John William Aiton
1954 - 2018
John William Aiton passed away while riding his dirt bike he loved on trails with friends that made him smile. He was 64 years old.
He was born in Dallas, Texas. John moved to Boise in 1981. He loved Idaho and it quickly became home. John was an avid dirt bike rider. He organized an annual ride with friends called the Lazybutt ride. This past week John was enjoying this year's ride and his heart stopped. He died doing what he loved in the beautiful mountains of Idaho.
A celebration of his life will be on Saturday, October 13th at 4pm at the Alden-Waggoner Funeral Chapel, 5400 W Fairview, Boise.
He received a bachelor's degree from the University of Texas in Austin in Botany. He worked as a chemist and semiconductor engineer. He retired as a vice president at Micron.
Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Marilyn Aiton. His four children Mitchell Aiton of Texas, Kevin Aiton of Delaware, Emily Aiton of Boise and Scott Aiton of Boise. His parents are Jocele Laing and Robert Aiton and his wife Jeannine Aiton. His sisters Sally Foster and Bill, Kelly Baker and Brett, Nancy Murphy and Tom. Numerous nieces and nephews. And his two heart granddaughters Kylee and Elsie. He is also survived by his beloved bikes Major Kong, Bertha and Bubba. Yes, Spode Daddy named his bikes.
Memorial donations in memory of John can be sent to your favorite charity. He will giggle if you send it to anything that has anything to do with dirt bikes and trails. The BlueRibbon Coalition was a favorite. Or donations may be made to the Elmore County Search and Rescue who brought John off the mountain.

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

Published by Idaho Statesman on Oct. 9, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for John Aiton

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30 Entries

Joan Stimpson

October 3, 2021

I remember when my Ricky told us what happened to John I couldn't believe it and was in shock that such a thing had had happened to you and John. Now 3 years later it's still hard to believe, my heart still goes out to you Marilyn. Sometimes life just doesn't make sense but as people have said to me about the loss if my brother that God must of wanted another angel by his side...

October 3, 2020

Miss my old friend, hope the family is doing ok. Aubrey

Jim Ranes

December 28, 2018

Just found John's obit. My deepest condolences to his family and many friends. I worked with him in the late 70's and early 80's at Mostek (in Texas) and then with him my short tenure (very short..Lol!) at Micron. Knowledgeable and down to earth guy. Thoughts and prayers.

October 24, 2018

John was a true and honest man and he helped me a lot with my career and taught a work ethic that I still carry today. The last time I saw J.A. was when he came to my driveway on Hollilynn with his new motorcycle with a grin from ear to ear.

RIP

Rod Langley

Scott Hardy

October 15, 2018

I just heard the news of John's passing today, 10/16, and sad at missing the service as well as losing a great person at such a young age. John gave me my first opportunity at a career job way back in 1983. He was my mentor and I still to this day make decisions based on principles I learned from him. John was a real leader, never asked anyone to do anything he wouldn't do himself, and had a great sense of humor that will be missed in this world. My deepest sympathy and prayers for his family and friends.

SLH/153

Joyce Loveland

October 15, 2018

We are so very sorry! Our hearts go out to you! Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you!Bruce and Joyce Loveland❤❤

Tim Bossart

October 13, 2018

John was my friend, mentor and riding buddy. I will miss his belly laugh,wit and companionship. John was my first engineering supervisor at Micron. As a mentor and supervisor, he taught me many things about process and process control. His integrity as a supervisor and friend will be remembered. I was fortunate to spend time with John on our BFR ride last summer. We logged many miles together as riding buddies. He was a special and rare person that touched many people. He will be missed dearly by all who knew John. Prayers and condolences to his Family.

October 12, 2018

I had the good fortune to work alongside and for John for many years.

John taught me many lessons, just like a big brother. Always straight forward, few words, sometimes tough, but anchored by a kind heart.

I always got a kick out of how John could sit in silence during a tough conversation and wait out the other individual. Eventually they would spill the beans and John would accomplish what was needed.

John is a special one that will be missed by many. Jeff Mendiola

October 12, 2018

I Am very sorry to hear about John's passing. I remember him very well having worked with him at Micron. He was a good man and we had a lot of laughs together with all our other pals at Micron. Prayers going out to his family.

Jon Hacker

October 12, 2018

John has been a huge influence in my life and career. Because of him, I chose to make Boise my home. He offered true mentorship along the way as I ventured out into the real world at Micron so many years ago. I am eternally indebted to him for what he imparted to me and my family, and I am sure without him even knowing it. He will be missed by so many.

