

    Loved By
    RMS

    Kiley Eggebraaten

    Loved By
    LORMS

    Kiley Eggebraaten

    Loved By
    LORMSLP

    Kiley Eggebraaten Cutest Spiderman ever!

    Loved By
    LORMSKEMSLP

    Stephanie Marr We met Aidan when he was very little. This was the only photo of him sitting still!

    Mary S. Love! That visit with him was so special. Such a sweet gentle soul.
    Loved By
    LORMS
    2 Nov 2019

    Rowan Dickerson

    Loved By
    DGLOR
    13 May 2024

    Aaron Weaver Highlights from the Ginger Lab soccer team. Aidan was the unanimous MVP!

    Robert . Love these! Thanks for sharing! Aidan scoring in the 5 hole! :)
    Loved By
    KELP

    Robert Ian and Aidan at Semiahmoo!

    Loved By
    KE

    Robert Aidan and friends at Hope Lodge, near Stevens Pass

    Loved By
    KELPES

    Robert Aidan (#14) with the SW Falcons and Coach Robbins! Credit: Matt Simms

    Loved By
    KEMSES

    Robert Paddle boarding at Lake Crescent until the sun went down.

    Loved By
    RKE

    Judith Holman

    Loved By
    RKE

    Judith Holman

    Loved By
    RKE

    Judith Holman

    Loved By
    RKE

    Judith Holman

    Loved By
    RLP

    Judith Holman

    Leigha P. That face! 🩵
    Loved By
    RLP

    Judith Holman

    Loved By
    RKE
    18 Jul 2024

    Hannah Contreras Annual Ginger Lab summer BBQ

    Loved By
    RLP
    19 Apr 2024

    Hannah Contreras Broke through his cleats scoring 3-4 goals leading basically every UW intramural game!!

    Loved By
    RKEMS
    20 May 2024

    Hannah Contreras Aidan presenting his work on optimizing solar cell interlayers at UW's Undergraduate Research Symposium.

    Aidan’s spirit always glistened through his gorgeous eyes.

    Carol Griz-Bach
    Loved By
    MS
    Loved By
    RKELP
    23 Mar 2025

    Carol Griz-Bach Such curiosity, kindness & strength. Not afraid of a bit of mischief on the side.

    I have waited quite a while to add to Aidan's memory book for many reasons...processing this devastating news has been so painful and sad and for a time there were no words to write. Aidan was a former student of mine at the Primary School where I was the Physical Education Specialist. He would come bounding through the door and ask excitedly what...

    Jan McNeely 28 Mar 2025
    Loved By
    STRKE

    Leigha Patton St. Augustine’s Preschool Christmas program 12/17/2007. Hard to believe they were ever that little!!!

    Leigha Patton St. Augustine’s Preschool Christmas program 12/17/2007. LOVE the smiles!

