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Aaron Alto Obituary

Aaron Michael Alto passed away on Saturday, September 24, 2011, as the result of an injury sustained on Thursday, September 22, 2011. Aaron was born on February 6, 1989 to Bud and Sandee Alto in Anchorage. He graduated from South Anchorage High School in December, 2006. He was a small business owner, an expert snowmachine rider and a great hockey player. Aaron began his hockey career at the age of three and continued playing hockey with the, Alaska North Stars, Chugiak Blue Devils and South Central Wolves. He played two years of junior hockey with the River City Jaguars in Portland Oregon and one year with the Bobcaygeon Bucks in Ontario, Canada. He was dedicated to the sport and worked hard to hone his skills toward the ultimate goal of becoming a professional hockey player, which he achieved this season with the Danbury Whalers in Connecticut.

Aaron's other passion included snow machining, where he competed for several years in snow cross races with the Alaska Motor Mushers, garnering several 1st place finishes. He enjoyed fishing, flying and spending time at the family cabin at Crystal Lake in Willow.

Aaron's last success was as an organ donor through Life Alaska saving the lives of numerous individuals. He will be remembered by all of the people whose lives he touched as a strong determined loving young man who was always there to help.

In addition to his parents, Aaron is survived by his sister, Kaitlin Alto of Portland; the love of his life, Kestly, grandmother, Adelheid Alto of Los Angeles, aunts Karen Parker and Susan Peach;uncles Jeffrey and Michael Nelson, cousins Eugenia,Megan, Shannon, Katherine, William and Hunter. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Victor Alto, and Layton Nelson, grandmother Phyllis Nelson, and his uncle Brad Peach.

A celebration of Aaron's life will be held on Friday, September 30, 2011 at 2:30 pm at the Subway Sports Center in south Anchorage. A gathering will be held in the Blueline Club upstairs following the ceremony. The ice will be available for anyone to skate in remembrance of Aaron until 4:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Life Alaska Donor Services, 235 E. 8th Avenue, Ste 100, Anchorage, AK 99501.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Anchorage Daily News from Sep. 27 to Sep. 28, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
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Destiny Squires

January 2, 2021

Always be in me heart. Think about you always!!

chuck cheshire

September 22, 2020

he had a great sprit about him and left his mark on this world for being a great person jags for life chuck cgm

September 21, 2019

allways in my mind chuck great one old gm jagurs for life

Santino Lazzarotto

September 12, 2014

I would just like to say Mr. Arron Michael Alto, there has not been too many days that I have not thought about you that is for sure! I am still in shock even after so many days have past. They say time heals all wounds, I am not sure if this is true or not. Wounds may be healed, but I know for a fact the voids do not get filled. The day is coming close that you ascended above.......I MISS YOU BROTHER!!!! As if you didn't know that already. I love you and your family.

Noah

April 16, 2014

Alto Family,

It has been a few years since Aaron's passing. I was given the pleasure of being Aaron's teammate in his final season with the Jaguars. Aaron and I formed a bond as players that wanted to move onward and upward in hockey, and the lessons that Aaron taught me about hockey and life, I still hold dearly. I am no longer playing hockey competitively, but I still remember the way Aaron viewed life and I try to emulate that everyday. I don't know if you will see this posting, so long after his passing, but I just want you to know that Aaron made an impact in many people's lives, always in a positive manner but his legacy is not only remembered in the hockey community. He made a difference in how I view life, and that positives can always be taken from difficult situations. My thoughts are still with your family and with Aaron, as I know he is looking upon us from a better place.

Kia Castillo

February 14, 2014

We will always "be cool friends" just as you said. Thought of you today watching the Olympics.

Sierra Laurent

November 16, 2011

Aaron was my roommate when he moved to Portland, Oregon. I remember so many good times with him, he was so much fun. One time we decided to drive to Canada in a blizzard, i will always remember that! I used to pack him and his teammate lunches and snacks for their long drives to away games. I would like to send my condolences to the family. Your son was a wonderful man and you have a lot to be proud of, you did a great job. Aaron will be missed greatly by all who knew him!!

