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!
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Join Memories to request access to contribute your cherished photos, videos,
and stories to Aidan James's memorial with others who loved them.