Aaron Patrick Smith

Aaron Patrick Smith, 28, of Moline, Illinois, died Friday, October 14, 2005, in his residence.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Tuesday in the Celebration of Life Chapel at Trimble Funeral and Cremation Center, Moline, with a gathering from 2 until 4 p.m. prior to the services. Memorials may be made to a memorial fund which will be established in his name.

He left us much too soon. We loved him so much and failed him in too many ways.  Perhaps each of us will be better for all that he has taught us. Aaron was born October 27, 1976, in Silvis, Illinois, the son of Claudia Cronin Smith and Fred Henderson Smith Jr.  He graduated from Augustana College and had applied for a Fulbright Scholarship.  He was manager of Alma’s Restaurant /Bar in Rock Island, and Co-owner of QCHotspots.com. He was an artist, loved working with his hands and doing carpentry, and enjoyed his motorcycle and politics. He had many friends and will be forever missed by all who loved him

Aaron is survived by his mother and step-father, Claudia and Buzz Robinson of East Moline; siblings and their spouses, Joshua Smith of Boone, North Carolina, Matthew and Jessica Smith of Davenport, Samantha and Thomas VanHorn of East Moline, and Lindsay Victor of East Moline; half sisters Stacey Smith and Shelly Washington,  nephews and a niece, Maxim Smith, Lauren VanHorn, and Austin Smith;  grandparents, Ruth and Barry Cronin of Moline and Margaret and Martin Johnson of Pompano Beach, Florida; and his fiancée, Carolyn Kosiek of Elk Grove Village, Illinois.

His brilliance will not be forgotten.

Comments

[ColeJoanna29]

People deserve good life and credit loans or short term loan can make it much better. Just because people's freedom bases on money state.

[mom]

I don't know what drew to this page today. Perhaps just wanting to relish in some of the memories that were shared here.I have heard stories I didn't know and I appreciate them. Each one makes me feel a little better, a little closer to him. I wish he was here.

[Michelle]

Hello, my friend. I still see you all the time. For quite a while it was just in dreams. You were at peace. I've been seeing you alot lately in random strangers. It makes me so happy and so sad every time it happens. I wish you were still here.

[Mom]

my dear sweet baby boy, how I miss you. How I wish I could see you, listen to you, smile at you. How much I wish.....how long must I wait?

[Cari]

5 years. I can hardly believe so much time has passed.
We all have memories that are so fresh, they seemed to have happened yesterday. I have so many of those memories with Aaron.
He had such a knack for making you feel special and seemed to know exactly what you needed to hear.
Aaron was so special and everyone that met him knew it.
I still think of him everyday.
I will never again have what I had with Aaron. I don't think any of us will.

[Susie (Suze)]

There is nothing that I can say that can provide any comfort to Carrie. There are no words. Aaron and I had a lot in common, and while I can never know what was going through his mind before he died, I understand his pain. I understand his inability to cope. I pray that he no longer feels that pain that he endured, and pray that he is happy, safe, and will meet all those he loved again. I picture him in my gangway laughing at me being weak. I remember both of us loving our ribeye at Johnny's while Carrie was disgusted by them. I remember the two of us laughing at our appreciation for a certain phallic symbol. I remember his bleached UFC t-shirt. Oh, and the eyebrows...
I listen to the last message that Carrie left on my answering machine two days before Aaron died often, to remind me of how happy he made her. She was on her way back to Chicago and called me with an update, as she did every week-so very happy and so in love. The next message is from the night he died. I can't erase either of them. I relive that night way too often, and the voices in my head will not seem to go away. I was at work and a client was sobbing, and screaming, and I had an immediate flashback, and had to run into another room because I couldn't take it. I hear Carrie's happy voice describing the wedding plans, there was a new detail every week when she came back up here from Moline. Then Carrie's hysterical voice screams in my head, and I breakdown. It immediately goes to that night, and the days following.....

I cry everytime I leave her. I cry everytime I get off the phone with her. She is amazing, and I don't know how she has gotten through each day. Her pain is indescribable, and any words of comfort just make it more real that I can't help. There is no 'help' in a situation like this. There is no moving on..there is no getting over it....there is no healing....just pain, sorrow, regret and memories. I remember that he made me laugh. He always made me laugh. I wake up crying some days and can't remember why, but I know it's Aaron. I know it's because I miss the Carrie before Aaron died. I picture how beautiful they both looked together when I saw them after Laurie's wedding. I remember thinking....god, there are really gorgeous together. They really were. They complimented each other so well. I remember her genuine smiles when she was around him...I have only seen a few of those since Aaron's death. The last time I saw Aaron was at my house, and as the two of them left, they walked away from me in opposite directions-I think of that all the time... I can't help but cry.
I never cried so much in my life as I have over the past 115 days. Carrie is such an amazingly strong woman driven by the love of her lost soulmate to preserve his memory. I wish I could do something to help her through this. The helpless feeling that everyone talks about is so consuming. I wish there was some form of relief..but there isn't. Carrie, I'm sorry that I can't help you, and I'm sorry for everything you have had to endure. Aaron, please help her get through...even if it's just for a second....help her to get through to the next second that she has to be without you.

