View Memory Book - Aaron Schulte Memorial Foundation

Transcription

TABLE OF CONTENTS
HIGH SCHOOL
4
HEIDI BANNING
JENNIFER CROSSEN
KILLIAN FUNK
KELSEY HUME
MEAGAN MANSFIELD
HEATHER MILT
GERMAINE NICHOLS
JACOB ROSENBLOOM
JESSICA ROTHSTEIN
DAN ROTHWELL
SHANNON SIMICH
KAREN SNODGRASS
NICK SORKKI
MATT TASSOS
STACY WILSON
5
5
5
6
8
9
10
10
12
12
13
13
15
15
16
COLLEGE
18
BEN ADAMS
BRYSON BEDE
BRAD CAHILL
BRYCE CLARY
MIKE DAMASCUS
PETER DENTON
ERIC DORMAIER
JESSICA ECHEVERRIA
HAMILTON GARDINER
GAVIN GAUKROGER
ANDREW GILBREATH
ANTHONY JANSEN
JEREMY KUHLMANN
JESSICA LAWRENCE
ANNA LEWISON
KRIS LINDQUIST
JEFF NELLANS
SEAN NEWELL
RYAN NILES
JEFF NITTROUER
STEVE PHAM
TAD RICHARDS
ANGELA SELLATI
MATT SHANNAHAN
TYLER SLONE
MATT TABLER
BRAD WALKER
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20
20
21
21
23
23
24
25
27
27
29
29
32
35
35
37
37
39
40
40
41
42
43
44
44
45
FAMILY AND FRIENDS
47
MICHELLE BECKHAM
BETSY CADWALLADER
CARON CAMPBELL
CHRIS CHAMBERS
MAGGIE CHAMBERS
AMANDA CLEARMAN
BRANDY COPENHAVER
DEBBIE CRUZ
KARLEE KUHLMANN
TIFFANY MCFREDERICK
ALANNA MERKLE
JESSICA MILTON
JUDY MOYER
ELIZABETH SANDUSKY
STEPHANIE SAWYERS
ALICIA STENERSON
LIANE SUGAI
JANE TAYLOR
NEYSA TURNER
MICHELLE WALTENBURG
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48
50
50
51
52
52
53
54
56
57
58
58
59
60
60
62
62
66
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HIGH SCHOOL 
MEMORIES
AARON CRAIG SCHULTE
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Heidi Banning
Aaron will always be remembered as a genuine, caring individual with a great sense
of humor. During high school Aaron always greeted me with a smile and a hello. His
Rocky themed skits and election speeches will be remembered by LOHS students and
teachers with a grin.
I really had the opportunity to spend time with Aaron this past fall at Stacy Wilson's
wedding in Sunriver, OR. Aaron greeted everyone directly with a sincere hello, never
mind the years that had gone by. This is where the teeny bopper music was blared
while fellow grads of 1999 danced the night away. My memories of Aaron will
always be that weekend frozen in time where no one had a worry and having fun was
the only thing on our minds.
Thank you Schulte family for sharing your son and brother with us.
- Heidi Banning
LAKE OSWEGO HS FRIEND
J ennifer Cros s en
Schulte and I became friends at Lake Oswego High School. Through out high school
Aaron and I had many classes together. He was my lab partner in Physics, and we
had History together one year. We would study at his house, I remember always
thinking that his music choice was hilarious. Bone Thugs followed by the Richous
Brothers. My favorite was driving in Schulte's car senior year and him signing at
the top of his lungs "The One" by the Backstreet Boys. He was so animated and
committed to his rendition of the group’s new hit single; it was priceless!!! Aaron was
an amazing friend and in looking over pictures and sharing memories of him, I
realize that Aaron was the one.
He was the one who had the best attitude. He was the one that always had a hand to
help. He was the one who had the biggest smile in every picture. He was the one you
turned to for advice. He was the one with the infectious laugh and a great story. He
was the one that you wanted to be around!
Aaron you will always be "The One."
- Jennifer Crossen
Killian Funk
Our sophomore year of college Aaron and Ben came down to Eugene for the UW UO football game rivalry. A few of us had made the trip up to Seattle the year prior, so
it was their turn. This trip would however begin Aaron's hatred of Eugene, Oregon,
and be one of just a couple trips ever. It had nothing to do with the outcome of the
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game though, nor the dirty hippies, pan-handling bums or the filth of Eugene in
itself. It was more related to being 'busted' by the famed Eugene 'Party Patrol' police
task force, (that we were fortunate enough to be found victims of during its short 6
month reign), that broke up our house party and handed out countless MIP's to us
minors and later aired on the local Eugene news. Our MIP's, required the diversion
class entitled "BUSTED" which necessitated Aaron's second and final trip to Eugene.
Aaron and Ben both hated UO even more than before after this ordeal.
- Killian FUnk
Kels ey Hume
When Aaron and I were 18 and getting ready to part our separate ways for college we
decided to write time capsule letters with our hopes and dreams for ourselves and each
other. We sealed them, exchanged them, and hid them away until a future date.
Although we never read them, I recall my letter went something like this:
August 1999
Dearest Aaron,
I’m not sure what age we will be when you are finally receiving this letter but I am
sure the time has gone fast. In fact, it seems like just yesterday when we first metfreshman year, global insights, with Mr. Helea, and you of course wearing your
favorite husky sweatshirt and Laker football hat. Little did I know at the time that it
wasn’t just your great personality and stunning looks that made me want to be your
friend but also your willingness to lend me your straight A book smarts.
•Aaron, May you take your dedication and discipline where ever you go.
It was easy to see there was something different and special about you when you ran
for class treasurer and no one would run against you for 4 years straight. It seemed
you didn’t have do or say much and people just wanted to be your friend.
•Aaron, May you take your contagious smile that lights up a room where ever you go.
You always seemed a little more mature then the rest and obviously the girls realized
this as you were a first pick for every dance. The running man to LL Cool J is a move
no one can forget. And we can’t forget the times we caught you practicing your dance
moves in front of the mirror or blaring Phil Collins, Backstreet Boys, and Michael
Jackson in your Teal Ford Contour. Oops, I have forgotten to ask, did you ever get that
dent out? I am still amazed to think that after I put your contour into first gear
instead of reverse when pulling out of a parking lot- forcing me to drive straight into
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the Land Rover in front of us…and you just walked to the front of the car, picked up
your smashed license plate, took note of the dent and then without an ounce of
frustration or anger asked if I was okay? Of course I was okay, but please continue
your promise to not tell your parents.
•Aaron, May you take your patience and unconditional love for others where ever you
go.
You are a very serious romantic who loves giving flowers, taking hot air balloon rides,
and having candlelight dinners but more importantly in my book you are an extreme
adventurer who looks for any kind of challenge. From the groups late night swims
when you unannounced to anyone else, swam across the lake and hide in a tree…later
informing us that you
were on a top secret Rambo
mission and needed to
maintain your post even
through
our
frantic
screams for you. …And
then
to
our
senior
Hawaiian Luau adventure
when you persistently
waved your hand to
volunteer for dancing on
stage the hula dance
wearing only a hula skirt
and two coconut shells. I
am still betting your hula dance was practiced!
•Aaron, May you take your desire for a challenge and adventure where ever you go.
In these past 4 years of our high school
lives, your accomplishments have
exceeded most….football and track
lettering, active participation in the
community service club, master of
snow skiing and slalom waterskiing,
senior year valentine king, Structure
“pant master” for the most sold cargo X
pants, receiving the award for Best
Personality and Lakerism scholarship,
mock trial, playing the part oh to well
of Rocky in our sophomore mayfete
skit, confirmation in the Catholic church, sustaining your value to not drink alcohol,
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your amazing driving record that only included one accident, an infraction of not
wearing your seatbelt due to a summer burn, and your 101 miles per hour speeding
ticket. You have led our school and your life with confidence, endearing morals,
strong purpose, and a great sense of humor.
•Aaron, My hopes and dreams for you are simple…May you continue to live each day
to the fullest and always find comfort in God’s plan for you.
No matter where our paths take us our memories and your smile will be forever etched
in my heart.
All my love, Kelsey
Aaron’s love of life and infectious personality
was enjoyed by countless others in his years
during and after college. Even through his
unexpected Rambo battle this past year; Aaron
maintained his dedication, strong discipline,
contagious smile, patience, unconditional love,
and amazing ability to take on a challenge.
Aaron has taken these qualities with him to a
place that is only suited for a King of his
caliber. The sunny beach of Heaven is the only
place deserving of my best friend.
- Kelsey Hume
BEST FRIEND
M eagan M ans field
Aaron and I went to junior high and high school together, and when I think of him
now I still picture him in his blue Ford Contour with a UW sweatshirt and LO baseball
hat. That was Aaron -- so dependable from his personality to his work ethic to what
he'd be wearing. Each day was a little different. Maybe he was quieter one day than
he'd been the day before and it was clear there was something on his mind, but he still
had that smile on his face and that steady saunter that said everything would be
back to normal soon.
Aaron and I spent a lot of time together in high school. I feel so fortunate to have had
a dependable and tight group of friends that stuck together through thick and thin
and just had fun, and Aaron was such a part of that. I specifically remember
sneaking out of my house one night with a friend and walking up Westlake to hang
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out with Aaron in his driveway. That was probably the extent of our rebellion back
then -- breaking the rules just to spend time with friends and nothing else. Even
when people started experimenting with other forms of rebellion, Aaron knew who he
was and never gave in just to be part of the group. He stood out just being himself -he didn't need anything or anyone else to confirm it.
Once, senior year, when Aaron was dating my best friend, I was having some
problems with it. I was feeling jealous and alone and, though I'm not proud of that
now, I was selfish. And Aaron reached out to me and asked me to get together for
coffee. We went and talked, and he asked me how I was feeling. That gesture was so
unselfish and pure, and the fact that he wanted to make sure I knew how much people
cared about me meant so much during a very confusing time in my life. Aaron is
one of the most unselfish and sincere people I will ever know, and I am so sorry that
the absolute worst thing has happened to someone who deserved only the best in life.
- Meagan Mansfield
JUNIOR HIGH AND HS FRIEND
Heather M ilt
Aaron had invited me several times to come out and visit him at the University of
Washington while I was deciding which school I wanted to go to. Despite his extremely
busy college schedule – classes, fraternity functions, sporting events, and his travels
to Italy – he still wanted to take me out for coffee and show me around campus. When
I received my acceptance letter from ‘U-Dub,’ the first people I emailed were Aaron and
my cousin, Kelsey, who had been in Italy at the time. Within hours, my inbox
had an email from Aaron Craig Schulte titled, ‘Congrats!’ stating how I had just
made the best decision of my life and insisting for me to come bless him with my
presence.
I’ve known Aaron for the last seven years, through my best friend and cousin, Kelsey
Hume. Before I had met him, I had heard so many great things about this Aaron
Schulte from Lake Oswego. My family could not stop talking about this amazing
guy that Kelsey was hanging out with; one that my uncle enjoyed talking to because
he knew sports and he bled those perfect colors of purple and gold. Whether I first met
Aaron at my aunt and uncles, or if I had met him at one of my cousin’s get-togethers
with her friends, I don’t remember. However, it is not the first time I met him that
reminds me of the always caring and loving person that Aaron was, but all the other
times that I spent with him that remind me of his smile, his laughter, and his ability
to care for others before himself.
Whether it was hanging out with Aaron at our family’s lake cabin (playing chicken
fight on the inner tubes or watching from the boat as he attempted to water-ski),
watching Aaron’s favorite, U2’s Live in Concert over winter break, or having Aaron
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AARON CRAIG SCHULTE
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come to my rescue at a Thursday night fraternity party, it was always a great time.
What I have learned from Aaron is the ability to love all, to laugh out loud, and to keep
a smile on my face no matter what the circumstance. When I hear the words of U2’s,
“It’s a Beautiful Day,” I will always remember that smiling face that brought love and
laughter to everyone around him.
- Heather Milt
KELSEY HUME’S COUSIN
Germaine Nichols
Aaron was such an amazing person, there are so many memories that come to mind
when I think of him. One memory is that purple husky sweatshirt that, I sometimes
felt was just his uniform in High School! Everyone new that Aaron loved the Huskies,
among other things. Such as music and dancing, he loved to have the stereo
"bumping" in his green ford contour as he would drive around LO or think he was part
of the Indy 500 on the way to the coast, for a camping trip, or just a scavenger hunt
around LO.
I won't ever forget the trip to Hawaii that we took, and the Luau not most guys would
VOLUNTEER to get up in a pink hula skirt and dance in front of everyone! Or when
we all thought that we were helping Aaron out and basically putting him through
"drinking boot camp" at Zack's house, since Aaron was one of the few in our group
that wouldn't drink in High School some of the boys felt that he needed a night of
drinking before college, so that he would know his limit! I am not sure if that was
such a great idea, but at the time it seemed like a good one. I remember him doing
push-ups between drinks, trying to prove that he could still handle more. Or he was
just showing off his muscles!!
Aaron was the type of friend that you can not explain in just words; he was one of a
kind. I will never forget his smile, or laugh, or just the way he would extend his arm
and point to you, as to make sure you knew that he saw you.
- Germaine Nichols
J acob Ros enbloom
Two things resonated with me about Aaron’s service today. Ben spoke about the
superhuman strength and courage Aaron displayed throughout the last year, and the
priest mentioned how he felt that in Aaron’s final days it was Aaron who was
ministering to him. For those of you who were unable to be with him during his
sickness, I want you to understand just how remarkable his attitude was. Ben used
the term indestructible to describe him, and it is perfect word choice. Two weekends ago
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I came back home to see
Aaron one last time
and was fortunate to be
able to spend a few
hours alone with him,
just 19 hours before he
passed away.
The first question I
asked my dear old
friend was if he was
comfortable. Given his
condition, I did not expect a response, and certainly not a verbal one. He looked at me
and said, “I try to be.” I then asked him if he was in any pain. “No, are you in any
pain?” he asked.
Later in the morning, Tiffany and Kathy joined me in the room. It seemed Aaron was
trying to say something, but the sedatives and his advanced condition prevented full
speech. All I could make out was “Mehch chuh sream”. Kathy and I listened closely to
decipher the words but had no success. Finally, Tiffany said, “I think he’s saying he
wants mint chocolate chip ice cream.” Aaron’s responded: “Yes!”