Wade

October 10, 2018

John, the news of your passing has saddened me but I force myself to thoughts of us riding together. One ride stands out when we rode from Silver Creek Plunge. We had finished the ride for the day and the group was back at the rigs taking it easy. Suddenly you looked at me and said, lets ride and off we went. Rest in peace my friend!

John Whitman

October 10, 2018

From my perspective, John's loves were of course his family followed by Motorcycles and Micron .... makes perfect sense to me. So much about how John lived is to be admired and he will for sure be missed!

Luan Tran

October 10, 2018

Dear John,
Our planned get-together with you after your road trip will never have happened. Sorry to see you go, but happy that you enjoyed what you were doing.
Many fond memories with you during the DRAM transfers to Fab 1, and most recently, before your retirement, on the 50nm pitch doubling project.
Vividly remember your laughs and pacing the wall when you walked.
Rest in peace, John, we all miss you.

Our deepest condolences to Marilyn and family.

October 10, 2018

I was just a darn kid when I started at Micron (like so many of us back then) and didn't know a DRAM from a hole in the ground. John gave me my first technician job and taught me the ropes. He provided the example and foundation for my career.....some 30+ years ago.
I owe him a lot.
Thanks for everything John.
DH/330

Wayne Allan

October 10, 2018

A Micron legend and a larger than life personality. We will miss you dearly, John.

Gary Mellville

October 10, 2018

John was a great man and touched the lives of many. He was the most honest, common sense, cut to the chase person I knew. His witty sense of humor and that belly laugh will never be forgotten. Rest in peace big fella and my condolences go out to his family and friends.

October 9, 2018

John was one of, if not the best boss I ever had. He was tough, but understanding. He taught me to respect myself. He valued and encouraged those he worked with. I was a willing recipient of his great sense of humor and wit. I will miss his spresence on earth, and facebook. Condolences to his family and friends. Monte #61

Tim Hayes

October 9, 2018

It was great knowing and riding with you John. I wish you the best.

John Walas

October 9, 2018

John, you are my mentor and my friend. Any success I have had is rooted in your lessons. You have touched the lives of so many in a positive way. I am grateful to have been your friend. You will be very missed, and always remembered in my heart. Ride on John!

Your Friend, John Walas

October 9, 2018

My 3 main mentors during my 34 year Micron career were Gordon Haller, Randal Chance and John Aiton. There would not be a Micron Technology, Inc., if not for these 3 original FAB RATS. Thank You John Aiton for making my first job out of college, my only job out of college. For everyone in mourning, just picture John Aiton and Steve Appleton racing their dirt bikes up there. Rest in peace, my friend...David Fossatti #1209

John exit Hiawatha Trail tunnel August 2012

Byron Defenbach

October 9, 2018

John waiting in Yellowstone Park July 2018

Byron Defenbach

October 9, 2018

John Emery

October 9, 2018

So many good memories of rides with John in the sand washes near Oreana, battling over the rocks in Sinker Creek, on single tracks in the mountains from Eagle's Nest to Emma Creek. Adventure biking to various lookouts like Pinon Peak and the Steen Mountains. He had a sharp wit and an unwavering presence on social media. I will sure miss him.

Jim Cook

October 9, 2018

John will be missed by many. He was the very essence of "Class Act". Goodbye my friend.

Spode Daddy

Chad Linton

October 9, 2018

Rides with John were always true adventures and memories I will never forget. Riding out in the dark, running out of gas, and late nights back to the truck will be greatly missed. No matter the trail or terrain, John always had a smile on his face. Rest in Peace my friend.

Joan Stimpson

October 9, 2018

May you now rest in peace and from the bottom of my heart thank you for loving Kylee...

Kurt Bossart

October 8, 2018

Such good memories of riding with John. His wild laugh and wit will be sorely missed. A one-of-a-kind guy. He was always up for the next ride and adventure. Gone too soon, but died doing what he loved. My condolences to John's family, he was truly special.

GLAD WE STOPPED!

October 8, 2018

John there were those of us that always said we wanted to go with our boots on you raised the bar and I'm sure your grinning and saying hey top this guys! You are definitely the best to go riding with and I hope to ride with ya again. During those early years of learning you never complained and then soon excelled in the sport. you are a great friend to many who will miss you in this life. I will be out of town for your service so this is the best I can do and wont be able to share some of the great stories we had, see ya around my friend. aubrey

Randal Chance

October 8, 2018

There have been many good people that have supported me throughout my career, but none more important to me than John. He was a good man and great colleague.