Mary Ellen Riley

October 18, 2011

Sandee,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We are so sorry for your loss.

Mary Ellen Riley
Jeff Laramee
Susie Ingalls
Holly Residential Care Center Staff

Kent Williams

October 16, 2011

Mr. and Mrs. Alto and family, I am truly sorry to hear this very sad and tragic accident. I was a volunteer with the Jag's when Aaron played for us. I did miscellaneous things with the team, but mostly I ran the BBQ at the home games. Aaron was always a big help to ask me if he could do anything for me. Or, if I asked him, he never complained. I got to know his sister, Kaitlin too. She always filled in when I wanted the day off. Also, I met his uncle Jeff from Bend and his kids. You have a very nice family. With his short time with us, I can only guess that he made you proud. Again I'm sorry and wishing you all the best at this trying time.

Matt hughes

October 15, 2011

i am truly sorry for your lose , sharing the ice with Aaron was tons of fun and even at 5am he made car rides fun , my heart goes out to you .

October 13, 2011

So sorry to hear of your terrible loss. A son you must be so very proud of!
Much love and condolence, Kathie Knowles (Eugene, OR)

Jerry & Jackie Carter

October 11, 2011

Bud & Sandee, We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your son Aaron. We're thinking about you and sending you a Hug from Virginia.

Jalna Gragg

October 10, 2011

Bud & Sandee-I am so sorry for your great loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this extremely difficult time.

Pamela Myers-Lewis

October 5, 2011

Bud and family, I was so very sad to learn of Aaron's passing. My heart goes out to you all. Aaron packed a lot into his too-brief time here, and his final gift will live on in such a significant way in several others, a wonderful legacy. May God hold you and sustain you in the time to come. You remain in my prayers.

Nancy Winslow

October 5, 2011

Bud,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Truly a great loss.
Nancy

Ruth and Jim Wiley

October 3, 2011

Although we were not fortunate enough to know your son we will keep him in our prayers and thoughts. The Nelsons were always there for all of the North Bend families. Tonight when I say my prayers they will end with, "Lord, Aaron is in your arms tonight, give him a good night kiss for his Mom and Dad."

Jane Yokoyama

October 3, 2011

I taught Aaron at Central MIddle School. I still remember his wonderful smile and sweet nature. My thoughts go out to you during this difficult time.

October 1, 2011

You have my heatfelt sympathy. May God give you comfort (2nd Corint. 1:3 & 4) during this difficult time. You are in my prayers.

Rachel Perry

September 30, 2011

I knew Aaron when we were just six years old. He was a great friend to grow up with, although we lost touch as we grew up I've never forgotten about him.
I pray for his family, and give my deepest condolences.

Rachel Perry

September 30, 2011

I knew Aaron when we were just six years old. He was a great friend to grow up with, although we lost touch as we grew up I've never forgotten about him.
I pray for his family, and give my deepest condolences.

Josh Pitta

September 30, 2011

Words cannot express the sadness of losing such a great friend and teammate. I will never forget Aaron's smile that is the most welcoming I have ever seen. My deepest condolences to the Alto family.

Lane Maillet

September 30, 2011

Aaron and I were friends in highschool and crossed paths several times after, he was alway good company and an honest friend. I'm sorry for the loss and Aaron and his family will always be in my thoughts, rest in peace friend.

Mohammad Abudakar

September 30, 2011

I'm so deeply sorry for the great grief and loss that the Altos family have endured. It must seem unbearable. My deepest sympathy to Alto family and his friends.

September 30, 2011

Thank You for giving me your BEST!! You will be missed

Former Head Coach River City Jaguars, White Fish MT, JOAKIM

kathleen christenson

September 30, 2011

Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.....

