AARON GARRETT

Aaron Dakota Garrett 1981 ~ 2010 Aaron Dakota Garrett, Navajo name Haashk'e Iini Yedilwo'ii,(Warrior Who Runs With Lightning), was born Nov. 1, 1981 in Orem, Ut, died July 24, 2010, in Alpine, Ut. Aaron grew up in Alpine, graduated from Lone Peak High School in 2000, where he excelled academically and in sports, particularly baseball and football. As a youngster he played on the Alpine Little League All-Star team, which went on to win the WBBA Little League World Series. From his freshman through senior years, Aaron played short stop and second base for the Lone Peak High baseball team, highlighted by a successful run to the state championship in 2000. He was named Most Valuable Player of the state All-Star baseball team. A natural and gifted athlete, Aaron also played high-school football with talent enough to win a football scholarship to Virginia University. From 2001-2003, Aaron served honorably in the Ghana Accra Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He developed a deep love and compassion for the African people, learning to speak in the Ghanaian dialect Twi ("chwee"). It was always his dream to return there one day. When it came time to return home, Aaron tried to discreetly bring his pet monkey back with him, but of course, was soon found out. For a time, Aaron's wanderlust took him to the U.S. Virgin Islands, where he was a jet-ski and diving tour guide. He loved to read -- favorite books were The Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter series. And, although he didn't want to admit it, he also was hooked on the Twilight series and OC. Other interests included writing poetry, playing and writing music (he played both piano and guitar), art, and photography. He also could swing a mean golf club. To Aaron, family was everything, and he loved them truly and unconditionally. His most prized possession was his rambunctious little 4-year-old son, Jaden. They often went camping together, rode horses, played in the park, sat around a campfire and laughed until they had to catch their breaths. Aaron took great pride in his Native American culture and heritage. His Navajo clan was Ta'baaha (Edgewater) and his maternal grandfather's clan was Lo'K'aah Dine (Reed People). He was passionate about learning the culture's stories, skills, ceremonies and arts, and incorporating them into his life. He learned to make knives, jewelry and leather crafts. A favorite pastime was to build a fire outside and listen to stories of the Navajo people. He also was an accomplished Native American dancer and performed locally and internationally with his mother, uncle and siblings. He participated in sweat lodges and sang Sundance songs with his brothers and uncles. Besides his son, Jaden Winter, Aaron is survived by his parents; Ray and Milli Cody Garrett, brothers; Jathan Cody (Marianne) Garrett and Kotah Ray Garrett, sisters; Meagan Garrett (Ty) Welch and Tessie Marie Garrett. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bank of American Fork in the name of Aaron Garrett, for a special fund on behalf of his son, Jaden. Funeral services for Aaron will be held Monday, August 2, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. in the Alpine North LDS Stake Center Chapel, 1125 North Alpine Blvd., Alpine, Utah. Friends may attend a viewing at the church on Sunday evening from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. and Monday morning from 9:30 -10:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment, Alpine City Cemetery. Funeral Directors - Warenski Funeral Home of American Fork, Utah. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.warenski.com