“"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" Philippians 4:13
Life story
AP was one of those people who had the ability to touch your heart and change your life for the better, no matter how long you knew him. He lived his life with an intensity and passion that was unmatched. He loved his family and friends deeply and was everyone’s most genuine cheerleader. He lived with intention and purpose to inspire and encourage. He was a bright light on even the darkest of days. He made everyone feel welcomed and loved. He was truly one of a kind and he will be missed forever by those who knew him.
Aaron, you are missed by so many, especially Lee & your girls. I know you would have continued to make a huge impact on the youth you would have interacted with and guided in these last 5 years. You had a special talent in being able to connect with students while keeping them accountable but also making them laugh. Personally, I missed talking about coaching and the highs and lows of that life with you.
I just wanted to share that you would be so incredibly proud of Lee and your girls. Sophia and Emma are amazing. They are unique, spunky, and lovely to spend time with. I have two boys and they are so sweet and loving towards my boys. My son loves to hang out with them and we look forward to continuing to be part of their lives.
AP what can I say my boy. I could honestly post maybe a thousand pictures of me and you. That’s what happens when you spend every day together for 6 plus years. There is honestly not one day that goes by that I don’t think about you or what dumb shit we would say to each other. You were truly my brother from another mother. The only thing I ever wanted to do was beat you at anything just so I could see how sad you got and finally see that I was better than you at everything… besides baseball. It is still crazy that I can’t even change my Facebook profile picture, cause seeing it everyday, us together makes me so happy. I miss you so much man. And trust me your wife is doing an incredible job raising your beautiful daughters. I love you AP. Until I see you again my boy
Sophia and Emma,
You’ll see a common thread in these tributes that your dad was bigger than life, and it was •so• true. His voice was bigger, his laugh was bigger, his hugs were bigger, and his heart was bigger. Your dad never let anyone’s past shadow over the potential that he saw in their hearts. He had the ability to connect with students and youth in such an incredible way. He is responsible for changing the lives of hundreds of people who were fortunate enough to know him and receive his mentorship. I remember when your mom and dad announced they were pregnant with each of you; both times your dad was exploding with joy and excitement to be a girl dad 🩷🩷 I have no doubt his passion for life and connection will live on in each of you. All our love, sweet girls!
Jenae, Alex, Kylie, and Kamryn
AP was one of the realest guys to me, he was bit older but never treated me that way he was always acting as more of a mentor a real class act! I never really got the chance to get to know him as well as I wish I wanted to but I know deep down he is one of the best kind of people!
Tyler and I were flying to see his sister for Christmas, so we stayed with Lee and AP on Christmas Eve because our flight was at 6 am. Little did we know, Santa was planning a Barbie Dream House for Sophia and of course enlisted the elves for help. At one point Lee kicked Aaron and Tyler out and we just did it ourselves because Mr. Fix-It couldn’t read the directions. Needless to say, we got it done, Sophia loved it and Barbie had a toilet (we missed step one 😉).
However, the next morning at 3:30, AP was suppose to take us to the airport. He called an Uber and said, “It’s on me, I’ll pick you up when you get home.” The guy he hired took the toll from Reunion (eye roll) and went to the parking garage instead of drop off.
We never let AP live that one down.
AP was a man of his word. If he said he was going to be somewhere or do something, you could count on it. Including participation in a Home Run Derby the day of his baby cousins wedding ♥️ but he made it to both (we won’t mention the minor heart attack I had when I noticed him not there for photos).
Aaron, I love you bro and miss you! I remember coming to watch your graduate from College! Then watching you get to work at Adam City, and then when Christina had her Graduation from becoming an audiologist AuD, you and Lee came out to Old Chicago’s to celebrate with us! It was such a great night! Thanks for always being the life of the party! We miss you so much!
When you went to St. Louis I was so excited to come visit you! I had always wanted to go to St Louis and see you, Lee and see the city! So Ben, and I set sail and drove there for Cinco De Mayo! Let’s just say… one of the best trips ever! We had so much fun! Watching you play baseball, hanging out with you, your team mates and Lee was just so much fun! I will never forget this trip and never forget all the fun times we had together! By far one of my favorite photos of us young studs!
Oh Aaron, where do I start! You have always been there for me. I remember coming home from school after getting in a fight and you went back and tried to help settle things. I remember when Victoria was getting called names and you were there to defend her! I remember when you always went out of your way to help others and even though you liked being a “tough guy”
You had a soft, loving, supportive side. I came to Adam city high school and walked around and every kid you encountered respected you and looked up to you just as I always did. As my big brother you always told me to stand up, stop crying be a man, and today I am stronger because of you. Thank you, I miss you so much and I love you bro! I hope I can touch as many lives as you.
He brought the best out of people. Without trying he showed people how to be better and do better. He still motivates me to this day. He made me a better person and man. I thank Colby Johnson and god for bringing AP into my family’s life.
One of the greatest blessings we have received in your honor was the dedication of the memorial baseball field in Wiggins. It was always your dream for the Wiggins program to have a field of their own 🧡🖤
Moving to Fort Morgan and being told Gabe had to meet Aaron, because they were long lost brothers, somehow identical twins in heart and personality. That was most certainly true, and they packed 20 years of friendship into 4 years. I only imagine what it would be like had the story turned out differently. We love and miss AP on the daily.
After knowing AP the majority of my life, he gave me my first teaching/coaching opportunity in Wiggins, CO in 2017. AP took me under his wing and mentored me as a teacher, coach, friend, and now father. We had many great times playing softball and coaching baseball together. AP was more than just a good friend, he was FAMILY. He taught me to keep grinding when setbacks happen, to give back to those less fortunate, and to not hold grudges.
This was the last time we were all together before we lost Aaron. We laughed at dinner about how Aaron can’t keep secrets because he told us all that they were having a girl and it reminded us of all the surprises he couldn’t keep from Lee.
Funeral Slide Show
