Aaron Mitchell Manson

1994 - 2021

The world has lost a very loving and loved young man!
The – looks of a model
health of an athlete
humour of a comedian
ferocity of a warrior
voice of a singer
wisdom of a philosopher
spirituality of a dedicated seeker
An/A – astonishing chess player
talented guitarist
skillful mixed martial artist
connoisseur of dance (krump, break, hip-hop, jive and 2-step country)
Aaron had a loving and caring way to make those whom he met feel appreciated and accepted; his social-emotional intellect to assess and manage his surroundings was astonishing. He courageously battled mental health and substance use challenges. Aaron did not want anyone to worry about him so he hid his struggles of severe anxiety, ADD, sleep paralysis and substances. Not even most of his closest friends knew the level of his private fight.
He strongly opposed what he felt was unjust treatment of any person or animal, and often voiced his opinion and logic for his claim. He enjoyed many things; from simple coffee runs with his beloved big brother 'Vevi', to a variety of philosophical discussions and debate with anyone, to participating in physical bouts practicing various moves and holds on his buddies, family or members of his MMA clubs.
Aaron cared deeply about many things and aspects in life. This made him a fierce competitor in all of his sports in his youth. Later, during his extensive exploration of yoga, meditation, mindfulness, music, spirituality, and as a university student (last year of a BA/BBS degree at TRU), he became even more caring, kind and understanding that 'we are all doing the best that we can under our own circumstances'. Aaron worked towards inner peace, acceptance and a realization that he too, needed to be gentler on himself. He made great progress on his recovery journey. Aaron encouraged everyone that he met to be happy with whatever it was that they pursued and to be a good person. He considered people's feelings and his relationship with them to be of utmost importance; friends and family.
With these wonderful qualities, Aaron attracted an amazing community of friends who felt a special closeness to him. He also had a tight group of very close friends that have been a part of his life, sharing and contributing to the wealth of his character.
Although this can be viewed as a great loss, it can also be understood as a gift of enlightenment given to us by Aaron. Thank you Aaron for giving us so much including the opportunity to mindfully enjoy our memories of you.
Aaron leaves behind an incredible and heartbroken family network of love and support near and far including his; big brother Levi; Very Best Friend Astraea LaRue; parents Bart and Troylana; Grandmothers Pat McNamara (Madisun Browne) and Ric Manson; Aunts and Uncles – Roz and Ian McLean and cousins James, Duncan (Grace & child), Lachlan (Myka & children), – Chris Manson and Norm Westbrook and cousins Rick (Alexis) and Amy Lockwood (child) – Jim Manson and Cheryl Zawaduk and cousin Michaela -Mitch Manson and cousins Elizabeth, Jake and Ben – Dario Tomada and cousins Dia Mandzuik and Delano – Dana-Leigh Tomada and cousin Aric (& children) – Dante Tomada and cousins Talia, Bella and Dominic.
Aaron is predeceased by his three grandfathers; Reg McNamara, Delano Tomada and William (Bill) Manson.
Life is a series of moments where each arises and passes.
Mindfulness is experiencing fully these moments;
the pain, joy and wonder, and then
move on forward to the next.

"Find a place inside where there's joy, and the joy will burn out the pain."
-Joseph Campbell
Our family wishes to extend great appreciation and heartfelt thanks to friends and extended families for showering us with love and support in various ways during this very difficult time. Also sharing your stories, pictures and videos, with us personally or online has allowed our healing to begin.
Aaron was not alone in his fight, as there are thousands of others with similar stories who have passed or are still fighting for their lives today. Our family has decided to fully support and give permission to anyone to share Aaron's story in hopes that other families impacted by substance use challenges may not feel so isolated.
A special thanks to Elyssa Krutop and Jonathan Ikebuchi his counselors, Dr. Miranda Du Preez, Chad Freeman at Boa MMA, and SMART Recovery Kamloops for beginning and guiding Aaron through his fight for recovery. Also warmest gratitudes our Kamloops Paramedics, Fire Dept. and RCMP for their amazing professionalism, compassion and calmness in responding to the emergency call to our home.
Due to Covid19 PHO protocols, information for a celebration of life gathering will be provided at a later time. However, our home will be open for friends and family who wish to drop by for an outside visit are welcome.
If you choose to, in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to either:
TRU Foundation bursary/scholarship in memory of Aaron Manson https://www.tru.ca/makeagift Email foundation@tru.ca or call Janet 778-471-8469

Moms Stop The Harm
https://www.momsstoptheharm.com/donate


Condolences may be sent to the family at DrakeCremation.com