    26 Apr 2015

    Leigha Patton 12th birthday party 🥳

    28 May 2008

    Leigha Patton

    17 Dec 2007

    Leigha Patton

    26 Apr 2017

    Leigha Patton 14th birthday party 🥳

    Leigha Patton Halloween 2018 👻

    Aidan James's Guest book

    6 entries
    Sign Guest book
  1. David GingerAidan was a scholar and a gentleman. He cared deeply about making the world a better place, and from what I saw firsthand, he lived that ideal—whether through his research on solar energy or his generosity in mentoring others as a chemistry tutor. He not only boosted the scoring stats (and morale!) of the lab soccer team but also uplifted countless undergraduate chemistry majors. I knew him best as an exceptional scholar and researcher while he worked on our team studying new semiconductors for converting sunlight to electricity. If we suggested advanced reading that would take most students weeks to digest—like when his Ph.D. mentor recommended the first five chapters of Martin Green’s Solar Cells: Operating Principles, Technology, and System Applications—Aidan would come to next meeting, having absorbed it all, asking insightful questions that proved his deep understanding. As an undergraduate, he successfully advanced his own research project, optimizing the synthesis and surface passivation of all-inorganic halide perovskite thin films (CsPbI₃). These systems model the hybrid perovskites used in solar cells but without the organic cations that can complicate surface spectroscopy. Aidan not only synthesized CsPbI₃ semiconductor films and verified their band gaps and crystal structures, but he also characterized their carrier lifetimes using time-resolved photoluminescence and processed them into thin-film solar cells – an impressive and complex set of tasks. He was dedicated—so much so that I remember walking into the lab just after New Year's Day, 2025. The department was nearly empty, most people on vacation. Yet there was Aidan, making new samples for analysis—as if, of course, that’s just what one does during winter break. He was quiet, probably because he was a profound thinker. When he asked a question, it had depth. When he gave a presentation, you might have thought he was an experienced Ph.D. student preparing for a qualifying exam. His talent and work ethic were undeniable—so much so that when advising others on mentoring undergraduate researchers, one Ph.D. scientist remarked, “Just don’t expect them to be as good as Aidan…” Our world is a little dimmer without this bright star. We miss him deeply. 9th March, 2025
  2. Maddie ScaringellaAidan was beautiful, not just in form, but in spirit. No part of him wasn’t touched by kindness, no piece of his soul that wasn’t built for love. He was truly breathtaking in a way the world didn’t always deserve. He taught me about love, not the fleeting, conditional kind, but the love that elevates the soul, that makes us strive toward something greater than ourselves. Aidan embodied that love, and in knowing him, I felt it in its purest form. He was tall and sweet, with those perfect curls that always fell just a little out of place. He was effortlessly messy, but never in a way that felt careless. His world, his books, his scattered thoughts, his unfinished projects, was a kind of chaos that felt safe, like a room lit by the glow of a lamp in the middle of the night. Trustworthy. Loyal. The kind of person you could tell your darkest secrets to and know they were safe. The kind of person who didn’t just listen, he understood. His eyes held such a burning curiosity about the world. And when Aidan spoke of the things he loved, he did so with a fire that made the world seem brighter. He had a way of making even the smallest things feel important, of making people feel seen and valued. The way his excitement could make you fall in love with something you’d never even noticed before. He gave so freely of himself, never asking for anything in return. Our time together was heartbreakingly brief, but it was full of dreams. We had afternoons lost in the aisles of our favorite bookstores, sunlit moments where the world paused just for us. We spoke of life and happiness as if they were things we could reach out and grasp. In the stillness of the night, we baked cookies and talked until dawn, spinning futures that now exist only in memory. Now, I find myself searching for him in the places we once shared. In the pages of our books left unfinished, in the hush of dawn after a long night of talking, in the spaces where silence should feel empty but instead feels like an echo of him. The hardest part of losing him isn’t just letting go of the past it’s mourning the future we never got to have. The stories we never got to write. Sharing memories is hard because we weren’t done making them. I would give anything for just one more laugh, one more conversation, one more moment wrapped in the comfort of his presence. But if love is what connects us beyond this life, then I know Aidan is still here. He exists in the kindness he left behind, in the dreams we once spun together, and in the way he changed the people who loved him. Aidan, you are loved beyond measure by me and all others. And you always will be.2nd March, 2025