I always knew Aaron to be the strongest and happiest person in the world. My visit
with him on his last day in it will shine in my memory forever, and I hope we can all
take something from his humbling and fearless outlook on life, and death.
During my last visit with Aaron he
said to me the following: “tell all my
friends I’m here and I’m thinking
about them.” Thank you so much for
everything you taught us Aaron,
we’re here, and we’re thinking about
you.
- Jacob Rosenbloom
LIFE LONG FRIEND
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AARON CRAIG SCHULTE
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J es s ica Roths tein
Becoming friends with Aaron at the start of the 7th grade, introduced by mutual
friends Zack Shleifer and Andrew Goldberg, I got to watch a great young guy
become an amazing young man. Throughout the years we were in school together he
impacted so many lives, mine included. I can't remember a moment of him ever being
rude or cruel to anyone, I have always seen him as someone who is genuine, caring,
and motivated to do good for humanity. I was always impressed with his intelligence,
wit & humor, and curiosity to learn more. But the thing that stands out the most in
the many memories that I have of my friendship with Aaron is his smile, one that
could be seen down the dark hallway of "the dungeon" during our freshman year,
across the gym floor when he won as a prince for the senior valentine's day dance, and
when we first met in 7th grade with his Huskies hat on.
I remember playing basketball with him during lunch in 7th & 8th grade - he
included me as the token girl of the group. I remember him being at countless Bar
Mitzvah parties during those two years and having so much fun with him on the
dance floor, what a dancer! I remember going to sports camp with him and Andrew –
the girls were always asking about my good friend Aaron and wanted to know if he
had a girlfriend! I remember getting to go to the leadership retreat with him and
talking about how we were going to make a difference in the school, take charge and
leave our mark. I remember cheering him on in the football games, he shined on the
field. I remember the PAS retreat and talking about how since “we were already
making a difference in the school why should we stop there, let’s make a difference in
the world”. I remember hanging out at Andrew’s house just being teen-agers and him
telling me life gets better/easier as we get older and wiser. I remember the Close Up trip
and how inspired he was being in the Nations Capital. I remember him as Rocky &
another year as Hutch during the May Fete skits - he stole the show and had the
audience laughing and cheering! I remember him being so passionate about his bill
during Youth & Gov't. And when we were voting for our class of '99 hall of fame, for
the best personality, he was the first person who came to my mind; I think everyone
else in our class felt the same way!
In the short time that I was blessed to be Aaron’s friend, he taught me how to experience
life, love my friends and family, and to always be grateful for everyday. Aaron will
always be in my heart and I will carry out his legacy by trying to teach others what
he so beautifully taught to me.
- Jessica Rothstein
Dan Rothwell
I knew Aaron in high school. What can I say? Aaron was the type of guy that could
walk into a room and make it a happier place. Wherever Aaron went a bright, shiny
light seemed to follow. Aaron and I were not close friends but I knew that he was an
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amazing person who would always do the right thing. Each time we crossed paths I
got the sense that Aaron was someone I would like to know more and would likely
reciprocate the feeling if given the chance.
Our lives went different paths post high school but I felt like if I ever saw Aaron again,
it would be just like old times. If Aaron saw me in a crowd he would rush over to me
and say, "How's it going big guy?" Unlike so many other people who would simply
pass by. Not often enough in life do we encounter individuals who share the zest and
love of life like Aaron. I have only fond memories of Aaron and he will be missed
greatly and remembered eternally.
- Dan Rothwell
Shannon Simich
When I think of Aaron many things come to mind but there is something that will
always put a smile on my face: the memories of our many dance parties we used to
have. It all started sophomore year in high school when all of the Lake Oswego crew
began to hang out every weekend together. I believe the first dance party experience was
at my 16th birthday party. We turned my garage into the dance floor and from
every party there on out at my house everyone always knew where they could find
Aaron, dancing his heart out in the garage!! In fact to prove he was always out there
busting a move on the make shift dance floor, I have pictures of him in action with
my 2 younger sisters by their selves when everyone else was in family room watching
a movie. Eventually our dance parties moved into the house from the garage, you
could often catch Aaron watching himself in the mirror above the fireplace perfecting
his moves. It quickly became a big joke between all of us. Aaron was always up for
having a good time and hanging out, and most of the time it included music. If we
weren't dancing in the garage or the house we were riding around town singing and
grooving to the music in the car while every other driver on the road passed us staring.
There are many things that remind me of high school and our wonderful group of
friends but everytime I hear LL Cool J or Tupac on the radio I admit I turn it up and
smile thinking about the good ol' days with dance parties in the garage of
Greensborough Court and Aaron with his backwards hat doing the running man.
- Shannon Simich
Karen Snodgras s
One of my favorite times with Aaron was his 21st birthday. Jennifer, Brian (fellow
Lakers) and I decided to drive from U of O to Seattle and surprise Aaron for his
birthday. When Aaron saw us sitting in his bedroom, the first word out of his mouth
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was "INCREDIBLE!" We had an fantastic weekend and made many memories that I
cherish.
This is my favorite memory because when I reflect on my friend Aaron there is one
constant word that comes to my mind...incredible. Incredible strength, incredible
spirit, incredible smile, incredible laugh, incredible kindness, incredible outlook on
life, incredible generosity - an incredible friend.
- Karen Snodgrass
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Nick Sorkki
One of my fondest memories of Aaron was during our High School field trip to
Washington D.C. We arrived in Washington and got settled in at the hotel. There were
probably a couple hundred kids in all, as there were schools from all over the country.
We were assigned to groups and given a group chaperone, who would look after us
during the trip. Aaron, I, and our friend David Fox were all in the same group. All
three of us have a passion for aviation and we couldn't wait to see to the Smithsonian
Air and Space Museum. Unfortunately the trip to the museum was scheduled on the
second to last day, with only a couple of hours to explore. Aaron schemed up an idea to
sneak out of the Senate tour and pretend we got "lost". I was very hesitant at first but I
figured if Aaron was gonna do it, I was gonna do it too. So on our way to the House of
Representatives, Aaron carefully planned our escape. He waited for just the right
moment and grabbed David and I and we ran down the hall and up to the street-level.
We quickly figured out how to navigate the streets of Washington D.C. by utilizing
the sub-way and a quick-reference map. Looking back on it, it probably wasn't the
smartest of ideas but it was sure fun. We headed straight to the Air and Space
Museum where we spent hours taking it all in. We timed our departure from the
museum, so we would arrive at the hotel before the rest of our tour group. Aaron
orchestrated an alibi, so we wouldn't get in trouble. We entered the hotel and went
straight to our rooms. Along the way we ran into some of our other group members
who said that we were in a lot of trouble. Apparently our chaperone freaked out when
she couldn't find us. She left our group-mates with another chaperone and set out to
find us. Apparently she had spent close to $100 on cab fares searching the city for us.
Needless to say, the organizers of the program weren't very happy with our actions
and they didn't believe our alibi either. We got a firm scolding and were sent back to
our rooms. The next day we ended up going to the Air and Space Museum with the
entire group. It was a lot of fun but it wasn't as fun as the previous day's adventure. It
was one of the best experiences of my life. I don't feel good about making that poor
chaperone worry like she did, but it was worth it. I will always remember going to the
Air and Space Museum with Aaron and David.
- Nick Sorkki
M att Tas s os
A few things I won't forget about Aaron 1 - His first night drinking over at Zack Shleifer's
house. Instead of taking it slow Aaron decided it was
a good idea to take several shots in a row. For about an
hour he was dancing around Zack's house until it
finally hit him and he was down for the count. He
spent the rest of the evening vomiting into a trash can.
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2 - Our Hawaii trip after high school. I specifically
remember Aaron volunteering to go up on stage
during our Luau and he wore a grass skirt and
coconuts on his pecks. He danced around on stage
while the crowd cheered.
3 - My first and only UW football game was with
Aaron. I drove up from Eugene and Aaron was able
to get me tickets to the game. I actually bought a UW t-shirt and to this day is the
only piece of Washington Husky clothing that I own (and will ever own ;-) )
4 - During H.S. we have Mayfete skits which
are performed in front of the entire high school
and parents/friends. Each class competes
against each other. During our Senior Skit
Aaron played the part of Rocky. He had his
shirt off and I especially won't forget that he
did a bunch of push ups just before he ran out
on stage to make sure his muscles looked even
bigger.
Fun times.....I'll miss him
- Matt Tassos
Stacy Wils on
I have so many treasured memories with Aaron it is hard to think of just one to share.
One thing is for sure…no matter what you did with Aaron he had an incredible
ability to make you laugh and smile and feel like the most important person in the
room. Aaron was an amazing friend, always willing to truly listen, no matter what
was going on with him and always up for anything. I never heard Aaron complain or
not want to do something. He was always enjoying life to the fullest extent possible
and always “making things happen.”
Aaron and I became good friends in high
school and fortunately went to college only an
hour away from each other. During the high
school and college years we had many good
times on the river water skiing, wakeboarding,
and knee-boarding. Aaron was always up for
a good challenge and as in everything he did
he gave any water sport 120%. One day we
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asked him if he wanted to knee-board, Aaron immediately responded sure – what is it?
After a few face plants into the river and some great facial expressions which left all of
us in the boat in hysterics, Aaron was mastering 360 degree turns and jumping over
the wake. Afterwards he jumped in the boat and confidently asked any of us could
out do him. Of course a couple of the guys couldn’t just sit back – they all gave this
new knee board a run for its money….but I think Aaron was the true master by the
end of the day.
On many weekend nights in high school when the usual group wasn’t hanging out at
Shannon’s house, the bowling alley, or the ice skating rank we would go on scavenger
hunts. I think this was Aaron’s favorite…as it was the perfect Rambo mission. We
would split into teams and set out driving around LO trying to find miscellaneous
items such as life jackets, burger king hats, McDondald bags, slurpee cups, etc before
the other team. When you were on Aaron’s team you didn’t just jump in the car and
go….you took a moment to strategize the best route to take in order to grab all the
items without doubling back over your track…and of course once we set out to retrieve
the items it was imperative that the Backstreet Boys or NSYNC were playing in
Aaron’s green Contour.
As I mentioned no matter what we did everyone was all smiles and had a wonderful
time. The only thing that seemed to matter in high school was that we were all
together even if we weren’t doing anything. Aaron gave us all the greatest gifts to
treasure…memories.
- Stacy Wilson
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COLLEGE 
MEMORIES
AARON CRAIG SCHULTE
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Ben
Adams
Sometimes the things left unsaid are the things we most regret. Aaron, with this in
mind there are a few things I need to tell you:
Aaron,
I always got the sense that you were one step
ahead of us in life. You were just far enough
ahead to teach us what mattered and make us
laugh about the rest.
For example, when we first met in high school, I
didn’t know what to make of your resounding
commitment to never
swear, drink a drop of
alcohol, or settle for anything less than the leading regional
x-pants salesman. But through the courage of your
conviction you taught me what it meant to be strong willed
and tough minded.
In college, I was confused when you so eagerly enrolled in
hip-hop dance classes, bragged about your obsession with
Britney Spears and proudly made questionable fashion
statements. But through your indestructible self-confidence
you taught me the importance of staying true to yourself.
After graduation, I was mystified by your unspoken infatuation with the city of
Tacoma. While it wasn’t for a lack of trying, I was never able to convince you to move.
But secretly I understood why. For through your dedication to the Mary Bridge
Children’s Hospital and the Tacoma medical community, you taught me the
importance of emphatically pursuing a passion.
Aaron, by letting me into your life you
taught me many things. But perhaps
most importantly, you taught me how
to be a true friend. The consistency and
passion of your friendship made us all
feel like the most important person in
the world. Whether in a coffee shop in
Italy, on a beach in Mexico, or in the
middle of nowhere at the Gorge you
connected with us, brought us into
your world and shared your
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enthusiasm for life. Armed with the world’s most contagious smile, you were
everyone’s best friend and you made sure that we never took life too seriously.
Over the years you taught me many things. But I
will always hold dearest what you shared with us on
our last days together. In your most steady and
sincere voice you explained, “Life isn’t about how hard
you hit, it is about how hard you can get hit and keep
moving forward.” As with all things in your life,
Aaron, you embodied what you taught us. For some
reason, life kept testing you with its punches. But even when life knocked you down,
you got right back up. You kept fighting, you kept pushing and eventually you won.
Aaron, I need you to know that you won. You won because even on your toughest days
you never gave up. You always believed in yourself and didn’t let anything hold you
back from living your life. You define courage and nobody will ever forget that.
Aaron, you have been my life for the past fifteen years. You have selflessly given me
your support and provided endless inspiration, but now it is my turn. It is my turn to
lead my life in remembrance of you. Let me embody what made us all love you so
much. Let me celebrate your accomplishments. And let me lead others to live their lives
how you so gracefully pursued yours.
- Ben Adams
FIJI – CLASS OF 2003
Brys on Bede
One of the best stories that I remember about Aaron was traveling up to Whistler for
Kris Lindquist’s Bachelor Party. We were walking home from a night of drinking up
the hill to the place we were staying. I started running up the hill and fell into a ditch
and twisted my ankle. I was in a ton of pain. As I looked up Aaron turned around
and said “You’re fine don’t worry, I have cancer.” It made all of the pain go away. It
was not because he wanted people to feel sorry for him. He always wanted to make
people laugh and have a good time. That is one thing that I will always remember
about Aaron, he always had a positive attitude no matter what the situation was.
Miss ya bud!
- Bryson Bede
Brad Cahill
Of all the qualities Aaron possessed, the one that stood out most to me was his zest for
life. He was always so upbeat and positive, and that type of energy just rubbed off on
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everybody. One memory I will always treasure is when Aaron and I took a fraternity
prank to a new level. Each year, our house had a night when we would storm into the
Gamma Phi Beta sorority house with water guns and act like children while
partaking in a water fight. Needless to say, I think Aaron actually believed he was
Rambo because he and I went through that house with super-soakers on a mission to
take out every girl in sight…no matter what. We roamed the halls like kids, moving
slyly around the house as if we were on a real “dangerous” mission. By the end of the
night, the girls weren’t too happy with us but I was so happy to have experienced the
“mission” with Aaron. He was a kid at heart, and he never forgot that.
