Aaron Justin Slade

Aaron Slade made his mark on all he knew in the short time he was here, and left this world too soon on October 18 at the age of 38. He will forever be cherished by the loved ones he left behind, and never forgotten by those who were lucky enough to call him a friend. Born and raised in Eureka, Aaron attended Grant Elementary School, Winship Junior High and graduated with Eureka High School's Class of 1990. He also attended College of the Redwoods and Humboldt State University, where he studied the two subjects that he loved- math and science. The past few years Aaron had been living in Redding and Woodland, where he worked in the Grocery and Construction industries. Behind Aaron's easy smile and quick-wit, was an intelligent, thoughtful man whose multiple interests were fueled by strong convictions and an avid appetite for learning. Starting at a very young age and continuing throughout his life, Aaron loved to read; whether it was a National Geographic magazine he would read cover-to-cover; or his favorite book series- The Lord of the Rings- which he read multiple times (including four more times just last year. ) In his youth, Aaron liked BMX bike racing and playing on his Mercer Fraser little league team with his favorite coaches Dale DelGrande and Kenny Britt. At the age of 12, Aaron decided to try a new hobby- playing guitar. Knowing his capability of learning anything he put his mind to, his parents bought him his first JC Penney's-issued guitar. Aaron taught himself how to play it, saved his money, studied Jimi Hendrix, and bought his own electric guitar the very next year. Many years, and guitars, later- he still loved to play. A self-taught Cook as well, Aaron also indulged in another hobby he was passionate about- fishing. A catch & release fisherman through-and-through, Aaron loved the sport and fished his favorite spots as often as he could. Aaron is preceded in death by his Gram Rita and Papa Art Slade, his Grandma Allegra, dog Jake, and best fishing buddy A.J. Milton. He is survived by his parents, Jim and Linda Slade, and his brother Tony Slade. Being 12 years older than Tony, Aaron was like another parent, always worrying about him. He is also survived by his Grandpa Jack Schmale; his Aunts and Uncles Judy Malfatti, Bill Schmale, Sandy Hendricks and husband Dave, and Jerry Avila and wife Leslie; and his cousins Scott Avila and family, Kim Mullins and family, Jamie Biagi and Family, Roberta Rushka and family, Laurie Fano and Family and Michael Schmale. He would also want mentioned best friends Brian Bigham, Jason Benhote, Hugo Romero and Erik George, as well as all of the other caring friends and family who were a part of his life. A special thank you to Dr. Robert LaClair and Dr. Sheldon Meshulam, as well as all of the wonderful doctors and nurses who work in St. Joseph Hospital's Intensive Care Unit. A celebration of Aaron's life will take place Saturday, October 23 from 1-4 p.m. at 5178 Windfall Lane, Mckinleyville, Calif. Please call (707) 601-3213 or (707) 839-8664 for directions. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity in Aaron's honor. "Fish on!" Aaron. You will be missed. Please sign the guest book at www.Times-Standard.com, click obits.