  3. Leo SmithAidan was an amazing man and a great friend. I played soccer with him most of my life and can vouch for how strong of a leader he was. No matter if we were winning or losing he was always reminding us to keep our head up, and to push until the very last minute. Both on and off the field he kept both his teammates and the coaches laughing. No matter the situation he always had a joke or a witty statement to say. He made sure to keep things light when tensions were high and knew when to remind everyone to quiet down and listen up. If the other team were to ever get rowdy with one of his teammates he would never hesitate to jump in and stand up for them. HIs character was unmatched, he was honest, courageous, kind, and loyal to all around him. Aidan was a big part in why I loved soccer so much and kept with it most of my life. There was a time years ago when I had just joined the select team and one of our teammates was picking on me. Aidan stepped in and no one else, he stood up for me and I never forgot that. He always had your back and no matter what, you could count on him to be there for you. He was also incredibly academically inclined and when I heard about his major and what he was doing in school, all I said was “wow”. Even just reading the title of the paper he published went right over my head. I will never forget all he did and who he was. I hope wherever he is provides only the best for him because he deserves only the best. I am so happy and grateful to have known such a great man. I wish his family the best and I am sending all my love and more their way. 28th February, 2025
  4. Mengqi "Will" SunThis is Will from Ginger group, UW Chemistry. I would just like to share some stories about Aidan during our time together playing the UW intramural soccer league. He was a star player in our team and often filled up the score sheet. I had so much fun playing with him. Even participating in a competitive sport game, you can tell he is a nice and humble young man. He not only exceled at playing soccer but also demonstrated great sportsmanship and team spirit, which makes him a very lovable team member. My Ginger group colleague, Robert also created a Slack group chat with just Aidan, Robert, Sung-Joo and myself. Sometimes, the four of us would chat about the game we played, talk about game plans, and share some friendly banters at times. For Aidan, sharing a group chat with 3 other postdoc members in a research group means he was often on the receiving end of those friendly banters. "If Aidan's shoes were intact, I don't think we would lose that game last week." "Aidan, you should try to get a new soccer shoes this weekend. This is your homework for the weekend." "If we win tomorrow, it is totally a team effort. But if we lose, it is your (Aidan's) fault because you did not score enough goals for us." And I can't remember how many laughing-out-loud emojis we sent in the chat. It was definitely a fond and loving memory of my time with Aidan. Other than his excellence on the research work he has carried out for the past 2 years with us, this memory of playing soccer together with him is just another tribute to a lively, positive, and bright young man. I often refer to him as an exemplary undergraduate researcher to other colleagues. Just last month, when he shared the news that he got offers from grad school programs, I was genuinely happy for him, and I can tell he was so happy for it as well. The day I heard about the tragedy was very devastating for me and I can't even begin to fathom the pain of his family. I will hold dear the memory I have had with him, and wherever he is now, I hope he finds peace. I also want to let his family know: You have raised a hell of a son! My condolences.26th February, 2025
  5. Ashley UWI met Aidan in organic chem at UW. He was ALWAYS at the study center, reading, doing homework, helping other students. My first impression of him was that he was going to be that classmate that cures cancer or some other extraordinary feat. He's one of the smartest people I've ever met. I'm so proud to call him my friend. He would drop whatever he was doing to help us (chem students and his friends) out. I remember one time he didn't know the answer to my question and he dug through the textbook to find the answer for me. We bonded over how fascinating his work at the inorganic lab is and our love for chem. Aidan was genuinely one of the nicest people I've ever met, he would do anything for his fellow students. I was always happy to see his face in the study center after having been there for hours on end. He answered so many of my questions before i headed into my exams, he was a wonderful tutor and friend. I remember one day after we both finished chem, I saw him when we were both walking to class. We stopped and talked for probably 10 minutes before going our separate ways. We laughed a lot during that conversation, I dont remember about what. That was the last time I talked to him. I'll never forget the impact Aidan had on my life, I'm sending love to his family.24th February, 2025
  6. Maddie MeszarosAidan was the kind of person who could light up any room just by being in it. He didn’t need to say much, but when he did, his words felt like they carried weight—like they mattered. I can still hear his laughter, warm and carefree, echoing in my memory. Those carefree days on Whidbey Island, when we were pirates on a grand adventure in his backyard pirate ship, running through the trees, battling imaginary foes, and making up stories that felt real. It was in those moments that we were invincible, and the world seemed so big, so full of possibilities. Aidan’s curly, floppy hair was always a part of his charm. It never quite stayed in place, always tumbling over his forehead, giving him a carefree look that matched his personality perfectly. In high school, it was a bit wild, just like him. I can still picture him running across the lawn as children, barefoot like the rest of us, laughing. He had this energy, this spark, that made everything feel like an adventure—even when we were just running around chasing each other for fun. The grapes and sand sprinkled cheeses I remember sharing as kids weren’t just snacks; they were symbols of our friendship, simple moments that are now etched in time. I can still feel the salty air of the beach on my skin, the sand between my toes, and the sound of the waves crashing in the background as we danced around on the water's edge, sharing the world in our own little way. I recall all the legendary