- Brad Cahill
Bryce Clary
I was fortunate enough to have known Aaron for the past eight years when we both
joined the Fiji House in the fall of 1999. It was easy to see why everyone liked Aaron.
He was always smiling, happy, positive, and always willing to help out no matter the
circumstance. One of my last experiences with Aaron exemplified the kind of person
he was. A group of us traveled to Spokane for Hoopfest while Aaron was being treated
with chemotherapy, and even though he was in pain and tired he still made the trip
anyway to be with everyone. Well, during one of the games I got injured and tore my
achilles tendon in my leg. After Jeremy helped me to the medical tent, Aaron came
around the corner to see how I was doing and to make sure I was OK. He even offered
some of his own pain medication since he knew I wouldn't have any. Here's Aaron
battling cancer and in the middle of chemotherapy making sure that I'm comfortable
and the I'm OK. That's just a small example of the kind of person Aaron was. He is
truly a great person and an even better friend in every sense of the word. I will miss
Aaron.
- Bryce Clary
M ike Damas cus
I met Aaron Schulte my freshman year in college at the
University of Washington. We both joined the Fiji house in
the fall of 1999 and lived together there until the spring of
2003. Through our eight short but priceless years of
knowing each other I grew to love Aaron as one of my closest
friends. I honestly can’t think of a favorite memory I
shared with him so I’ll just talk about some of the wonderful
qualities he exemplified throughout his life.
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Aaron was always positive. For this reason I always enjoyed being around him.
Throughout college I would constantly stress about the next test around the corner or
the huge paper that was due. To combat the stress, I found that I would frequently go
to Aaron’s room and his presence alone would put me at ease. Even when things
looked bad, he always found some way to reassure me that things would be okay. As
one would expect, it was annoying at times dealing with a perpetual optimist, however
I admired him for this quality and strived to be like him constantly.
Aaron had a warm, loving heart. Whenever Aaron and I greeted each other (or parted
ways), we did so with a hug rather than a handshake. I could see it in his eyes that he
genuinely cared for me. Although we only knew each other for eight short years, I felt
as close to him as any of my other childhood friends. I frequently talked to him
about problems and he would offer sound, genuine advice. He was someone I could
always count on to offer me advise that was truly in my best interest. Thanks
Aaron.
Aaron had the gift of gab. He could talk to anyone. Sometimes I would look at him
and wonder how he did it, or if it was something that I could learn. I studied the way
he interacted with others because he had a magical way of gravitating people towards
him. He was truly a special person. I can’t think of a person who didn’t like Aaron…I
think that speaks for itself.
Aaron stood for what he believed in. He was never embarrassed/ashamed for any of
his actions (Let me remind you that those actions included taking a Janet Jackson
dance class and carrying a “man purse” just to name a few). He didn’t care what
people thought of him and that made him who he was. A truly admirable quality—
one I have tried to adopt myself with minimal success.
Aaron had a great sense of humor. He was
constantly laughing.
His laughter was
contagious. I believe laughter creates the
shortest distance between two people. Because
of this, Aaron was able to be so close with
everyone he came into contact with and was
able to touch so many people. Aaron would
always joke that he “hated the Greeks” (I am Spartan) and he wanted to marry my
little sister. Of all my friends, with Shannahan obviously being the last choice, I
guess I can admit that he would have been a more than suitable choice for her ☺.
These are just a few of the qualities Aaron possessed that I admired about him.
Throughout life I constantly strive to adopt them for myself and live the life that he
didn’t get a chance to live. Some people don’t need to be on Earth for long to make a
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significant impact on others. Aaron was one of these people. He certainly influenced
me in the most positive of ways and I will forever miss and never forget him.
Speaking from his endless loving heart, I know Aaron would have said it was an
honor to have died knowing you…well Aaron, as the Spartans say, it was an honor to
have lived knowing you.
- Mike Damascus
Peter Denton
It's so hard to write something like this because all that I can think about is how cool
and nice Aaron was. He's just one of those special people who are always smiling;
always have something nice to say; definitely an inspiration to those around them
and to me. Its so few and far in between that you find someone really sincere who
means what they say but Aaron was that person...straight from the heart with
nothing but good intentions. I wish that Aaron was in my class for would have
certainly wanted to know him on that level. He is surely still here with us all.
- Peter Denton
Eric Dor maier
My favorite memory of Schulte is from the first day I moved into the fraternity. He
was my upperclassman roommate, and I was to be his freshman. He was living in
room # 209, which is one of the smallest rooms our fraternity has to offer, and his
quarters consisted of a single bed, one very small desk, a 10" television, two
disturbingly small closets, and a poster from the movie "Blue Crush" (later a discount
futon was added). Upon seeing the desktop computer that I had recently purchased
with my graduation money, Aaron informed me that there "just isn't enough room for
my new computer and that I would have to take it home ... sorry". I couldn't tell if he
was serious or not, but after a quick discussion, he helped me rig up the pc so that it fit
inside of my closet. Aaron was generous enough to allow the blue lawn chair that
served as my computer chair to be stored in the room. For the remainder of my first
quarter at the University of Washington, I spent my time studying Oceans 101, and
writing English 111 papers in my blue lawn chair with my keyboard on my knees
and my computer mouse at my side on the floor; with Aaron studying beside me. He
was always quick to help and offer advice when I needed it. Aaron was a good friend,
both kind and caring, and helped me take first few steps in a new city, which is
something that I will never forget.
- Eric Dormaier
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J es s ica Echeverria
Dear Aaron,
This letter may seem a little odd, especially since we were only physically friends for
about four months. And in the past five years, we’ve written or spoken only a
handful of times; but I’ve come to realize in my short life that time and space are
truly relative in terms of love and friendship. What I learned from you measures
beyond the days I spent at a desk in school, or the vast rolling hills of Italy, or the
silly pangs of unreciprocated love.
We traveled with opposite bags on our backs. Mine-filled with books and explanations
of what I was looking at, and yours- postcards and funny stories to share with your
loved ones back home (and cheesy music that horrifies me till this day). One day, we
climbed up a hill and stood before a quilt of land. You reached over and pushed down
my camera lens and said “Take it in before you memorialize it”.
I live(d) in a world of words and you lived in a world of people. And words fail me
tonight. They pale in comparison to your life and the life you were meant to live out.
They pale in comparison to your laugh and the joy you found in everyone and
everything. Words fail me in describing the earnestness in which you spoke to
everyone. I can’t claim that I fully understand what your life meant I leave that for
your loved ones and those who knew you best.
This elegy goes beyond the words of John Dunne: “Any man's death diminishes me,
because I am involved in Mankind; And therefore never send to know for whom the
bell tolls; it tolls for thee”. While it is true that a death diminishes a person, your life
however will forever enrich mine and the lives of many others. You offered me a
friendship that was genuine and pure. One rarely found in today’s society. I will
always carry with me a conversation we had in a café in Florence. We sat sipping the
greatest hot chocolate in the world and I sat wining about my life. You looked at me,
stared straight into my eyes, and said “What’s wrong with you? You’re great, you
just have to realize that and not settle for anything less. Look at everything around
you…”. Thank you for that. I can’t fully describe what that meant for me at that
time in my life and till this day; but, I make a conscience effort to spend my days
being grateful for what I have rather than complain. This is the least I can do in your
honor.
You will be greatly missed.
- Jessica Echeverria
FRIEND – FLORENCE TRIP
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Hamilton Gardine r
“Memories shared at Aaron’s Celebration”
I was privileged enough to have known Aaron for the past eight years. Aaron and his
family made a very positive and long lasting effect on my life.
When I first heard about Aaron’s celebration I knew he would want it to be fun, lively,
etc. and most of all be a party. His Aunt Jane mentioned to me that Aaron did not
want people to wear black at his party. After hearing this I thought to myself, “Is
Aaron telling me I need to go shopping?” So, I
did. BUT, unlike Aaron, I wasn’t able to find
something I liked. I know he’ll forgive me for
that.
Aaron was an extremely caring person. Even
if you only met him once or had one
conversation with him he would become your
friend and genuinely interested in your life.
Aaron was the life of the party. If he wasn’t there everyone was wishing he could have
made it. When he did make it to the party the room would simply light up, his
presence would make the party that much better. On a side note…Aaron rarely missed
a party.
Aaron made the extra effort as a friend. Some friends in our lives tend to be there
when you need them most and when you just want to have fun. Aaron was
undoubtedly that person in my life.
“My last real party night with Aaron Schulte, December, 15, 2006”
The last time I went out on the town with Aaron was simply a classic night. It started
off with happy hour at Stanley & Seaforts, next to his place for some wine, then, to
The Swiss for some live music and finally to The Loft for some club-ish dancing.
This is where Aaron shined that night. Our group of seven to ten people just so
happened to be the only group of people in this fairly large club, but that didn’t stop
Aaron from leading the charge onto the dance floor. While on the dance floor Aaron
eventually found some large boxes/platforms to stand and dance on. While he may
have been having a blast on the platform, the bouncer thought otherwise and kicked
him off of the platform…stating “girls only.” Of course, Aaron would have nothing to
do with this and proceeded to negotiate with the bouncer so he could get back up there. I
wish I could say he won the battle, but it didn’t turn out that way. Nonetheless Aaron
danced the rest of the night away with all of his friends at the club.
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“The notorious Pamela Anderson grab on New
Years Eve 2004-2005”
As one of the favorite college and beyond pasttimes Aaron and I went up to Whistler as often
as we could. There are a couple of big
mountains up there, but the main focus tended
to be on the bars and clubs later in the
evenings. On New Years Eve 2004-2005 a
group of guys came up to Whistler and booked tickets into the VIP room at Garfinkles
night club. We had to pay a little extra, but the money was well worth the price of
admission for this story alone. Earlier in the day Aaron had spotted Pamela Anderson
walking around the village and we joked as a group that it would be hilarious if she
was in the same club as us. As it turns out, she was! The night progressed as expected,
drinks, dancing and girls, but the real focus for Aaron was how to touch or talk to
Pam. His first attempt came as she headed towards the restroom, but as his hand
proceeded towards Pam’s shoulder a bodyguard gave him the karate chop and his
opportunity was lost. The second attempt came as she returned from the restroom and
Aaron had placed himself in a more strategic position. As she walked by and the
bodyguard was not looking Aaron reached in between the people and SUCCESS he got
a hold of Pamela Anderson’s side. His hand was quickly removed from her person by
the closest bodyguard, but the touch and moment still remains.
Aaron Schulte was an amazing person and an
incredible friend. I will forever hold fond
memories of times with him and his amazing
life close to my heart. Aaron will undoubtedly
be missed.
- Hamilton Gardiner
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Gavin Gaukroger
I remember Aaron Schulte. I remember Aaron being a selfless and kind person. I am
a fraternity brother of Aaron's and while I only knew him for a few years, I feel like I
knew him well. That is the kind of person Aaron was. He was honest and had
immense integrity and he always seemed to be first in line to put others before
himself. He was friendly without guile and he brought boundless energy to whatever
he was doing. It was a privilege to know him and I will always remember him.
- Gavin Gaukroger
Andrew Gilbreath
“It’s the best!”
Though I will love and cherish the many memories of
my amazing friendship with Aaron, I cannot begin
to come up with a story that shows his true value to
me. Through losing Aaron, I have come upon a few
salient facts. One; no matter how someone knew him,
people thought that Aaron was an amazing person.
He treated others with respect, compassion and
honesty; honored his unwavering values; excelled in
both physical and mental challenges; was incredibly
outgoing and adventurous; and had a great sense of humor and a laugh that was far
more addicting than the most potent drug. Two: people loved being around him. No
matter what you were doing with Aaron, you were happy. So many people will hold
close the incredible times that they spent with him, while at the same time selfishly
mourn that new stories cannot be formed. Three: (and most importantly) for those
fortunate enough to really be close to him, Aaron made you a better person. But how?
It didn’t matter whether he had just taken the last sip of an ice-cold Corona on the
sandy beaches of Cabo, or if we had just finished jamming to Toto’s Africa back in
Seattle in some fusty room in the Fiji house. Aaron would turn to me with his
contagious grin, and a look in his eye and
say, “Gilly, It’s the Best!” He would always
say it, and I always loved it. It’s my favorite
Schulte quote! In saying those three words,
Aaron would place ultimate value on whatever
we were talking about, whether it was an object
or experience. Even if the thing he was
referring to wasn’t “the best” in my opinion, in
saying those words I had to value that thing,
because he did. If nothing else, we could at
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least have a good laugh.
This is the closest I can get to summarizing how Aaron lived his life. I feel that he
focused on the best parts of life, choosing to see the good in things instead of the bad.
Not only the good, “The Best”. To say that he was never negative would be ignorant
and cliché, but his outlook on life was truly amazing, and honestly impacted
everyone he interacted with. In life, there are stimuli, actions, and reactions. It is our
perceptions of these things that gives everything context and meaning. To be so close
to someone that had such an incredible perception of life can only be contagious. I feel
that it was his cognizance that made him such an amazing person, made people love
being around him, and made others better people.
I essentially missed the boat on hearing some critically negative information about
Aaron’s battle with cancer. I was out of town when they found the re-occurrence in
December and didn’t hear about it until weeks later. Then when I came home from
spring break, my roommate Mike told me that I better get down to Oregon to say
goodbye. Needless to say, my psyche was completely shattered as I began to make the
saddest journey of my short life. But when I looked into the eyes of my sick friend,
and saw his incredible strength for one last time, I knew that everything was going to
be fine. Aaron Schulte... you are the best.