Georgina White

September 29, 2011

Even though our lives have taken different paths through the years, your family has remained in our thoughts. We are sorry to hear of Aaron's passsing. Our love and support will always be here for you.
Georgina and Jim (Corvallis, OR)

Ging Martin

September 29, 2011

Aaron Alto, you were a great friend,team mate and opponent as well. You were always happy to be at practice even at those early skates, whenever I think of you, I see your smile and I think of nhl 09. You were optimistic, respected, very competetive, and straight forward which made you a good captain. Hope everything is going well up there!
-Ging Martin

Lori Coryell

September 29, 2011

I cannot imagine what words I might write that could remotely comfort you. . . Aaron used to come over for dinner when he played for the Jags, he loved my pot roast or anything that was on the table:) He was a good kid and was always welcome. My heart goes out to you.

Kim Irwin

September 29, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family!!! Aaron was a incredible young man. May you find comfort knowing that Aaron will live on in the lives of so many. We were truly honoured to know him.

James Abudakar

September 29, 2011

Aaron Alto was an amazing person. I have been blessed to have known him and my life today would not be the same without his presence. I am lucky to have played 2 seasons of hockey with him, those 2 years were the best in my life and would not have been the same without Aaron. He could always cheer you up no matter how down you were. In the locker room he had a voice that was heard by the hole team, everyone had tons of respect for him and what he had to say. My heart goes out to Aaron and his family, my prayers are with you.

dylan cosford

September 29, 2011

Always hit me up to come play with you man no matter where you were I wish now I went with you to the ontario team buddy. Miss ya and my prayers are with your family. I no your up there looking down on all of us, miss ya kid

Teresa Mathies

September 29, 2011

Words alone cannot express the loss and sadness our family is feeling right now. We were in such shock to hear of your loss. Aaron played hockey for two years with the River City Jaguars. In that time I got to know a bright kid who always had a smile on his face. He had a way of picking up the other kids on the team if they were feeling low. He was one of the many mentors my son Erik Mathies had on the team. Aaron always showed respect to all his fellow team mates and you could always see he loved the game because no matter what was happening out on the ice. He always had determiation in his eyes and that bright smile on his face. You have our deepest sympathy.

September 28, 2011

This is chuck. Aaron's former general manager and coach of the Rivercity Jaguars. This is the hardest thing I ever had to write in my life, because there are no words to say how I felt about Aaron. He was such a great kid; so full of life. He was always happy-go-lucky and very respectful to all. I was very proud of him making the Danberry Whalers hockey team. He truly loved the game of hockey!
Jags For Life
You will always be on the ice with us,
Chuck Cheshire

Glen and Mary Kay Nelson

September 28, 2011

Dear Sandy, Bud and family, We are so sorry to hear of this tragic accident. Glen is out of town, but of course he is following this closely. We are keeping you all in our prayers. I know you will always have such wonderful memories of Aaron and the life he shared with you. I can only imagine the pain you are going through. Keep him close to you in your heart and may his spirit bring you comfort. All our Love

Kelly Fehrman (former next door neighbor)

September 28, 2011

Dearest Bud and Sandee and Kaitlyn.
I am so sorry for your loss and heartache. What wonderful memories I and Karen have of Aaron! What a great kid he was - so full of energy, kept us all on our toes, (and Bud running around as I recall!). He became quite a handsome, successful young man due to your constant guidance and influence. My prayers are with you all and your family. The earth feels this loss and will not be the same.

Mary Hutchison

September 28, 2011

I did not know Aaron or his family personally. Please accept my sympathies, and my gratitude for supporting the Organ Donor program.
As I stated, I did not know Aaron, however, I am an Organ Donor recipient and know first hand what a blessing it is when someone like Aaron and his family are willing to give the gift of life to someone else. GOD BLESS. My prayer are with you.

JoAnne Sedlacek

September 28, 2011

Bud and Family: I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.

Marianne Strahle

September 28, 2011

Bud & Sandy,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts & prayers are with you.

Karen Peterson

September 28, 2011

I was very sad to hear this news. Aaron was a fine young man. My sympathies and prayers go out to his friends on family.

Dawn & Dan Wood

September 28, 2011

Bud & Sandy,

We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers our with you.

Destiny Squires

September 28, 2011

Dear Alto Family,
I am very sad to hear that Aaron passed. He was a great friend to me and always helped me with anything possible. i have known him since i was younger and i met him when he was 16. He m\always knew how to make someone smile and turn their ood around no matter what. He always made me happy when i was with him and he will always be greatly remembered forever in my heart.
I pray he is looking over each and everyone one of us today. He was an amzing person with a really good heart..