[Christy Mc Laughlin]

I only knew Aaron for a few months, We talked and I made sure he was the rock Carrie longed for. I cannot say enough! I grew to love him. He was the third man brought into our family. The three oldest had their mates. I could not wait to see Aaron again. I knew from our conversation's that he was well thought. We have many joker's in our family, I knew he would fit in and bring more laugh's. I have never seen Carrie smile so much and so happy. He brought a loving reality to Carrie, that no else has! They were always together in the past months, loving and taking care of each other. Her family was proud that she found her love in Aaron and was moving on with her life as one with this great guy! Although we would miss her, we knew she was in good hands. You could tell that they new how to read each other. We will never forget Aaron, but I will not forget the last few things that they were going to do together as a family!
To Aaron's family, I am sorry we didn't get that chance to meet under happy circumstances!
To Carrie, you two brought joy and peace to each ther that I hope I can find!

Love Always,

C.

[Jack]

Aaron (Jebus) Smith,

Thank you, thank you, thank you...for everything that you have ever done for me. You did so much. You gave me two new parents, two new brothers, two new sisters and one ugly brother-in-law. I love you so much and I'm sorry. I will never be the same, but then again, I never was since I met you. You changed my life. You're the only person in the world I got excited to talk to...you're so brilliant I can't even explain. A day will not go by that I won't think of you. When 4am comes, I will be waiting for you Jay to come to breakfast. Sundays at 2pm I will still wait at my Mom and Dad's for you. You taught me about religion, politics, and life. You taught me that bad people come out during the day, and that Jews can love Muslims and vice versa. You were Jays brother, Frana's travel buddy, Luke and Drew's punching bag, my mom's garbage disposal, my dad's electrician, Tim's #1 fan, Carrie's husband and most of all, you will always be my best man. I love you and will never forget you.

[Elizabeth Marshall]

I find myself trying to take a break from all this for a half day or so but something always brings me back to reading about my good friend Aaron. He meant so much to me. I wasn't fortunate enough to know him for more than a year. His death has actually brought me closer to him by getting to know him better through stories from friends and family. I gravitated towards Aaron. Whenever he was in the room I wanted to me near him. He gave the kind of hugs that made you feel you were being swallowed up by something overwhelmingly special. I am so sad that I will never feel that from him again. I am so GRATEFUL for him coming into my life. He made me a better person and I really loved him for that. I am so proud that I can call him friend. Thank God I visited him Thursday evening. I will cherish our conversation until late in the night for the rest of my life. Each day I try to remember every detail of that night and every detail of his face so that I don't forget. I love him so much. I never want to forget you Aaron. Stay with me.

[Cortney (Carter) Kilby]

I did not know Aaron well. I met him two or three times, at Copia and at Lollies, but said little more than two words to him each time. He was busy working, but always had a huge smile for everyone, and seemed so thrilled to be there.

The only thing I can base my opinion of Aaron on, besides the few times I met him, is the effect he had on my friend, Amy Boblit, who knew him very, very well. Judging by the way her face lit up when she saw him, or even when she talked about him, I know Aaron was incredibly special. They became fast friends, and I never heard her say anything negative about him. She commented on his wonderful art, his intelligent conversation, and the easy way he made her feel like she was the most special person in a room. Judging by all the comments here, I can only opine that that was Aaron's effect on everyone he met. I experienced it when I met him those brief times, also. When he looked at me and smiled, his eyes had this knowing gaze. They were wise beyond his years, and made me feel as if he knew me right away. He always looked genuinely happy to see me. Not that fake smile you get from most people you meet, but a smile that made you feel that meeting you was the highlight of his day.

If you take nothing else away from losing Aaron, take this: You can effect the people around you with nothing more than a smile. He proved that every day.

[heidi moran-sallows]

I just wanted to post this link to a site I thought may be helpful to people who have questions about mental health.
http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/mentalhealth/chapter4/sec1.html

I have been looking things up, just trying to find some peace of mind.
~Heidi

[Shannon Wulf]

Aaron was a bright and gifted man. I know he is loved and sadly missed by everyone that knew him.