“Lecture Visit”
Aaron use to have the dumbest voice-mail recording. "[Automated female voice] Please
leave your message for... [Aaron's voice] Aaaaron SchulTE!..." We always made fun
of how he said it, and it was cause for much laughter. On a normal day in the Fiji
house you would hear "Aaaaaron SchulTE!" echoing throughout the halls. Any
random moment called for it. One day Aaron and I were sitting in a organic
chemistry lecture in the largest lecture hall on campus, Kane 130. This was the worst
class we had ever had. We would fend of slumber while our Chinese professor with an
extremely thick accent would read an overhead from a photocopied page of our book (as
if organic chemistry lectures need help to be boring). As we sit in the middle of class,
we hear a yell from the back of the hall: "Aaaaaron SchulTE!!!" Immediately hundreds
of heads turn to see what the hell was going on in the back of the class. Schulte and I
stare at each-other wide eyed and begin to bust into laughter. We both immediately
knew that our friend Mike Damascus had come into a door in back of class, knowing
we were in there, yelled his name, and ran out. Our professor breaks his trance from
the overhead, stares to the back of the class, and then states, "Well... that won't be on
the test," and continues with the lecture. It was hilarious.
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“Doose”
As I have recently heard the infamous Doose capturing
story, in most accounts it’s been told that Mitch and
Aaron returned the bird at the end of Grass Skirt. For
those of you that were in our class, you should
remember what kind of shape Mitch was in after that
party. If you don't, a certain after party involving a
pony keg, a batman suite, a black permanent marker,
and a lack of clothes might jog your memory. In any
case, Mitch was in no shape to help return Doose, so I
helped. I say with certainty that Doose did not want to leave the party. He was
incredibly hard to capture, but eventually we got him. Though we didn't exactly place
him back into the pen that they got Doose from, I did not see any of his natural
predators in the area that we let him loose. I actually don't really know if dooses have
any natural predators, but that is beside the point. In any case, I can't help but want
to have my name stamped into the legendary life of Aaron Schulte
- Andrew Gilbreath
Anthony J ans en
Much attention from your fraternal friends has been place on how much you enjoyed
life, desired fun. I thought that maybe I would speak briefly about what I admire most
about you, and your enduring character. Never in my short 26 years have I come
across an individual so willing to offer unconditional friendship at first
introduction. You never judge others based on outward appearance; rather focusing on
the good that lye’s in everyone. This is your trait Aaron—practiced to perfection—the
part of you I ask to take moving forward in my life. Rest well my friend.
- Anthony Jansen
J eremy Kuhlmann
“We gotta make it happen”
What I remember most about Aaron was his ability to ‘make it happen’. For everyone
that knew Aaron well, I guarantee that they heard him say at one point or another, ‘we
gotta make it happen’. Most of the time, without Aaron’s persistence, energy, and
sheer will to ‘make it happen’, the rest of us may never have created what are now our
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most cherished memories. He was always calling me with a new vacation idea,
weekend trip, or way for us to get the most out of life.
The first time Aaron and I ‘made it happen’ was during
our sophomore year in college when we made an
impromptu trip to see U2 at the Tacoma Dome. Neither
one of us had a car or tickets to the concert, but what did
we do? We made it happen. I remember coming back to
the Fiji house after class that afternoon and wondering,
is this guy serious? What were we going to do, start
knocking on other peoples’ doors in the fraternity
asking to borrow their car? It wasn’t like we wanted to go run a quick errand; we
wanted the car for the night to drive to Tacoma. After about the tenth door, we found a
car. We left Seattle late that afternoon; arriving in Tacoma with what we hoped was
enough cash to scalp 2 tickets to the show. Within minutes of our arrival, we secured
tickets at face value. It was clearly meant to be. After rocking out to U2 for over two
and a half hours that night, Aaron and I were fans for life. We enjoyed the show so
much; we got on our cell phones as we were driving back to the house and organized a
U2 after party. We must have listened to U2 until 3 am that night.
In the years that followed, Aaron and I would
attend two other U2 shows. One in Seattle in
April 2005 and the other in Portland in
December 2005. I especially remember the leadup to the Portland show. Aaron and I knew it
was the last show of their American tour and
would surely make it a difficult ticket to
obtain. In addition, given the show was on
December 19th, we were both concerned about driving to Portland so close to Christmas
and blowing a bunch of money on ourselves. That being said, we went with our usual
plan of not buying tickets before hand and rolling the dice with the scalpers. As the
date of the show came closer, Aaron and I were watching ticket prices on eBay shoot
through the roof. Two general admission floor tickets with a face value of $50 each
were going for upwards of $500 a piece! We remained calm, for we had done this twice
before and at this point had the process down to a science. The outrageous ticket prices
sparked an interesting conversation on the ride to Portland that night I will never
forget. Aaron and I discussed having no regrets in life, living each day to its fullest
and not letting obstacles like no transportation, tickets, money, or common sense for
that matter, get in the way, because you just never know what life may have in store
for you. Aaron would find out a short 4 months later, he was diagnosed with colon
cancer. Although we paid $200 each for our floor tickets that night, the memory
would last a lifetime.
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“Let’s Do Coffee”
There were a few things I wanted to tell Aaron in the final weeks
of his life. There are the obvious ones – how much he meant to
me as a friend. the lasting impact his legacy would leave on so
many others he inspired through living his life, and the
unforgettable moments we shared throughout our seven years
together. Then came the one that I’m not sure he saw coming. I
wanted Aaron to know what he taught me about the power of
simple communication. Aaron was a great communicator. If
memory serves me correctly, he even taught an experimental
college class on the subject at some point. He was the first guy
to ever offer to go to coffee and “talk”. It didn’t really matter
what either of us wanted to talk about necessarily, just that we
always knew we could depend on each other for someone to listen. I still remember the
first time Aaron offered to listen. We were studying one day during our sophomore
year at the local Tully’s coffee located in the Meany Hotel. This was a preferred
location due to its cushy chairs, large tables, and hotel lobby area that doubled as a
nice living room for fraternity guys used to living in much rougher
accommodations. I believe it was a Sunday just after a week that included a few
parties. Aaron had witnessed my interactions with a particular girl and knew that it
was weighing on my mind. Without going into details - Aaron asked me if I wanted
to talk about it. Although I had girls as friends in high
school in college that I would talk to about these things, I’m
pretty sure Aaron was the first guy friend I had that ask
me to talk about these things. I quickly responded with
“no, I’m ok…I’ll let you know if I want to talk about it”.
Despite my initial hesitance, an hour and a half later, we
had finished our first talk. We would have many such
talks throughout college. Didn’t matter what was going on;
but if either of us wanted to talk we would just say “we
gotta do coffee this week” and that meant we had something to discuss.
I made sure during our last “talk” in March that he knew his legacy would leave a
lasting impression on my life and the lives of so many others. He stressed the
importance of communication, pursuing what you value in life, and living life to its
fullest. I assured him that through his passion for life and unparalleled selflessness
throughout his battle with cancer; he changed all of us for the better.
- Jeremy Kuhlmann
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J es s ica Lawrence
I’m sure that it’s difficult for most people to
describe the relationship they had with Aaron. It’s
almost impossible to explain what someone means
to you or to express a defining moment in your
relationship. Something that moved you, inspired
you, made you laugh, cry, or maybe you hardly
remember it because you were way too drunk, but
you’re sure it must have been special. I can’t pin
point one moment I had with Aaron and it is difficult for me to describe or share what
our friendship was, because no one really ever got it except for us.
There are precious few people who have really touched my life in a profound way, but I
can pin point a day when I met one of those people. My freshman year at UW, Aaron
and I were on a couch at a FIJI live-out sipping non-alcoholic beverages and watching
the mayhem unfold around us. A night that will live in infamy in the minds of
many FIJIs and AXOs as the night Tad Richards poured a full beer on Erin Deets’s
head, which quickly ended the evening’s festivities. However, for me, that night is the
night I met Aaron Schulte, the all-around nice guy from Lake Oswego, Oregon who
was a non-drinker (just like me), as sweet as could be, grew up 20 minutes from my
hometown, and was going to be a doctor.
That first year of school included a slide party
and our first Grass Skirt together, along with a
few other meetings and hanging out. Sophomore
year we discovered our mutual love of drinking
(finally), Dawson’s Creek, boy bands, coffee
shops, Britney Spears (for which Aaron’s love
never wavered), fashion (however is was still
several years before he retired that blue and black
fleece he wore everywhere), Husky football, dancing, laughing, and partying. Our
friendship started to grow into something we both enjoyed, but seemed to puzzle
everyone else.
Going into our junior and senior years we were both single and loved having a good
time. We were each other’s stand in and date for just about everything. We studied
together, had coffee together, went out to dinner and movies (as everyone knows, two
of Aaron’s favorite things), went to our respective dances, watched Dawson’s, went to
see N’SYNC where Aaron wore his trench leather jacket and sandblasted jeans he
bought in Italy (yes, we did buy tickets and contrary to what most people would have
said that night, Aaron was a very straight man), and generally partied like rock
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stars. I do believe one of our finest moments as partners in crime was getting really
drunk at one of Uncle Jim and Aunt Jane’s parties and trying to seduce some of their
friends. Not only were we invited back the next year, but we are still talked about
today as being the life of the party.
Those two years we spent together were probably two of the most fun years I have ever
had in my life. I lived two doors down from the FIJI live-out which lead to many
nights of Aaron banging at my door and passing out drunk in my bed trying to
cuddle (because the whole four blocks he had to walk was much too far). I even skipped
out on my Spring Cruise senior year because it was on the same night as Grass
Skirt. Aaron and I decided it was more important to go to one together than split up
that night, since we’d gone to all the others together. That year also brought many
questions regarding our relationship and it’s generally ambiguous nature. Why
don’t you guys just date and get it over with? I can’t even begin to think how many
times I heard that question over the course of those two years.
Even today, people will say to me, I always
thought you two would end up together.
Although after school our lives took us in
different directions and we followed different
paths, I always knew Aaron would be there for
me. I think we discussed that if we reached 35
and were still unmarried, we’d give it a shot,
since we knew we’d have a great time together.
Our friendship, the dynamics of it, was even
somewhat of a mystery to me. I knew it existed, that it was so real, that it was deep
and filtered into so many aspects of my life. It was also like nothing I had ever
experienced before with another man.
I suppose now is the point in the story where I should disclose to everyone what Aaron
taught me and why he, and our friendship, meant so much to me. I visited Aaron two
weeks before he passed away and in one of our conversations, he was able to put into
words what I never could (amazing since he was on so many drugs). He told me he
had tried to explain our relationship to his mom. He described it as what happens when
two people deny attraction, ignore outside forces and always put the relationship and
your love for the other person first. A friendship emerges that will forever be pure,
uncomplicated and shows you how to love for all the right reasons.
I will always treasure Aaron’s thoughtful description of our friendship because it was
a question that had long lingered in my mind and the minds of others. Why ours
worked and why we had made it last for so long. We loved, respected, enjoyed and
cherished one another for what we were, best friends who would go on to have other
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lives, live in separate cities and be with other people. But, I will never forget Aaron for
helping me get to that point.
Aaron, whether he knew it or not, taught me two of the greatest lessons any man in
my life has ever taught me. They were gifts really. He taught me that I deserved to be
loved and respected by other men for who I am. Aaron showed me that in his actions
and by demonstrating to me everyday that he loved and cared about me. He also
taught me what it really means to love a man. I don’t mean to be in love with a man,
but to love a man, and as I said before, for all the right reasons. Relationships take
work, even those that aren’t romantic ones. I knew that if I was able to put all the
effort into having a relationship with Aaron like the one we had, that I now understood
the most important and fundamental part that contributed to being in love, building
a friendship.
Those gifts that he gave me have now enabled me to be successful in having a
relationship and falling in love. I just wish he had been able to meet the person I fell in
love with, because I think he would have been pleased that I finally got it right this
time. It has been so hard to explain to my fiancé, Scott, just how wonderful Aaron
was and what he meant to me. He sat with me on the couch the other night while I
watched the DVD Aaron’s dad made. I wanted to watch it again for myself and I
wanted Scott to have a glimpse of my friend. From the Aaron I went to college with
that was so full of life to the Aaron I went to visit while he was in his last days, I
wanted to shed some light on this amazing person that I was so proud to call my
friend. He will always be present in my life, but I just have to find new ways to keep
him alive in my memory, in my home and in my heart.
I have a picture of him on my bulletin board at work and a picture of the two of us
together on my fridge at home. There isn't a day that goes by where I don't think
about him. I still haven't quite wrapped my head around the fact that my closest guy
friend is no longer with me and that I'll never pick up the phone again and hear him
say, "Hey babe, it's me." Aaron also used to sign all of his cards and emails to me
"Love, A". Shortly after Aaron passed away, I had a friend of mine here in DC, Asher,
who sent me an email and signed it "A". It was something that was so simple, but it
really hit me hard knowing that I'd never see that again coming from Aaron. But
then again there are other moments when I really feel him and it brings a smile to my
face. The other night when I got home, I put on a U2 CD and the first song was A
Beautiful Day. I don't even know if it's one of his favorites, but I know how much he
loved U2. Every time I hear that song I think of Aaron and I always have, because to
him, everyday was a gift and everyday really was beautiful.
Finally, one of the greatest things about Aaron was that he was always up for
something fun and he always pushed me, even when I didn’t feel like it, to go on an
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adventure. He constantly had ideas and plans, whether it was a going to see a movie
or a trip to Europe, he was going places and trying new things. Aaron also loved
bring his friends or family along, but the best thing about Aaron was that he was
never afraid to strike out on his own and make his own way. If there was an
adventure to be had, he was going whether you came or not. Unfortunately for the rest
of us, we lost Aaron to what he called “his new adventure”, much earlier than we wished
we had. But, what gives me the most peace is knowing that my friend always lived
life to the fullest, thought everyday was a gift, and was never afraid to go it alone.
I miss him. I love him. He changed my life and for that, I’ll never forget him.
- Jessica Lawrence
BEST FRIEND
Anna Lewis on
I got to know Schulte winter quarter
of his freshman year when he was
the
freshman
roommate
of
sophomores Casey Bowman & Greg
Pendleton. Schulte was so into his
high school girlfriend (who he was
still dating at the time.) He would
send her cheesy cards (see actual
scan of one provided by Kelsey) and
make mixed CD's of love songs for
her. I used to give him a really hard
time about it, but he would always
laugh. He was a genuinely kind
person who I feel privileged to have
had the opportunity to laugh with.