YOU WILL BE GREATLY MISSED AARON, I HOPE YOU KNOW THAT!!!!

P Keith

September 28, 2011

I'm saddened to hear about this...my condolences to the Alto family...

Rest in peace, old friend.

Paul Blase

September 27, 2011

To the Alto family... Most sincere condolences to you in this terrible time. Many thoughts and prayers are with you. Aaron will always be remember as a very talented player and a good young man.

-Paul Blase and Family

September 27, 2011

I had the honor of meeting your wonderful son this summer when I was cleaning a house for a woman and Aaron was washing the windows.I asked him if he might be able to work for me out on Base this summer,and he said yes and to just call him and give him a little advance notice.I could always rely on Aaron.He was Always on time and professional.He just cleaned the out going generals entire house's windows.My Big Boss was very impressed.I will MISS him very much.You and your family will be in my church's prayers requests this week.Sincerely Hauni Hart.

Patrick Henry

September 27, 2011

I remember your son while he attended South. He was a wonderful young man and I am so terribly sorry his family's loss!

stephen kenny

September 27, 2011

Aaron was a great person and a great friend to all of us. He will be greatly missed.

Diane Whitehead

September 27, 2011

Bud, i am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family. Diane Whitehead

September 27, 2011

Bud, Sandee, and Kaitlyn-Our hearts are heavy as we learned of your loss. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We have fond memories of Aaron from Scenic Park.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Jim, Deanna, and Autumn Scheu

Betsy Kron

September 27, 2011

The greatest distance anyone will ever travel is the 12 inches between the head and the heart. My heart goes out to you and your family and will pray for you through this tragic journey.

September 27, 2011

My prayers go out to the Alto family, I had the honor of working alongside Aaron at Deweys, He was a wonderful co-worker always willing to go the extra mile with a smile, hard working and pleasent. May God help you find peace .
Diane Grant,Arlint
Springfield Oregon

Jennifer Knight

September 27, 2011

Idaho is sending thoughts and prayers your way. Wishing you much strength and love and laughter as you celebrate the vibrant life of a wonderful son. Best, Jennifer Knight, Boise, Idaho

Vickie Manning

September 27, 2011

So sorry for your loss.

Pam Bell

September 27, 2011

So very sad. I love you Bud and Sandee, Kaitlin and Kestly...hugs and prayers all around.

Freedom Madden

September 27, 2011

My thoughts and prayers for the Alto family. I didn't know Aaron well, but I will always remember little Aaron at my Aunts during the holidays, and his big ,bright smile! My deepest sympathy.

David Steelman

September 27, 2011

Words alone cannot express the sadness my family feels, with the loss of such a wonderful young man. Aaron's energy and his spirit will live on in our hearts and our thoughts. May God grant his loved ones..peace in your hearts, David, Aaron, Theresa & Gloria Steelman

darrell johnson

September 27, 2011

my condolences to the alto family,so sorry for your loss.aaron was a very good friend of mine,ill always have a place in my heart for him. ill miss you little buddy.big d

Mandy Malone

September 27, 2011

My thoughts are with the Alto family during this difficult time. I will always remember playing outside in the circle with the neighbors. I lived exactly one circle over at an 8610:) May the memories you shared with Aaron be forever in your hearts and support you at this time. my deepest condolences-mandy

September 27, 2011

We are so very sad to learn of your loss. Our deepest condolences go out to your family. It is so hard to find words of comfort but please know that Aaron will always be remembered in our hearts. Love the Bristers.(Rich, Danice and Jonathan Brister) Hockey friends

Mary & Gene Menne

September 27, 2011

So,so sorry to hear of your loss. Our sympathy and condolences to your family. May God grant you peace in your hearts.

Karen Yesh

September 27, 2011

My heart and my prayers go out to Aaron's family. There are many fond memories of living next door to Aaron and watching him grow. May you all find comfort in knowing that he is at peace with his Creator.

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