Aedan Faris

Today, we gather with heavy hearts and tearful eyes to honor the life of Aedan who, though taken from us far too soon, left behind a legacy that will echo in our hearts-and in our stories-forever.
Aedan was the youngest of eight and united a blended family. Somehow, Aedan managed to bring everyone together like he was born to do it. He didn't just unite us-he glued us. He was the bridge between all the different corners of our family, and he crossed it constantly, usually with a big grin and a smart remark in tow.
His laugh-unforgettable, and just like his brother Cody's was contagious in the best way. If you heard it across a room, you couldn't help but smile. And if he was the reason you were laughing? Well, that was like winning a prize.
Aedan loved his mom fiercely. After Cody passed, he stepped into a protector's role with a heart far older than his years. He carried that responsibility not like a burden, but like an honor. He was her baby, but he became her shield, her support, her rock. He never missed an opportunity to tell her, "I love you."
Anyone who knew Aedan also knew that he was so much like his dad. And let's be honest, that sometimes meant sparks flew-two strong, stubborn, cowboy souls under one roof? It wasn't always quiet. And underneath it all, they were best friends. Fishing, camping, and horse back riding, they shared a love for the outdoors that ran deep. Aedan learned from his dad how to protect those that he loved with everything he had. That was their bond-unshakable but real.
He loved being a brother. Aedan made his older siblings feel safe and protected as if he was the oldest in the family. He was their rough and tumble, blue eyed baby. He didn't care where he fell in the family lineup though. He took caring for and protecting his siblings seriously, even at a young age.
Aedan loved the possessing the role of Uncle. And he was SO good at it. To him, being Uncle Aedan wasn't just a title, it was a mission. He gave his niece Kaiya a stuffed pig recently, because he wanted her to know that he was always thinking of her. When his niece, Chyann was really scared, it wasn't Mom or Dad or her siblings who could calm her- it was Uncle Aedan. His quiet strength made her world feel safe again. Aedan often ran from work, covered in dirt and exhausted from his construction job, to be there to cheer his Nephew Jaxx on at his baseball games because being there for Jaxx mattered most. And when his Nephew Ian was having a hard time during a family trip and had wandered off to the fitness room to be alone, Aedan quietly followed behind, pretending to run on the treadmill and lift weights, simply so Ian wouldn't FEEL alone.
Aedan's heart was always with his family and friends. If someone called, he dropped what he was doing. It didn't matter what time it was, or how far he had to drive. He just showed up. That's who he was-steadfast, dependable, and deeply rooted in love and loyalty.
And then there was Katana. His partner, his person. They met at the young age of twelve, and were never separate. Aedan loved her with his whole heart. He cared for her, supported her, and built a life with her full of dreams of marriage and a family of their own someday. He was her provider, her protector, and her biggest fan. Together, they were a team-and a beautiful one at that.
Aedan didn't need attention or praise. His love spoke through his actions-quiet, strong, and unwavering. He had a way of making everyone around him feel safe, just by being there. He didn't have to say much (though when he did, it was usually either surprisingly wise or hilariously blunt). He just had to be Aedan. And that was more than enough.
He found peace in nature. The mountains, the dirt roads, the wind whipping through the trees, and on the back of a horse-that was his sanctuary. If you ever saw him leaning against his truck, that familiar grin on his face, you knew he was exactly where he belonged.
Though Aedan's time here was too short, he filled every moment with meaning. With strength. With laughter. With love. So today, even as we mourn, let's remember what he taught us: how to love fiercely, laugh loudly, show up for each other without question, and maybe argue a little-just to keep things interesting.
Rest easy, Aedan. We'll hear your laugh in the wind, see your smile in the stars, and feel your presence every time we stand together as a family. You were, and always will be, our guardian, our little brother, our protector, and our heart.
We Love you