- Anna Lewison
COLLEGE FRIEND
Kris Lindquis t
I was lucky enough to meet Aaron in the fall of
1999 when entering the Fiji house at the
University of Washington. Aaron and I had
many great experiences while living at the Fiji
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house, but the most fun we had together was when we moved to Thea’s Landing in
Tacoma.
With graduation nearing everyone was looking for places to live. One day in a casual
conversation with Aaron, I found out that after graduation he was going to be moving
to Tacoma to go to work for his Aunt Jane at North West Kinetics. This was perfect for
me because I too was moving home to Tacoma and was looking for a roommate. Aaron
and I decided to live together, but the one problem was finding an apartment.
Aaron and I made multiple trips to Tacoma during
spring quarter to search for our first post college pad.
Most of the apartments in Tacoma were either too
expensive or complete dumps. We fell in love with a new
complex Thea’s Landing. It was on the water, but it was
too expensive. The woman showing us the place must
have felt bad for these two poor recent college grads and
decided to show us the handicap unit that no one wanted. Well, Aaron and I loved it!
The apartment had wider hallways, grab bars in the bathroom and a huge deck
overlooking the water. Most importantly it was cheap! We were sold!
Aaron and I moved in two weeks later and embarked on a fun filled two years full of
burgskys, Nick Lachey beers, hot tubs, barbecues, hold em and frequent trips to the
Harmon, the Swiss and Costco. There are too many stories to tell from those years
living at Thea’s, but the memories we had together I will cherish for the rest of my life.
- Kris Lindquist
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J eff Nellans
Aaron was someone who you could always count on to have a smile on his face. I
remember how much of a good attitude he had, even in his last days. We have so
many good stories about Aaron I wouldn’t know where to start. The one that says a
lot about his character is when we first joined the fraternity; we were out running
around the U-district on the night before school started. We were all running across
the street and one of the sophomores jumped and slid across the hood of the car. Well,
it turned out this particular car was an undercover police car. When the police lined us
up and asked who did it at first nobody stepped forward. However, after a few seconds
of nobody stepping forward, Aaron jumped out and said he did it. He didn’t even do it
and he was taking one for the team! He barely even knew any of us at that point. I’m
sure someone else will tell this story but this is the one that stands out to me.
Aaron was just the kind of person to do a thing like that. It says so much about him.
We will never forget Aaron’s outlook on life, his laugh, enthusiasm, and character.
He knew the values of brotherhood before we even began life in the fraternity… We love
you Aaron!
- Jeff Nellans
Sean Newell
From my eight years of knowing Aaron, four of which were
spent in close proximity at the Fiji house, I feel like I have too
many "Schulte stories" to summarize in a 1,000 page
memory book. So, instead of picking my favorite (which is
impossible) I have decided to share a few unique memories of
Aaron that immediately come to mind:
- Initiating what will be my life-long addiction to Diet Coke
after he brought to my attention, in true Aaron fashion, the
fact that cutting out one regular coke a day could make me
sexier for lounging on the beach in Cabo
- Making me go tanning for the first time so my pasty white
skin didn't embarrass him when we hung out on the beaches
of Mexico.
- Chasing Mike Damascus and Ben Adams around our condo in Cabo - naked - after
we threw a bucket of cold water on him in the shower. This moment was forever
captured in a photograph of Damascus and Ben cowering in a corner with Schulte's
pasty white derriere center shot. Unfortunately, this picture has disappeared (and we
all know who the primary suspect is in the disappearance).
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- Aaron's tequila-induced, one-sided
verbal altercation on the streets of Cabo
with a fake rat named "Senor
S#@&head".
- Drinking "2-Buck Chuck" in Aaron's
fraternity room and then convincing
him to pound on the wall yelling, all in
good spirits, his ex-girlfriend's name
(who at that time happened to be dating
another fraternity brother in the next room). Brenna!!!!
- Surreptitiously cutting down all the bamboo in the U-District, while dodging police
patrols, so that we could make a bamboo tiki-bar for a fraternity party. As this and
other stories of Aaron will show, he would do anything to make a party more fun
(Dooce!)
- Always placing large objects in Aaron's
room, such as construction signs that went
from wall to wall, just for the sake of doing it.
- A semi-weekly ritual of driving to Bellevue
just so we could see movies in a theater that,
unlike the theaters in the U-District, was built
before 1920. For Aaron, you couldn't skimp
on the movie watching experience. Aaron and
I always had the same taste in movies (War of
the Rings, We Were Soldiers, Excalibur etc).
- Aaron's absolute refusal to eat any meal at the fraternity and his willingness to
spend hundreds of dollars a month eating Quiznos everyday in an attempt to "watch
his figure."
- The impromptu U2 song and dance parties Aaron would host in his fraternity room.
- Fearlessly chatting up with the neighborhood transvestite (who at the time was
dressed in a pink tutu) as if they were buddies. This truly showed that Aaron would
give you a chance, no matter what.
The list could go on and on.
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Needless to say, Aaron has provided me with memories and stories that will always
give me a good laugh whenever I have the chance to reminisce with old friends. Not
only do we have fond memories together, but he inspired me to be comfortable in my
own skin and to live life to its fullest. I look forward to meeting up with Aaron again
someday so that we can relive our memories together and to once again debate over who
was the best special forces unit in the world, the Spetsnaz, or the Navy Seals. He was
truly " the best" friend that anyone could ever ask for.
- Sean Newell
Ryan Niles
By far my fondest memory of Aaron, and really the time I got to know him on a
more personal level, was on our “Run to the Roses” trip down to Pasadena, California
for the Rose Bowl our sophomore year of college. Of all the great experiences we as Fiji’s
got to experience in our short four year college run, the running of the game ball down
to Southern California was a trip of a lifetime.
We took the second and final leg of the trip, carrying the ball from San Francisco
down to Pasadena. On this trip is where I really saw Schulte’s love for life and for
people. His unique ability to relate to anybody on any level is what I’ll always
remember about him. Regardless of age, gender, social status, social stereotype, etc, he
would always find common ground with that person and strike up a friendship,
whether short term or deep rooted. He did that with me, whom I didn’t know very well,
and with the other 7 people crammed in the back of Hamilton Gardiner’s suburban, all
the seats folded down. Being in a car with people for an extended period of time,
especially your friends, gives a person ample time to get to know someone. Naturally I
took that time to get to know Aaron and I’m forever thankful for it. He is somebody
you instantly gravitate towards with his smile and positive attitude; he is simply
infectious in the best of ways. We discussed nice girls vs. bad girls, a town called
“Weed,” whether Schulte could swim from the San Francisco harbor out to Alcatraz,
why it was a bad idea to try, and some more serious issues as to what is really
important in life in regards to family, friends, and experiences.
The trip (at least at the beginning) consisted of us running the game ball in couple
mile increments, handing the ball off to one another when we got tired. Schulte of
course ran the longest and was always smiling, which was indicative of any endeavor
he took on in his life. However after a couple days of running we had grown restless
and stir-crazy in the car, we needed some action. Someone brought up Vegas (Schulte
I remember was immediately on board), blamed my upcoming birthday as a reason to
go there, and the rest was history.
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We left on a “small” detour east to
Las Vegas, stayed at Sean Newell’s
parents place, left Brad Cahill behind
while we hit the Las Vegas “strip”
(feel free to add the word “clubs” ),
watched Aaron sing and dance like a
pirate outside of Excalibur, and
gambled at the slots (we were
21…ish). Schulte, not prepared for a
Vegas trip, borrowed my clothes because he said he didn’t have enough “nice things” to
wear, some things never change. Some events and experiences I will left unsaid, but
those couple days were really the start of a solid yet unspoken friendship between
Aaron and I.
The trip ended in Pasadena with a Rose Bowl win by the UW Huskies and a New
Year’s celebration in L.A. What a way to end a year and what a way to start a
friendship with someone whom I didn’t realize we would all lose to soon.
You will be missed Aaron, your love for life, your smile, your undying loyalty to
everyone you touched, your selfless motives, your pure intentions, and your
extraordinary courage. Your passing selfishly gives everyone else a reminder of what
to achieve in life, of what to strive to be in life, and the legacy that we all want to leave
behind when it is our turn to see you once again.
- Ryan Niles
J eff Nittroue r
Aaron returned from a semester in Italy spring of sophomore year. He walks into 203
(202?) which was Dreke's room at the time. Dreke, Eddie and I were sitting around
drinking beer, and in walks Schulte wearing a pair of pink tinted, designer boutique
jeans from Italy. We laughed and laughed until Schulte looks at us with a weird
face, and quickly says "hey, at least I have a sense of style", pointing at our fusty
sweats and frat shirt. Fucking brilliant.
- Jeff Nittrouer
Steve Pham
A memory with Aaron that comes to mind seems to have been reiterated many times
but I must share my take on it. It’s funny that in a fraternity full of dudes where the
typical conversation includes football, beer and girls, Schulte and I bonded over
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hairstyles. I remember one time I was complementing on his "just out of bed"
hairstyle. I just plain asked him how he did it. He told me that it took a lot of long
hard hours putting each hair in its place just to make it look like he "just got out of
bed". I may be stealing this from somebody else but I believe his hairstyle was termed,
"organized chaos".
- Steve Pham
Tad Richards
To set the scene: Fall quarter, freshman year.
Our class of 27 entered the fraternity in the fall of 1999 at different stages in our
lives. I entered it ready to party first and worry about everything else later. This
included class projects. For those who know me, I eventually turned the corner (or I
would like to think I did) but not until after freshman year.
Aaron view on his freshman year of college was pretty much 180 degrees different
than mine in the fall of 1999. He was at UW to work hard, make lifelong friendships,
look good for the ladies, be sober, and avoid Kimmy’s food.
On Thursday of homecoming week, the freshman class was responsible for making
the Fiji homecoming sign appear overnight. The goal was for the sign to develop out of
nowhere and to have the biggest sign exhibiting the most purple and incorporating a
large Dawg. This was an expectation set by the upperclassmen.
Unfortunately, this cut into my Thursday night and what I perceived as party time.
So instead of grabbing a hammer and pounding nails or getting dirty trying to
paper mache a Dawg’s face, Bryson Bede and I decided to head to Earl’s on the Ave.
Well, by mid-fall quarter freshman year, Earl’s had already become a friend of ours
and he served us despite our age. Those who know my tolerance know that Earl did
not have to serve me much before I became worthless to the class’ building efforts. In
fact, when we finally made it back to the fraternity around 1 am (and these details
are slightly hazy to me but thankfully filled in by Capaleto) Bryson and I were not
only useless but also causing more issues trying to help out where we were obviously
unwanted. Needless to say, the class was pissed that I was unwilling to pull my
weight.
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After waking up the next day, I realized how much I had let the class down and was
in a somber mood. I vividly remember having dinner at the fraternity that Friday
night with about ten total people. Looking back, I am shocked Aaron was actually
eating a Kimmy meal. Regardless of why Aaron was there that night (Matt
Wickens probably told him to talk to me). We ended up talking for a long time about
issues I had brought on myself in the fall. He stressed how much people cared about
me but recommended I make an effort to improve my decision making. Although this
wasn’t the final “incident”, I remember how important it was to know I had the support
of my classmates (including the sober one who had every right to judge me).
I’d like to think Aaron and I entered college at different points in our lives but left it
basically the same. We made amazing lifelong friendships, loved to have a good
time, and worked hard when it was necessary. I was truly blessed to have a friend
like Aaron.
- Tad Richards
Angela Sellati
Florence was a time in my life made memorable not so much by the city itself
(although Firenze is amazing) but by the people who became my family while I was
there. Aaron was a huge part of that family. He was the hot blonde kid from
University of Washington who had a lust for life, could always muster a smile and
knew how to get the party started. He and Ben were a part of our great crew and we all
loved traveling and hanging out together. When I picture Aaron, I picture a well
dressed guy, a dancing machine taking over some stage at a club who had no shame.
There was also the serious Aaron, the dedicated Aaron who had big aspirations. That’s
the Aaron I will miss most, the loving gentle young man who wanted to be sure
everyone was happy and everyone was well. One of the last nights in Florence was
also one of the coldest nights. There were only a few of us left in the city, most of the
others had gone back to the States. He and I were walking the cobble streets, it was
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snowing and we were talking about how much we looked forward to getting back on
with our lives. He was ready to get back to Washington and I was ready to finish up
Grad school. We were both sad that we had to say goodbye to everyone we had learned
to love in such a short period of time. Florence will ever bind us and I will always
remember him as the younger brother I had overseas who helped look out for me, my
sister Kari and all of our friends. Aaron, cool pair of shades on, dressed to the nines,
dancing on a stage still taking care of his loved ones. You are missed!
- Angela Sellati
FRIEND FROM FLORENCE TRIP
M att Shannahan
I can still remember the horror and disgust I felt
upon hearing that cheesy 70’s music echoing down
the halls of the Fiji house. I was returning to my
room from class and for some reason there was
something playing at full volume in my room
with the door wide open. I was subjected to dirty
looks and scowls from people fleeing the area as I
neared. Once again, I had been the victim of one of
Aaron’s pranks. As I raced to shut off the gay
porn playing full blast on my television, I could
hear Aaron across the hall, laughing his ass off. It was my plan to play that prank
on someone but I obviously shared it with the wrong person! I think I evened the score
after I put gay porn all over his laptop screen just before his aunt got on it, or maybe
after successfully testing the “hand in a warm bowl of water” prank when he was
passed out in Vegas. A few of us were always busting Aaron’s balls, but we could
always rely on him to dish it right back out while wearing that shit-eating grin of
his.
Aaron got a late start with alcohol and we all knew that we were
in for some interesting episodes as he tested his limits.
Beginning from that first gulp out of the melon during our
freshman year, I made an effort to get some quality video
footage. Instant classics such as “The Mommy Song” or
chasing people around the room while naked in Cabo San Lucas
come to mind. He was one goofy bastard when he had a bit too
much to drink and it was always so much fun to be around
him. I’m very thankful for his silly behavior, as we now have
much more footage of him than we would have otherwise. We
should all thank Mike Damascus for spending 48 hours
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straight making a highlight video of Aaron’s college years. It’s definitely something
you want to see.