[Josie Yakovich]

I read of a men who stood to speak At the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on his tombstone
From the beginning...to the end.

He noted that first came his date of birth
And spoke the following date with tears,But he said what mattered most of all Was the dash between those years.(Oct 27 1976-Oct 14 2005

For that dash represents all the time That he spent alive on earth..
And now only those who loved him
Know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not,how much we own;The cars.. the house..the cash,
What matters is how we live and love And how we spend our dash

Remenbering that this special dash only lasted a while.

There are and will always be so many that have and will be touch and better to of had Aaron in there lives
I'm so sorry for your loss

Aaron you will be missed and always in are hearts

[A Friend]

I wrote a poem, it's kind of dark...

A Rope A Gun
To what extent can something be done? To what lengths (did I spell that right... Does it matter?)
Can someone be helped?
Did he really give up, give up, give us up, give up u up or Give in?
Into a pull a need to relieve that thing, the tounge the teeth, a bad dream, A pain Past is Pain Passed from seed to shining seed?
It Picked
A space away, time ticked... a split
mess of plans made...
an action of actions thought through... Did his tears fall away as his Mind his beautiful mind was...
He's fallen, as he slipped, Dropped, He's landed, chest sank, body melted, a weight Laid to rest while a weight was laid at our feet...
Oh what a sweet smile, oh what a warm embrace, hands so big so warm so strong oh but Even Darkness has light... the deeper love maybe the deeper hate... I suppose even blood can smell sweet...
So much to remember, He said yesterday, So much of what he remembered is...Is anything ever really done? Maybe imbedded in our cells are the answers we seek...
He drew a Rope, He painted a gun, now he's ashes...
How do the rest of us move on? To me, nothing is ever done...

[A Friend]

I wrote a poem, it's kind of dark...

A Rope A Gun
To what extent can something be done? To what lengths (did I spell that right... Does it matter?)
Can someone be helped?
Did he really give up, give up, give us up, give up u up or Give in?
Into a pull a need to relieve that thing, the tounge the teeth, a bad dream, A pain Past is Pain Passed from seed to shining seed?
It Picked
A space away, time ticked... a split
mess of plans made...
an action of actions thought through... Did his tears fall away as his Mind his beautiful mind was...
He's fallen, as he slipped, Dropped, He's landed, chest sank, body melted, a weight Laid to rest while a weight was laid at our feet...
Oh what a sweet smile, oh what a warm embrace, hands so big so warm so strong oh but Even Darkness has light... the deeper love maybe the deeper hate... I suppose even blood can smell sweet...
So much to remember, He said yesterday, So much of what he remembered is...Is anything ever really done? Maybe imbedded in our cells are the answers we seek...
He drew a Rope, He painted a gun, now he's ashes...
How do the rest of us move on? To me, nothing is ever done...

[misty and john stein]

We just wanted to express how very missed that aaron will be missed by me and john. he will forever be in our hearts and in our prayers. Our sympothy goes out to aarons family if you need anything do not hesitate to ask we will help in any way that we can. We know that he is now an angel in heaven watching over each of us. aaron we will met you on the other side. keep on smiling that beautiful smile of yours.
Love always john and misty stein

[Neva Tapia]

To Aaron's family:

I apologize that I was unable to attend the services held for Aaron. I met Aaron about 4 yrs ago and I am thankful to have met him. He would come into the bank so sophisticated and mature and lay his briefcase down to conduct his business. With his sophistcated intellect and inviting smile; we soon became friends. He was not a morning person, but he had such a strong presence that will leave me with everlasting memories. I just wanted to give an example of how easy it was for Aaron to leave an impression on this world. Although words cannot express my deepest sympathy for your loss, Aaron Patrick Smith will DEFINITELY not be forgotten.

[Amy Boblit]

Aaron had the most chraming smile, the kindest of words, a listening ear, honest compliments, and wonderful acts of caring which turned lives around. I'm so greatful to him for making my life happier and for helping my soul to blossom over the past 3 years that I have had the privlidge of knowing him.

Aaron Patrick- I will think of you and miss you everyday! Good friends are like stars. You don't always see them, but you know that they're always there.

[Linda Durkee-Quigley]

Claudia, Buzz and family. When my sister Sally told me about Aaron's death, I was not only shocked but stunned. I knew Aaron briefly from the Copia as "Claudia's son" but he had a presence that enclosed around you when you were near him. He had an imposing impression upon you from the minute you first met. He was a beautiful soul..that represented the love of his family. My sincerest sympathies to his family and loved ones..

