- 614-391-6680
- aidendavidfoundation@gmail.com
Quotes shared at his memorial
As we continue to honor Aiden’s life, we’re humbled by the outpouring of messages from those who knew and loved him. Whether they crossed paths in a gym, a classroom, or simply in everyday life, the stories people share paint a vivid picture of who Aiden was — kind, compassionate, funny, selfless, and deeply impactful.
Below are just a few of the heartfelt notes we’ve received from friends, mentors, and those who were touched by his presence. These words remind us that while Aiden’s time on earth was brief, the light he brought into the world continues to shine through every life he touched.
“I grew up truly cherishing the time spent with our extended family. It is sufficient to say that through it
all, Aiden was unequivocally the motor of these special family moments and memories — his
infectiously positive energy always fueling the most precious of times spent together. He absolutely
embodied a family-first attitude, always wanting to be involved and soaking in every moment no matter
how inconsequential, simply because he loved us so.” – Aidan R.
“I could honestly write a book on how amazing Aiden is. He taught me what love is, and what it feels like
to be truly cared for.” – Carley
“How blessed, how fortunate I was to be your aunt, dear Aiden. I love you like a son. Your wit, your humor, above all, your unconditional love for every single soul. You brought so much life, love and happiness into this world.”
-Aunt Samantha
“Your son was a great kid! Facebook for weeks was making me add you as a friend! The VA connection for sure!
We both worked at the same gym together and I was definitely his free therapist from school to girls 🙂
He would voluntarily watch my daughter so I could coach or work out without having to do both all the time. She loved him—he would always just smile and say, ‘I have a younger sister at home and my parents are divorced so I get it.’
I didn’t hear about the news right away but then I sat next to his best friend at Army this weekend and he told me.
I can’t even imagine what you are going through, I’m here if you need me. Good wine, a good cry or bitch sesh—I got you!”
— Nellie Shaw
Aiden is one of the most thoughtful people I have ever known. When I had COVID back in 2022, Aiden
showed up to my house and delivered me my favorite candy that I had told him I liked the week before.
His acts of kindness never went unnoticed. He inspires me to be selfless and go above and beyond for
others. – Lily
“Aiden was my cousin but more like my little brother. I have so many fond memories – from sitting in the backseat of your dad’s pickup truck and watching Batman movies, to sledding down the mountain on our wood sled… One of my favorite memories was Indian Lake… The childlike wonder we had on that trip… running around the woods, having pillow fights. I will never stop grieving you and the person you were. You will never be forgotten.”
-Maddy
“Aiden was a great guy and a free spirit…if you had a bad day, he would make you laugh real quickly.”
-Tammy
“Aiden was selfless and kind and sacrificed so much for the people he loved. He was respectable in a way every person should be, and a light for so many.”
– Sophia
“Whether it was weekends at the cabin (Big Hill). Annual voyages to Fripp Island, or gatherings around the holidays. I grew up cherishing the time spent with our extended family. He absolutely embodied a family-first attitude, always wanting to be involved and soaking in every moment no matter how inconsequential, simply because he loved us so. I always admired that about him, how natural it was for him to care for those around him, to lend a hand or just be present with those he loved. This contagious symbiosis of caring, loving energy will always be how I remember him.”
-Big Aiden
“Hi Gretchen— I know you don’t know me but I am a social worker at the UCC in Columbus and I was friends with your son, Aiden, who I knew from Beyond Limits Training. I met him a few years ago and he had shared with me that his mom works at the VA as well but in a remote position. I did not get to talk to you at the funeral, but we did get a chance to introduce ourselves to Aiden’s dad. I just wanted to let you know that Aiden quickly became like a little brother to so many of us at the gym. He was always so welcoming and friendly to everyone around him and I truly enjoyed catching up with him and our little group of CrossFit girls used to regularly provide him with unwanted life/girl advice haha.
Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Aiden will be missed tremendously and what a great son you raised.”
— Kristyn Woodward
“Aiden is the best brother I could have ever asked for. I remember late at night he would be downstairs, and I would go down and get food and he would always make me stay down there and talk with him. We would talk about the most random things. Also, when I was mad at him, he would make me hug him until I hugged him back very tight, He never wanted us to stay mad at each other.
I remember crying one night and he gave me the biggest hug imaginable. I wish for him to be my brother is every other life.”
-Margaret
“Aiden David, I don’t know where to start with how wonderful, beautiful and amazing life you were so blessed with and I was fortunate to be a part of with you for the 19 years you walked this earth. Your soul shines bright. Love you.”
-Mom
Copyright © 2025 Aiden David Foundation. All rights reserved.