Aaron was one of the most genuine and selfless people I’ve ever met. His word was his
bond and he never let me down. I could depend on him and could talk to him about
anything on my mind. It wasn’t just about his latest muscle building scheme or
man-purse recommendation either. I find comfort in knowing Aaron will continue to
live in our hearts and memories, but we all must realize that it doesn’t have to end
there. He has touched all of our lives and therefore there is a little of him in all of us.
Celebrate Aaron’s life-- follow his lead.
- Matt Shannahan
Tyler S lone
I was a freshman in the Fiji house when Aaron was a senior. There is no one moment
with him that stands out, but I still instantly smile when I think of him because
that’s what it seemed he was always doing. Very welcoming, Aaron made being
around him a very comfortable, fun time. I wish I could've of got to know him better,
but from the short periods I spent with him, and in the memories looking back, I still
get a smile on my face.
- Tyler Slone
M att Tabler
Aaron Schulte. His name always reminds me of the active and happy person he was
at the University of Washington. Those of us that lived at the Fiji house had the
fortune of knowing Aaron during a time in his life full of excitement and growth. I
doubt that we’ll ever experience another time as spontaneous and with such potential to
shape the future; a time that we all undoubtedly miss. It was such a positive and
memorable experience to have met Aaron and shared that special part of our past perhaps the most cherished part of my life.
The story that reminds me most of Aaron is more of a message that he passed down.
It's been a while but it seems like yesterday when Aaron and I were getting up early in
the Fiji house, sleepy from a 214 party, for a shower and the walk across a rainy, cold
campus for a science lab in Bagley – a trek we made together often and shared many
of our most encouraging and genuine conversations about school, the house, and the
future. He was an upperclassman that had it figured out. Aaron took very difficult
courses and managed his life to make time for what was even more important to him –
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his friends in college. His encouraging character and bright outlook for the future
had a big impact on my life that year.
His passing is difficult to accept, however his positive presence during college will
always remind me of one thing - how to balance hard work with fun. Aaron did both
well and usually had a smile to show for it. His legacy is one that I will not forget
and one that will always remind me of him and his encouraging friendship during
college.
- Matt Tabler
Brad Walker
Thought this story was a classic Schulte moment and one that I will always
remember!!
So one random weekend Aaron was
over at my apartment and we were
getting ready to go out to some bars,
most likely with Mike, Shanahan, etc.,
and I was getting changed for the
night. Now I have never claimed to be a
fashion icon but figured I had a few
shirts to go out in. So I walk out of my
room with a shirt on, probably some
typical Nike shit, or some shirt that I
had most likely had for 4 years and I look around to see Aaron give me a once over
and ask with a smile:
"Is that the shirt you are going out in?"
Obviously I get that "Are you going to wear that?"
feeling and realize that maybe chicks don’t want
to see guys in sports shirts unless their in the
gym. Trying to pretend like I wasn’t really
planning on going out in it, I said "Uhm, I don’t
know, why don’t you go look at my closet and
pick out a shirt that I should wear." Aaron
quickly agreed and cruised to my closet to start
browsing my shirts. Briefly looking at most
shirts, but occasionally giving a longer look to a
few, he reached the end of the rack and looked at
COLLEGE 
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me with a smile on his face:
"Yeah, well why don’t you just keep that shirt on...."
Some of us have style, some of us don't. Thanks for letting me know Aaron.
- Brad Walker
COLLEGE 
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Family and Friends 
MEMORIES
AARON CRAIG SCHULTE
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M ichelle Beckham
First of all let me say I am a very blessed
person. It was such a privilege and honor to
have Aaron as my friend. Even when times
were difficult, Aaron could always help me
see what was truly important. He continued
to do that until the day he passed away. I
miss my friend terribly, but at the same
time I know that he will always be with me.
My memories of Aaron keep him alive in my
heart and mind.
One Friday night a few of us at work decided to go out on the town. At the time,
Aaron and I both worked Saturday shifts together. We would switch off who would
come in early (5:30am) or later (7:00am). This particular weekend it was Aaron's
turn to cover the 5:30am shift. Needless to say it was a late night out. Aaron, half
jokingly, asked me if I could come in for the early shift. I told him no, but in my
mind knew he wasn't going to ever make it in to work on time. So the next morning,
a very tired me, showed up to work at 5:30. No Aaron. 6:00am came around. No
Aaron. At 6:20 I hear the front door open with a bang. Aaron comes running in with
black scrubs on (which looked like they had just been picked up off the floor) and his
backpack. His words to me were, "Sorry Shell, my alarm didn't go off". I was all
ready to give him a speech about how important it is to show up to work on time and so
on. All I could say was "Aaron, go to the bathroom and clean up, you still look drunk
and the first appointment didn't show anyway." He gave me a big hug and ran to the
bathroom. The rest of the day was probably the most fun I've had a work. Since it was
a pretty slow day, Aaron showed Nin (our new extern at the time) and me how to "pop
and lock" between screening appointments.
Needless to say I left work feeling less tired and more energetic than I'd felt all week.
This was on about 3 hours of sleep. In essence that's what Aaron did. He had so much
positive energy that even when you felt you didn't have the strength, he helped you get
through whatever challenge you had to face.
- Michelle Beckham
CO-WORKER – NW KINETICS
Bets y Cadwallader
I can remember going up from Portland, OR to visit my son, Ben Adams at The
University of Washington one weekend after he had returned from a semester abroad
in Italy. There were several other of his friends from UW who went over there on this
program through Florida State University, as well as some of his friends from Lake
Oswego High School (Ben's alma mater). Jake Rosenbloom worked it out to be
FAMILY AND FRIENDS 
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studying there at the same time too, although his program was through Stanford,
where he was attending college. They were all living in Florence. Aaron was one of
Ben's friends going through the program. They had become great friends at Lake
Oswego High School and they were both attending UW. They flew over to Italy at the
end of August of 2002, and I can remember getting a call from Ben to say that he
had arrived safely. He said that he and Aaron were roommates in this tiny little room
with one window that faced another building, and that it was so hot that it was almost
unbearable. I think that they went out and bought all the fans in Florence that they
could find, only to find that within a week or two the weather had cooled down
considerably. Then on September 11, 2002, the terrorist attack on The World Trade
Center occurred, and Ben called me again to ask what was going on because they
could see the pictures on tv, but they couldn't understand the Italian language that
was describing what had happened. I told him what I knew, and I think that he
emailed me that they had found someone who got The BBC channel, so now they
could understand what had happened, and what was happening with loved ones
trying to find people who had been in the buildings that day. Things were tense in
Europe too with the terrorists, but Florida State decided to go on with classes. The kids
got involved with them, as well as learning to live the Italian life in Florence. At one
point, Florida State said that they would send the students home if they felt that they
were in any danger, but luckily that didn't happen. In October, they had 2-3 weeks
off to travel wherever they wanted to go in Europe. Ben and Aaron went to Spain, and
had a ball. I think that there were a few other friends from the program along with
them too. So the program went on, and they were back at the end of the quarter. All of
Ben's friends that went that I spoke to said that it was a great program, and that they
had had a lot of fun.
Anyway, this weekend that I went up to visit Ben when he got back; we decided to get
a few of The Fiji boys together and go out to their favorite Italian restaurant. It was a
restaurant with so much Italian ambiance and really good food (and lots of it), that
the boys were really happy, and this conjured up lots of stories of Italy. It was so much
fun to hear them all. The Italian music was playing in the background, and I can
remember Aaron's huge smile while he was reminiscing about the adventures in Italy.
He got so excited that he was saying," Italy was the best time in college wasn't it
guys?" Then he had to get everyone to high five him, and they all said, "YES!" That
image of Aaron-so happy- with that great smile on his face will never escape me. I feel
honored to have been with him that night, and to have seen that he had experienced
living in Italy, just like he did everything else, with all his heart. Thank you Aaron
for letting me enjoy that night at the Italian restaurant in Seattle.
- Betsy Cadwallader
FAMILY FRIEND
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Caron Campbell
On my very first day of clinical work at NWK, a button on my long winter coat
snagged on the threshold, resulting in a cartoon-worthy sprawling fall. My lunch
bag emptied its contents and my dignity was severely wounded. Aaron, who was a
screening technician then, rushed to my side to assist me back up and help me gather
my stuff after checking on my welfare. He had genuine concern (he could have
rightfully laughed!)
Aaron picked me up that day; now that he is gone, just thinking of his kindness and
caring picks me up again.
- Caron Campbell
Chris Chambers
Reflecting back on Aaron has been such a wonderful time. Through reminiscing, I
find I am able to bring him back; yes, I got to hang out with Aaron today. Maybe it
is so real because much of my time spent with Aaron has been in reflection of the days
we have been together. Living in Columbus, Ohio while Aaron played each day in the
Pacific Northwest was less than ideal because I was only able to see him each summer
for a week or so at a time. I have played back these memories many times.
Aaron was so funny today! After a long day of travel from Oak Harbor to somewhere
in central Washington on a dude ranch we met up with the Schulte’s. Aaron showed
up in the tightest white t-shirt I have ever seen with the sleeves rolled up just like
Travolta in the movie Greece. All he needs is the leather jacket. What a joke! Wait, he
is serious. He walked around all day with his biceps hanging out for the world to see.
I guess I can’t blame him, he has always been the ripped good-looking cousin. At the
young age of 14 he has already mastered the tight baby gap t to show off his
physique. Aaron is going to knock all the ladies dead in high school. Uncle teebs told
me today that Aaron is a track star for his schools team. He has really been into
fitness. Today he took my sister and cousin running on the dirt trails here at the
ranch. He came back with sweat and blood on his tight white tee with a deer leg in his
hand. I guess while on the run he cut off the leg of a dead deer with his pocketknife.
Aaron is bound to be a metrosexual Prefontain crocodile hunter when he grows up.
Dude! Aaron owes me like 100 bucks. You will never believe what happened last
night. Well, we were out on Bourbon Street with all of the cousins. We started at Pat
O’Brien’s. Our parents bought us a few hurricanes. We thought it would be best to
ditch our parents and head for Isle of Capri. We got some hand grenades there and I
was starting to feel quite dizzy. I was laughing so hard when Aaron kept rapping
Ludacris pimpin’ all over the world. “I’m in New York at the Puerto Rican day parade,
then at night in New Orleans drinkin' hand grenades, outnumbered by the dozens at
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the jazz fest in Marti gras all the women try’n show me they chest” From there we
headed to cat’s meow. Being the rich doctor making 47 cents an hour and oldest the
oldest cousin, I thought it would be appropriate to buy all of the cousins two beers
each… you know, one for each hand. The tab was a bit steep but we would enjoy the bar
for hours… I guess two beers each were not enough for Aaron because he decided to steal
a beer from the beer girl’s ice chest. Hmm… well we got kicked out of there before you
could say café du monde. It was all ok because Bourbon Street was packed by this
point. We decided to go to a dive bar across the street. Aaron showed us all his dance
moves looking like a mix between Justin Timberlake and a chick from a rap video.
Soon after that he disappeared for a bit. I finally spotted him in the corner with the
test tube shot girl. He was hilarious. About twenty minutes later I noticed Aaron and
the shot girl were joined by three of the largest bouncers in America. I guess the shots
were not free and the math did not add up. All of the cousins headed over to help
Aaron out. I spotted him some cash and next thing I remember I was on the floor next
to Aaron with three of the larges bouncers in America on top of us. Louisiana is
awesome. About .175 seconds later Aaron and I were thrown outside of the bar. He
had a scrape right on the center of his forehead. “Its ok, chicks dig scars,” Aaron, said.
It is always the best time going out with Aaron.
- Chris Chambers
AARON’S COUSIN
M aggie Chambers
I have many memories of Aaron at our family gatherings, most of which were calm,
congenial, and safe. Aaron had a great ability for storytelling that could stop all
activity in the room and turn attention in his direction. His warm smile and hearty
laugh were givens anytime Aaron was present.
One of our most recent family reunions involved an evening that cannot be best
described as calm or “nice”. While in New Orleans to celebrate our great Uncle Bobby’s
60th anniversary in the priesthood, the “21 and older cousins” went out for some fun
on Bourbon Street. After a few hurricanes and hand grenades, Aaron got us escorted
out of one bar, and we found ourselves in the infamous Fat Cats club. Not long after
our arrival, I noticed that Aaron wasn’t with our group. I looked around casually, not
too worried. A few minutes later, a cocktail waitress with a tray of test tube shots
approached ME to inform me that Aaron owed her $60. At this moment Aaron walked
(or should I say danced) up, with nothing to say, but a fun-loving innocent grin on
his face. I told the woman that it was impossible that Aaron could have racked up a
$60 tab in this sleazy joint already—we had only been there for 20 minutes! I
turned to protest to a nearby bouncer, and he asked me where my cousin was. When I
turned back, Aaron was gone. My sister, Lib, and I searched the bar to find Aaron
dancing with that same waitress! Lib and I danced with Aaron, cuing the test tube
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girl to leave. Then I continued my discussion with the bouncer, who told us to leave
the bar.
We decided to just pay the money, and stay, since we were having a good time. After
we paid the money (the amount had increased by this time), the bouncer still told us
to leave. Our cousin, Chris, was not happy about this, and tried to reason with the
bouncer to let us stay. Keep in mind: while all the rest of us were shooing waitresses,
arguing with bouncers, and digging through our wallets to pay Aaron’s bill, Aaron is
still just dancing and smiling (his dancing face) and having a great old time. The
“discussion” with the bouncer somehow ended up with Aaron’s head getting shoved
into a pole—from which he emerged still smiling! I believe that Aaron wore a hat the
next day to avoid answering any questions about the gash on his forehead.
Aaron always seemed to find a way to have fun and make the best out of any
situation. I will never forget his easy smile and little wink, when saying hello, from
across the room, when having a good time, or even after having his head smashed into
a pole! Because of his positive spirit, humor, and uplifting charisma, Aaron made it
very difficult for those in his presence to feel worried, anxious, or upset…even to the
last days of his life.
- Maggie Chambers
AARON’S COUSIN
Amanda Clearman
Brandy Copenhaver
There are so many stories that I could tell but what one to chose? Aaron was truly one
of my favorite people. He always made me laugh and made me have a good time know
matter what we were doing. I would like to share two stories....I just can't keep it to one.