birthday parties on Whidbey. The kind where everyone gathered around music, where the air was filled with excitement and laughter, and the whole world seemed to stand still for a moment as we played. I remember one particular party where we had a pinata hanging from Mama Ceci’s deck. We took turns at the bat, swinging wildly, laughing when the candy finally exploded out in a cascade of color and sweetness. Aidan’s face, full of that boyish grin, was always the brightest in the crowd. Then, there was the year he got the Gator for his birthday. I’ll never forget the look of sheer excitement on his face as he hopped into the driver’s seat, grinning as he revved the engine. I recall Luc as his copilot, and they zoomed around the driveway like they were in some kind of race, kicking up gravel and spraying grass in every direction. The wind whipped through Aidan’s hair, and he had this joy about him, this uncontainable excitement that made everything feel magical. It was just a Gator, just a little ride-on vehicle, but in that moment, it felt like the key to the world—like anything was possible as long as we had each other and our laughter to carry us forward. Aidan’s joy was infectious, and for that day, nothing else mattered. We were free, we were young, and life was simple and perfect. Those days on the green grass, running barefoot through the yard, chasing after each other in games that had no rules except the ones we made up on the spot, were some of the best memories. The warmth of the sun on our skin, the softness of the grass beneath our feet, and the sound of our laughter blending with the breeze—it was all so magical. In those moments, the world felt like it was ours. Aidan made it feel that way, with his endless enthusiasm and his ability to find the joy in everything. It’s funny how those little moments—sandy cheese, splintery beach logs, pinatas, Gators, and barefoot chases—stick with you. They are the pieces of time that stay with you long after the years pass. Aidan wasn’t just a part of those memories; he was those memories. His curly hair, his bright smile, his excitement for life—those are the things I will carry with me forever. They remind me that even in the toughest times, there’s always a spark of magic to be found, just like we found in the simplest moments with Aidan. I often remember that summer wilderness camp we attended where we ran across the field blindfolded behind the little brown church towards the sound of a beating drum, dodging trees as we went. One day the camp leader brought in a dead rabbit he claimed was roadkill and taught us how to skin and cook it. Cooper ate most of the rabbit but Aidan was a close second! That camp taught us how to make woodland shelters, how to sharpen obsidian and make tomahawks with branches and twine (which I still have displayed on a bookshelf) and what plants are best for foraging. I have so many little moments of Aidan tucked away in my mind that I will cherish forever. Even in high school, when life took us in different directions, there was always this unspoken bond between us forged from childhood. A simple glance across a crowded hallway, a shy smile that would pass between us, said everything we needed to say. It was comforting, knowing that no matter how far we went, no matter the paths we chose, Aidan was still there, somewhere, just like he always had been. He had this rare gift of making everyone feel like they mattered, like they were important. Whether you were close to him or not, Aidan always made the effort to make you feel seen, heard, and appreciated. He had a way of drawing people in with his warmth, with that infectious smile, and with his generous heart. It’s hard to believe that someone so beautiful, so full of life, could be taken away so soon. It feels wrong, still, to think about a future that doesn’t have Aidan in it. He was supposed to be there, sharing in all the moments to come, supporting us like he always had. I had always imagined that one day we would reconnect fully, pick up where we left off, and make new memories, maybe laugh at our childhood antics, and reminisce about the times we shared on that beach. But now, it’s all just memories, fading as time moves on. Aidan, and everyone in our group, is the family I chose, people I could always rely on. He helped shape me in ways I never even realized at the time. He was always there when I needed him, offering encouragement, understanding, and unconditional support. He showed me what it meant to be kind, to be a friend without hesitation, and to love without limits. In a small community like ours, we all had a special bond, but Aidan was different. He was a constant—his energy, his spirit, his kindness were woven into the fabric of my childhood, and the thread of his presence will never be unraveled. There is no replacing him, no filling the space he left behind. But I carry him with me, in every moment of joy, in every act of kindness, and in every smile I share with the world. I will never forget Aidan. I will always remember him as the beautiful, shining soul that he was. And while his physical presence may be gone, the imprint he left on my heart, and on the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him, will last forever. 22nd February, 2025
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    Celebrating the life of

    Aidan James O'Brien

    03 Mar 2003 - 18 Feb 2025

    Family and friends

    Let this page serve to honor and memorialize our dear friend Aidan James O’Brien. Aidan was born on March 3, 2003, and recently passed away on February 18, 2025. Though he was taken suddenly from his family, friends, and community, it is his life that is remarkable and impactful. From a young age, Aidan was empathic to others, was passionate about nature, and showed joy in the teamwork of sports ... more

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