Dear Polly, Gary and Duane,

I only actually met Aaron once and that was over 25 years ago when Scott and Aaron stayed with me and my parents in Coylumbridge while on their (bizarrely timed) mid-winter climbing tour of Scotland. I joined them on one or two of the Cairngorm peaks. Earlier this year, the three of us were in touch when I belatedly, to say the least, realised that they had stayed a night in an infamous haunted bothy near Ben Nevis - my kids loved Aaron's account of that unsettling, creepy night, and it's brilliant title: "A bothy ghost ate my Mars bar". 

My over-riding memory of Aaron from that time is of his energy and commitment. It seemed he didn't do anything by half. I remember him helping with the washing up after dinner and getting so carried away he partially disassembled the stove so as to clean it better. 

Given that introduction, I was always keen to hear news of Aaron via Scott. From what I know of him, he was true to himself in a way that not many are. He cut his own path and I respect that a lot.

I don't really know what to say to you at a time like this. What I can say is that Aaron was clearly a special person. There are not many people who you meet once and remember well 25 years later.

My thoughts are with you.

Alasdair

well those photos didn't save the way I thought they might, sorry everyone...

I went to high school with Aaron. He was an amazing character, a wacky, wild, and wonderful absolute individual. We went on several adventures together for school activities including the Boundary Waters, and helping as student/young adult leaders on a weeklong trip for younger students (that Todd Anderson talked about below, hi Todd!!). We were in student council and track together, and did some mountain biking and other high school hanging out. He was one of those who inspired me to head West, as he had such an adventurous spirit that I admired. Thought I'd share some pics that might highlight some of the fun and caring he offered to others.