Aaron and I met each other at Northwest Kinetics about 3 1/2 years ago. I started at
Northwest as a receptionist, doing the late shift. We had a study that telemetry was
going on, so Aaron did the late shift monitoring. He would come in with a Rockstar
(energy drink), medical books and an incredible attitude about working so late. He
would always share his Rockstar with me. I do not usually do the "caffeine" thing
but....oh did Aaron. So we would have so much energy that we would just sit and talk
and laugh. Allot of times I would be at work past my shift because we were having
such a good time talking and laughing. Aaron and I became good friends and started
partying after work because of how well we got to know each other. I made most of my
good friends because of him. That is something I will never forget.
The Christmas party at Aaron and Alisha’s apartment…do I have to say more. The 3
flavors of Eggnog, I believe it was something like Designated Driver, Drunk and
Plastered. By the end of the night Aaron made them all very powerful. Oh yeah…Who
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else could get out of two noise complaints, while drunk schmoozing the (lady)
manager?
This last story takes place last summer (2006). Aaron and I planned to ride together
to our friend Larissa's wedding. This wedding was located about 2 hours away, so we
had quite the drive ahead of us. I went and picked us Aaron from his apartment.
When he came down he had a mix road trip CD that he had made. I was so excited to
put it in. Let me tell you Aaron makes the best mix CDs. I mix went a little something
like this: Cristina Aguilera, Justin Timberlake, Jossie, U2, some 80's rock, I could go
on with the variety. How great is that mix! We went to the wedding and had a wild
time. Tons of drinking, keg stands in the hotel rooms, sharing a one bedroom room
with 4 people, meeting interesting people, row boat rides, and oh so much more….The
next morning oh did we feel awesome (Sarcasm). Our drive was very long….Aaron
being himself needed to stop at the outlet mall and go shopping. We got Starbucks so
that makes everything good. Between the sun, the smell of the stores, and the
walking….shopping was not what a hung-over person needs…but Aaron made it so
much fun.
Okay Okay I shared three very short compact stories but who can stop at just one when
talking about Aaron. Aaron brought a lot of joy into many people’s lives. He is one of
those people I will be talking about for years. I will be telling my children about his
amazing life and attitude.
He will always be in my heart and I miss him a lot.
- Brandy Copenhaver
Debbie Cruz
One thing I loved about Aaron, he made
everyone feel like they were important. He
made you feel like he was your friend, even
if he didn’t know you very well. He always
stopped to see how I was doing. He never
had a bad thing to say and was always
encouraging. He had a way of bringing
everyone together. He was that person you
meet in your life that is your glue that
keeps you together when you need it
most…even if you didn’t know it at the time. I had a friend that passed away after
his short battle with leukemia. Aaron was so nice about taking the time to talk to me
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and just listen. He was an amazing person. I am blessed to have had him cross my
path in life.
- Debbie Cruz
Karlee Kuhlmann
Aaron was a friend of my brother Jeremy, also
known as Country (I guess), and later became a
friend of mine. Most of my fondest memories came
from concerts mixed in with camping and late
night adventures.
To begin this concert journey, I will start off with
explaining the story of Coldplay in Vancouver.
Now, at this time I did not know Aaron that well.
To me he was just another guy from the Fiji house. I went up to the city with some of
my friends and was planning on meeting up with Jeremy, Aaron and a few others.
Well we didn’t get to meet up until the show, and at that time we were just enjoying
Chris Martin (lead singer of Coldplay) bobble his head around. The show was great,
but after the show is when the real entertainment began. Aaron approached me with
“you are coming out and drinking with us after, right?” Well, since I was only 19 at
the time…I thought it was pretty sweet to be going out to the bars, legally! “Um…yeah
I am coming to get drinks with you!” We headed to this place called Speakeasy (I
believe) which was more of a sit down bar. It was a
Saturday night in Vancouver so the streets were packed
and the lines were long. I don’t remember how everything
played out after that, except for the part where Aaron acts
like, well, Aaron. Remember this was one of the first
times I had met him….Aaron notices a spray bottle with a
rag and believes it would be a great idea to help the
waitress out by cleaning some of the tables. I do not
believe the waitress thought this was quite as hilarious
because she was trying to close the bar down. Aaron kept
at it though cleaning as many tables as possible. To this
day, I still have a perfect picture showing how excited
Aaron really was about spraying and wiping the
tables…. priceless. Oh and later on is when I found out he
doesn’t remember any of it…..
To continue this concert journey, I will enlighten you with the Gorge in George,
Washington. We spent the entire weekend enjoying Dave Mathews Band play their
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hearts out. There was a group of us who enjoyed, well, drinking our hearts out. The
weekend was filled with an immense amount of laughter and fun. The last night we
were there, Aaron was having a grand-old time and said he wasn’t going to sleep that
night. “Yeah, whatever Aaron,” we all thought to ourselves. So after a few more hours
of laughter, fun, and drinking we all went to bed. So we thought….At 5:00 am on
Monday morning it was time for my car to leave. I had to be at work at 10:00 am in
Bellingham, so this meant we had to go. As my brother is getting in the car, he stops
and says “listen.” A sound from a quarter mile away, we hear “get ‘er done!” We all
start busting up laughing because we all knew who it was. Aaron’s infamous
statement that whole weekend was “get ‘er done!” It was just what we needed to hear at
5:00 in the morning on our way out from another crazy/adventurous/entertaining
weekend at the Gorge.
The next concert story I would like to share is a story about Aaron which truly
displays his heart and character. My brother had invited me to attend, well another
Coldplay show with him down in Seattle. It was held on a week night and I had to
drive down and back in the same night. I wanted to spend as much time down in
Seattle before the show as I could, but my brother had to work late. Jeremy says “Why
don’t you go out with Aaron and then I will come meet you?” Well, it was a great idea
to me because Aaron was one of Jeremy’s friends I could hang out with one-on-one. I
thought it was a grand idea, but what would Aaron think about this? Through a
couple more phone calls, Aaron and I met up at Ozzie’s downtown. This story is one I
think about often because it really does prove Aaron’s character. He asked me all about
my life: my job, my friends, college, and how my teaching profession was coming
along. Aaron listened and always showed he cared. It really did mean a lot to me.
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To end this concert journey, I would like to reveal a story which I wish Aaron could tell.
It was a moment that only Aaron and I had because the other person involved in the
story became a little too close of friends with a guy named Jack Daniels. It was the
first night of Dave Matthews Band at the Gorge this past September. Some of the
people chose to not attend the concert this night, and instead stayed at the campsite to
drink. Well, the group of us was back at the site and people were starting to head to
bed. For some reason, the last three up were Aaron, Jeremy, Jeremy’s great friend JD,
and myself. Aaron and I were a little bit more “sober” than Jeremy. This is the part I
wish Aaron could tell because he was always a great story embellisher. Aaron and I
could not stop laughing at Jeremy’s horrendous performance. This performance
included dance moves like an almost perfect “ass-drop” and an indescribable
“running man.” He also included his imitation of the many dance moves Aaron had
made up himself. It was one of the first times, Jeremy actually didn’t remember it and
Aaron and I did!
This was the last time I saw Aaron, but it truly was a remarkable weekend. These are
just a few of the many times I shared laughter, love, craziness, and drunken
moments with Aaron. I will miss the random times too, like the time Aaron called me
just because he was passing through Bellingham. He thought if I was working he
would come by, share a short conversation, and continue on his way. These memories
will be in my heart always, and I thank you, Aaron, for every second of them!
- Karlee Kuhlmann
COUNTRY’S SISTER
Tiffany M cFrederick
Aaron has left a legacy that makes others
want to live their life to the fullest, find joy in
every moment, and live with spontaneity. My
favorite example of this is when we were
heading home from a movie one evening. We
had just seen Blood Diamond, a deep movie
that leaves you walking away still thinking.
I was driving and it was pretty quiet in the
car. All of a sudden Aaron says “take a left”. I
looked over to find a tiny, trashy casino to the
left. I thought he was joking because it was later in the evening, we had to work in the
morning, and I am not big on gambling. “Take a left” he says again with a straight
face. Confused as to what he was up to, I turned left. I asked what we were doing and
he said “Just trust me”. He grabbed my hand, walked right up to a blackjack table,
slapped down a $100 bill, and says “One hand”. We walked out of there 2 minutes
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later and $100 richer. With his head held
high and a smirk on his face, Aaron said
“Now we’re going to go have fun with this!”.
Aaron broadened my life in many ways. He
introduced me to the Broadway, UFC, Elton
John, the metro sexual way of life, the need for
DVR, and a world full of amazing people.
Together we found our favorite show The
Office, our favorite wine Gnarly Head, and
that a Cougar and a Husky can have a lot in common!
- Tiffany McFrederick
AARON’S GIRLFRIEND
Alanna M erkle
Meeting Aaron on July 4, 2003 is an event I remember very
vividly because I was excited at the prospect of someone
consciously choosing to move to my hometown of Tacoma after
college. Kris Lindquist, (my good high school buddy) had just
moved in with one of his fraternity brothers into this great new
place on the waterfront of Little Stinky, a.k.a Tacoma. On
July forth I got to meet this roommate, Aaron. While watching fireworks on Ruston
my new buddy Aaron expressed his enthusiasm in living somewhere different. I was
excited to show him all the wonders of our little city and to the dismay of his Seattle
counterparts Aaron, I, and his Tacoma friends had no trouble finding its fun
idiosyncrasies.
Wonderful memories with Aaron are not hard to come
by, there are so many to choose from; fun nights
dancing at “The Loft,” coffee at any place we could
find, laying on the beaches in Spain, watching
movies that we both knew would be so horrible they
were funny, and attending many Jude Bowerman
concerts at Jazz Bones.
Innumerable positive words could be used to describe Aaron. The word that sticks out
most at this time is hero. I don’t know if little Courtney is going to write an entry
but I remember Aaron telling me that Courtney’s plan was to go to Disneyworld with
Aaron and someday marry him. He came to visit her during her many hard days at
Mary Bridge children’s hospital. He is her hero.
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Aaron was a hero to me in many ways as well. He
negotiated long car rides with me as I managed
motion sickness all the way from Tacoma to the
Gorge. Without an ounce of annoyance he would
ask me if it was that time again and calmly pull
over for what became the common theme throughout
the drive. He negotiated a three week trip to Europe
with four women, that says enough =). He also
introduced me to my wonderful boyfriend Hamilton. In my eyes Aaron’s heroic
nature was always there and came through most in his ability to say “see you later” to
everyone when it was almost time for his journey here on earth to end. I will miss
him very much but hold constant comfort in the closeness of his spirit and memories.
- Alanna Merkle
POST-COLLEGE TACOMA FRIEND
J es s ica M ilton
I have worked with Aaron for a few years now. He was such a great joy to be around.
Some of the funnier moments were when he would carry his "Man Bag" around and he
had his little saying "Heyyyy Giiiiirrrrlll!!" It was just the way he would say it
would make you crack up. He was fun to go out with and go dancing.
He had such a big heart and was liked by I think everyone. There are so many things
to say about him. I am having a hard time thinking of what to write down. He is well
loved and missed very much.
- Jessica Milton
J udy M oyer
I have been (Aunt Jane) Jane Taylor's Assistant for 15
years so needless to say, I have known of Aaron, and his
family, for a long time. A few years ago, when he started
working at Northwest Kinetics, we were located in two, 100year-old buildings. For business and study conduct we
continually walked from building to building all day
long. One day, Aaron was walking toward me with a great
looking Italian logo sweatshirt. I remember saying, "Wait
a minute, I'm the Italian here, I should have that shirt". He
laughed and told me he ordered it from a soccer equipment
catalog and I could order my own. By the time I had the
catalog sent to me, the specific sweatshirt was no longer
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available! I waited for it to appear for several months, but it was never to be seen again
and it took me many calls and writings to have my name removed from the mailing
list. Everytime he wore it, we had the SAME conversation!
- Judy Moyer
Elizabeth Sandus ky
I hesitate to write anything simply because I did not know Aaron well. We were coworkers whose paths rarely crossed. Though, when they did, he was always charming,
kind and funny, if a little rushed (the nature of our business is go, go, go!)
However, I really feel that this needs to be said.
You can take the measure of a man by the company he keeps and the influence that he
has over people. Aaron, I’ve learned, was a remarkable man. It is my privilege to work
with some of the most dedicated, honorable, loyal people who currently reside on this
planet. And while they have never forgotten how to unwind or have fun (because I’m
told no one had that down to science quite like Aaron!), they are, to a person, very
professional, passionate human
beings.
Aaron’s
death
devastated all of them. And,
instead of uselessly moaning
about how unfair life is, they
are fighting back. All of the passion and energy that they threw into supporting
Aaron during his last days here they are now pouring into doing whatever they can to
bring down this brutal, faceless killer. 75 people are now set to walk in Tacoma’s
Relay. We’ve risen well over our monetary goal of $5,000 and that amount just keeps
climbing (over to $24,000 at the time of compiling this book!). As a company, we’ve
shared grief and loss…but hope and strength as well. THIS is the legacy that Aaron
leaves. Because he, as a person, was so wonderfully potent in life, his death was not
something that is merely remarked in papers and forgotten. It MEANS something.
It spurs others into action both personally and professionally. And it taught me that
we have a choice. We can either live our lives closed off and selfishly hiding…or we
can reach out. We can touch people. We can build relationships and follow dreams
and, above all, we can have fun. And, in doing so, we change lives and foster love.
