Aaron McQ

1967 - 2018

Aaron McQ

life's adventures

By the age of 50, Aaron McQ had cheerfully logged millions of global miles on foot, by bike, over water, and on just about every transportation conveyance known to man.

Over the years, Aaron ran along the Icelandic lava rock shoreline in the middle of the night. Wandered along the canals through Oxford. Spent holidays on Costa Rican beaches. Reinforced his independent spirit biking and camping across the southern states. Got lost running

through Paris on a wet November night. Got lost again while running with a friend in Idaho. Walked contentedly alone as he explored Taipei. Learned about the depths of friendship during innumerable road trips across France and the UK. And that's just for starters.

He also skied in fluffy snow in Taos, canoed the Arkansas River, ambled along the Italian coastline, and swam next to a flock of blue-footed Bobby birds in Mexico.

Over the years, Aaron spent many a night talking one-on-one with each grandparent. One of his favorite memories was as a young boy, searching for agates along a riverbank with his grandma, Rosabelle McQuarie. He also enjoyed spontaneously traveling to surprise family and friends on their birthdays. Eventually, he learned to appreciate lounging in the sun as well as to celebrate an occasional lazy, guilt-free weekend.

"I took risks, made the most of opportunities, and have few regrets," Aaron would say. Then he'd flash that devastatingly beautiful smile.

Along the way, Aaron also discovered he had a rare neurological disease. It put a crimp in his plans, but he continued to be who he always was at heart: a creative soul with a love for friends, books, and gardening. He could be a perfectionist pain, but he never approached boring.

Here are the facts: Aaron McQ was born to Lance and Sandy McQuarie in Mankato, Minnesota, on April 13, 1967. He was also welcomed by his sister, Kristy Arndt Turner. Years later, Aaron in turn welcomed stepmother Marti McQuarie.

Aaron grew up in Kasson, Minnesota, and graduated from Kasson-Mantorville High School, Class of '85. He also attended: Waldorf College, Mankato State University (BFA). London College of Communications (MDM). Portland State College of Urban Studies and Public Affairs (doctoral studies). He moved to Seattle in 1993 and stayed put (well, except for those long stints of living abroad).

In honor of Aaron and his love for the environment, plant a tree- or do something else that's good for Mother Earth.

Aaron wasn't much for "formal services," but sometime soon when the night sky is at its deepest blue, his friends will gather around a beach bonfire and howl at the moon. By that time, Aaron should have made it up to the lunar surface one way or another-and we're absolutely sure he'll be howling right back at us. From exactly which crater, however, we're not sure.

April 13, 1967 ~ April 10, 2018

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