- Elizabeth Sandusky
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Stephanie Sawyers
More than any particular story, I will always remember Aaron’s amazing
personality. Despite being one of the funniest, most animated friends I will ever
know, there was a depth and wisdom to Aaron way beyond his 26 years. Some of my
favorite moments with Aaron were sitting down at Starbucks and just sharing about
what was going on in life, discussing the future and what we thought it would look
like…..and then trying to keep up with Aaron’s ever progressing conversations about
“oooh, what if this happens…” or “I think I’ll become a doctor and send you money as a
missionary, then you can invite me to come visit you around the world…..yep, I really
think this will work, Steph…” Aaron had the ability to dream big, but more
importantly he had the will and drive to make dreams happen. Aaron was one of the
most encouraging friends I have ever known. There wasn’t a single idea or whim I
had that Aaron shot down. In fact, the second he thought I might give up on it, he
would sit me down and help me figure out a step to move forward. Aaron was selfless,
he was a dreamer, he was ambitious, he was full of life, and he never missed out on a
single one of life’s opportunities. Though there are moments that I can’t believe Aaron
is gone and moments where we all miss him, they are quickly filled with the reminder
that Aaron lives on in each one of us. We all have jokes and hilarious stories that will
always bring a smile, but even more than that; we have inspiration, hope, motivation,
and countless words that Aaron spoke to us. We know that Aaron is watching down
on us from a MUCH better place and encouraging us. He’ll travel with us, see our
families grow, see our victories and our failures, and will continue to encourage others
through the hope he has given us. So, as we move on and take Aaron with us - Aaron, we are so thankful for everything you brought to our lives - enjoy the ride!!!
- Stephanie Sawyers
Alicia Steners on
“Umm… Are Bob and Michelle Here?”
Aaron Schulte really was the best roommate a girl could ask for. Not only was he
exceptionally clean (he could actually load and unload the dishwasher), but he
ALWAYS put the seat back down! Better yet, because he was so meticulous about his
hair, he had so many different hair products that it was virtually impossible to have a
bad hair day as long as I was living with him. Hair a little frizzy? No problem,
Aaron had a cream for that. Hair limp and lifeless? Aaron had a shampoo for that,
too. It was like I had my own personal stylist at home (who spent more time in the
bathroom primping than I did, but whatever, he always looked great!)
I wanted to share the story about the last time I really got to hang out with Aaron and
all of our friends together. It is literally unforgettable:
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Bob and Michelle Beckham were hosting a surprise party for Brandy
Copenhaver at their new home, and true to form, all of us were fashionably late, some
more fashionable that others. Turns out, it was a good thing that Aaron took so long
to primp because we were able to pull the best prank on him that evening. Running
about an hour late to the party, Aaron and Tiffany arrived at Bob and Michelle’s place
on 29th and Ferdinand. Always one to make an entrance, Aaron burst through the
door with his Yellowstone trucker hat tilted sideways and holding a fifth of vodka in
a crumpled brown paper bag. The awkward reception by the strange woman and
growling German shepherd were obviously not the welcome he was expecting. Meekly
asking, “Are Bob and Michelle here?” it slowly dawns on Aaron that he has gone to the
wrong house (because all blondes are entitled to a moment or two). This was Bob and
Michelle’s old house, their new one was slightly further away on 8th and Hawthorne.
Aaron and Tiffany apologetically made their escape, minus being mauled by the
steadfast guard dog, but this story does not end here.
Aaron’s mistake was making a phone call to Bob directly after this incident
and telling him about it. Really, did you think we would just let it go? Of course we
devised a prank that Aaron walked himself into. When Aaron and Tiffany finally
arrived at the correct house, all of the guests gathered in the back of the kitchen were
we couldn’t be seen from the front door. Bob’s mother, whom Aaron had not yet met,
timidly answered the door when the bell rang. “Yes, can I help you?” she asked
through the slightly cracked door.
“Umm…are Bob and Michelle here?” Aaron queries.
“I don’t know any Bob or Michelle. You must have the wrong house,” she
replies.
Then, with frustration in her voice, Tiffany is heard saying, “Dammit Aaron, not
again!” At which point, we all burst out laughing as Bob went chasing after a
quickly retreating Aaron and Tiffany, but in good spirit Aaron admitted that we
had really got him good.
That evening turned out to be quite a surprise party for both Brandy and Aaron and
one of the most memorable times I’ve shared with him. I can’t help but smile to myself
when I think about this story and I hope that by sharing it, this story brings warmth
to your heart and peace to your soul that Aaron lives on in all of us who love him.
- Alicia Stenerson
TACOMA ROOMMATE - THEO’S
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Liane Sugai
Aaron and I were co-workers in the same residency class at St. Joseph Medical Center
dialysis. From the moment I met him, I knew he was one of those “quality guys” that
was friendly, outgoing, and basically wouldn’t find it difficult to strike up a
conversation with just about anyone. He was eager to learn in class, asking no less
than the most thoughtful questions and how we would apply the learned knowledge to
working with our patients. Despite his focus on the residency, he had no problem
taking an extra long lunch with Greg, Sarah, and I to drive over to It’s Greek To Me or
any other restaurant nearby. We had a blast. : ) I still remember the time that I
brought Aaron a ((Starbucks)) vanilla chai latte at 6 in the morning as a result of
losing a game of bowling to him and Greg. Although he was only at St. Joe’s for just
a short time, he definitely made a lasting impact on the patients and their families.
One particular patient (who was his favorite) and his wife absolutely adored him and
it was powerful to see how Aaron’s loving and caring personality could bring such joy
to these people. Aaron inspires me as I care for patients today, as I have his memory
forever etched in my heart.
- Liane Sugai
CLASSMATE – ST. JOE’S DIALYSIS
J ane Taylor
I'm Steve's sister - he is my much older brother... I am Aaron, Matt and Jeff’s Aunt
Jane. Certainly one of my finer moments in life was being able to talk Aaron into
moving to Tacoma 4 years ago and work with me. Fortunately, it wasn’t so bad
living with Kris Lindquist, on the water and, with the added bonus for his dad of
living across the street from railroad tracks.
It is hard to believe it was just a little over a year ago that Aaron walked into my office
and said, “Aunt Jane, I’ve got this pain here.” Aaron and I talked about this not long
ago- it was interesting for us that we both remember the moment and conversation
like it was yesterday although we didn't know anything was really wrong- maybe
heartburn, my gall bladder disease, but certainly not cancer.
We will drive ourselves mad trying to figure out why this has happened. Aaron had a
great appreciation for the wonders and complexity of the body- one reason he was so
interested in a career in health care - and he would tell you that his body simply
malfunctioned. It wasn't anything he did; it wasn't because he ate the worm in the
bottom of the Tequila bottle. What we know now is that this was a relentless and
unpredictable cancer and, despite doing everything right, he never really had a
chance.
Aaron was not afraid to die, he just wasn't ready- he was having a great time. Aaron
had a full and rich life- he had a supportive and loving family, great friends, traveled
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AARON CRAIG SCHULTE
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the world, was arrested once, if not twice. He loved living in Tacoma, he really liked
his job, he was in a great relationship with Tiffany- he’d tell you that he was just
getting started.
From the start it was important to Aaron that no one feel sorry for him. Fortunately
he never really looked sick so it was easy to forget he was battling a bad illness. He
worked hard, played hard, making trips to San Diego, Chicago, Vancouver, LA.
During treatment weeks you’d see him wearing a floral fanny pack but we all know
Aaron’s metrosexual side so this really wasn’t unusual. Thank goodness he never lost
his hair! Aaron persevered through 6 months of chemo and 3 surgeries with an
incredible strength and will to enjoy each day. He rarely complained, he rarely
missed work, and he rarely missed an opportunity to hang out with his friends and
family.
Most recently it became very important to Aaron that we not worry about him. Aaron
genuinely believes that this life is just a short segment of our existence- he really felt
that there was more to come and that he’d see us again.
I’d like to share a story with you; please
bear with me for a minute. A few years
ago my husband and I had the
opportunity to take a cruise in the
Caribbean for a friend’s 50th birthday
celebration. We were told of this great
bar called Foxy's on the little island of
Johst van Dyke in the British Virgin
Islands. So one night we took a ferry to
Johst van Dyke. Foxy’s certainly lived
up to its reputation- we had a wild night
of partying at Foxy’s. Lots of drinking, dancing, at one point I was being chased
around the dance floor by a Rastafarian (which, for a middle aged woman, is quite
exciting!). The band members were smoking very large and funny smelling cigars,
a smell I remember well from the 70’s. It was a truly a great time.
So fast forward a few years to December, 2006. It was a very tough time for us.
Aaron had just had his second surgery where they found, unexpectedly, more cancer
that had spread throughout his abdominal wall and lining. He was in the hospital
and we were all very sad and very scared, trying to figure out what was happening. It
was a few nights before Christmas. My husband was on-call and and I was sleeping
alone. I had a dream that I was back at Foxy’s with Jim, Aaron and a lot of you. I
particularly remember Country because he stood taller than everyone else. We were
having a wild time at Foxy’s- Aaron was dancing, of course, and I think at one point
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AARON CRAIG SCHULTE
________________________________________________________________________
he was also skinny dipping in the ocean. When it was time to leave we all walked
down the dock and got on the ferry, except Aaron- Aaron stayed on the dock. And as
we left on the boat Aaron was waving to us from the dock, a drink in one hand and a
big smile on his face. It was not sad, rather he was beaming and we were all happy
and waving goodbye.
I awoke from this dream feeling very unsure of what it all meant. It was early in the
morning and I lay awake thinking about this dream until the sun rose. Eventually I
paged my husband and told him about my dream. He gently advised that I not tell
Steve and Kathy about this dream. And although I didn’t talk about this dream
until recently, I have had many similar dreams about Foxy’s over the past few
months.
The beginning of March, after we knew there was no further treatment to stop the
cancer, one day when we were sitting alone in his room, I told Aaron about this dream.
His face lit up- “Aunt Jane, I’ve seen that place- that’s where I’m going- I’m going to
Foxy’s to hang out for awhile.”
The next few times I saw Aaron he told me of dreams he was having- sitting on the
beach, in a lounge chair, a drink in hand, and shirtless. And he saw himself with no
scars, just very buff with very ripped abs.
And although I don't know why this has happened, I do know in my heart that Aaron
is in a good place relaxing- I am very confident of this. He'd tell you that our life here
on earth is just a short time in the big picture and he's just moved on earlier than the
rest of us. He said to me, "You know Aunt Jane, life might not always be fair but life
is good- enjoy it."
The problem for us is filling the void- I know how hard it is to not
feel sorry for ourselves because we miss him so much. For me,
there are so many things. I'm not sure how I will get through a
season of 24 without him. And dancing- You’ve go to admit
that no one could dance like Aaron- he knew it too. Since he was
a child, dancing like PeeWee Herman, to more recent days doing
the Janet Jackson routine. Fortunately his cousin Quinn knows
a lot of the moves- probably from all the concerts they went to
together e.g. Ludacris. But I've got to put the challenge out there
to you guys- Ben, Hamilton, Kris- you've got to get the moves
down for me.
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Most of all it will be the voice messages: Hey Aunt Jane- call me, I’ve got a great story
to tell you, or driving up my alley, seeing his car in the driveway, and just knowing
we’d have fun hanging out.
Aaron asked me to do a few things for him:
1. First of all, take care of my mom and dad- don't let them be sad too long- they need
to take all those trips you've been talking about. I have been astounded with the group
of friends here- clearly this is a family loved by so many that I know I will have lots
of help in keeping a close eye on Steve and Kathy. Who knows, I may even take up
train watching!
2. The second request from Aaron is a bit more tricky. He wanted to make sure Matt
and Jeff have lots of babies- they need to give mom and dad lots of grandkids. Guys,
we’ll talk.
3. Tell Tiffany I love her and she needs to move on. I know I'm a hard act to follow,
but there are a lot of great guys out there. When I asked him if it needed to be a Fiji he
said, “it’s not a requirement but it would be nice”.
4. And then there is all of us. Aaron told me many times and in many different
ways that he didn’t want people to mourn his death for too long- rather he wants us to
celebrate his life. He said, “Aunt Jane, let people know I'm moving on. My life has
been good, maybe too short, but I had a great time.”
When a friend asked him, “Aaron, what’s our next assignment”, he replied- “have
fun”. If the tables were turned, you know that is what Aaron would be doing.
- Jane Taylor
AARON’S AUNT
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Neys a Turner
“A First and Forever Friend in Tacoma”
It was a night after the big wind storm. A few of us had decided to meet up in what is
known as the lil' stinky (aka Tacoma). Tacoma has quite the reputation and so it is
not very easy to convince others to visit but Aaron, Alana, and I all advocated a crazy
night in the ghetto. That, indeed, is what it was. Every so often you have one of those
nights where everything works out and every one enjoys themselves. The conclusion
of the evening, after a few pre-drinks, is set at one of Aaron's hot spots-- The Loft. For
some reason all of the frats guys and their girlfriends decided to stay home that
night and left the dance floor open-- for us and a few creepy drunks looking for true
love. Among us girls, Carl and Aaron danced it out from the floor to the go-go
platform. Oh Aaron, all he wanted was his moment in the spotlight, shankin' it and
owning that platform, unfortunately the bouncers did not agree. He was a little bitter
about the female-only platform but I just remember looking over at him and the others
dancing and laughing and feeling as though it was just a perfect night, even with the
creepy mexican in the corner. I will miss my Tacoma dance partner. I hope I can
always remember your laugh.
- Neysa Turner
TACOMA FRIEND
M ichelle Waltenburg
I worked with Aaron at NWK. I remember thinking the first time I saw him that he
was a sharp dresser and that he had charisma. I went to him when I had questions
about a study I was on and he seemed so nice, I thought I’d ask him what I needed to
know. He was very sweet and helpful. We chatted about how we had both gone to the
University of Washington and what we thought of our experience there. I was affected
by his fight with cancer more than I thought I’d be. We were not close, but I thought
about what he must be going thru a lot after working with him and learning of his
battle. When I heard the news of his relapse I was incredibly saddened and shocked.
“How could this happen in our modern times?” I asked myself. I’ve thought of all the
wonderful people with strong minds and positive lives that have and will succumb to
such a horrid disease. My mother has lost two very close friends to breast cancer. I
thought about how she felt and how she coped with the loss. I am only able to find
solace in the fact that they are in a better place now and that their memories inspire
those of us that were lucky enough to have known them. I feel lucky to have had the
chance to know Aaron and to have shared his space even if only for a short time.
Aaron is in my thoughts each day as are his loved ones.
- Michelle Waltenburg
CO-WORKER – NW - KINETICS
66

View Memory Book - Aaron Schulte Memorial Foundation

Transcription

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