I'M STILL HERE
Please don't mourn for me. I'm still here, though you don't see that I'm right by your side each night and day and within your heart I long to stay.

My body is gone but I'm always near I'm everything you feel, see, or hear.
My spirit is free, but I'll never depart as long as you keep me alive in your heart.

I'll never wander out of your sight. I'm the brightest star on a warm summer night.
I'm the colorful leaves when fall comes around- the pure white snow that blankets the ground.

I'm the first blossom you see in the spring.
The first warm raindrop that April will bring.
I'm the first ray of light as the sun starts to shine and you'll see that the face in the moon is mine.

I'm the hot salty tears that flow when you weep and beatutiful dreams that come in your sleep.
I'm the smile you see on a sweet baby's face.

Just look for me...
I'm everyplace.

I love you Mom, Carrie, Buzz, brothers, friend Brian, sisters and more...forgive me but I've gone home to a peaceful land and I'll save a place for you here. Aaron

[Brian Sandoval]

How do you sum up, literally, a lifetime of knowing Aaron in five minutes of pressing flesh into plastic keys? It is just not possible. Aaron was complex, with so many facets to his life, some of which we got to see and others we were just fortunate (or unfortunate) enough to get just a small glimpse. Everyone knows and talks about Aaron's brilliance, but when I thought of him, "renaissance man" always came into my mind. A time where the pursuit of well-rounded knowledge and self-generated ideas in all areas including math, science, art, religion, music, philosophy, etc. was an ingrained part of life. It would not be uncommon to see Aaron, covered in grime, sitting on a brake-dust cover rim and drag tire in the middle of his living room creating the most beautiful piece of artwork out of the paper towels from last night’s dinner while he had car parts soaking in the kitchen sink. The man sought out answers and understanding in everything. He was a problem solver of everything tangible and intangible in life. He could spend just minutes organizing his thoughts, reading a book, or a technical manual and take on just about anything. He truly had the world in his hands. Unfortunately, some things in life are not as logical as taking the leaking fuel valve off of your old Yamaha, breaking it down, seeing the problem, and solving the issue.

What does the group do when the silver back is no longer part of the group? I'm stuck here selfishly thinking about all the things we had planned, all the things we wanted to do, all the things I thought we would do, and all the things that Aaron had no idea that I wanted him to be a part of. Nothing can be done to have one more day from the past of running through the sprinklers in diapers or trying to sneak on to Claudia's roof trying to get a bad view of the drive in theater.

Well, if Aaron found the solution to the problem he could not solve in life, hopefully he was able to find that solution in death. If so, I can put aside my selfish thoughts, put my head down, and keep moving forward.

How do you sum up a lifetime of knowing Aaron by pressing flesh into plastic keys?

"He was my friend."

Brian Sandoval

[Jason & Alison Cross]

Our family's prayers include Aaron and his entire family.

Words are not enough to describe our feelings, but it is our hope that the healing will be swift, and the memories sweet.

[Joshua Smith AKA Buddha]

I just wanted everyone to know that my appreciation is totally more powerfull than words. The overwhelming response my family has recieved from all of your kind words means everthing to us. The most commom question we are asked is? What can I do for your family?

This is it. Time is now. Love is now. Hope is now.
My brother is now, as he will always be.

Love Josh

[Heidi Moran-Sallows]

I met Aaron some time in high school, at Stage 2... He was hanging out with some friends from Riverdale High School... He was really something... He had a grace and presence that was striking, beautiful and memorable... Later we worked together at Jalapeno's and he was so charming, hardworking and reliable... such a good listener, he was always calm, with his understanding ways and great advice... we had some wonderful conversations... he was never disrespectful, always a gentleman... I saw him over the summer and I was feeling low sort of off, and he gave me a big hug and made me feel like... well important. He did that for people... He was a good friend to people and a good man, Seeing his picture and reading all these wonderful things is just so sad and. unbelievable that someone so full of heart and soul could be gone. I hope that one day everyone will find peace with what has happened...

[Susie DeCook]

I am a friend of Carrie's(his fiance) and I have known Aaron only for the past few months. But in those few months and in
the time I spent with him, I was able to see how incredible Aaron was. I was able to see that he was an amazing man who
touched everyone that he met in some way, whether he knew it or not. He was an amazing man who made my friend Carrie so
incredibly happy. He was generous and selfless. He was fun and sarcastic. He was emotional and passionate about the people
and things that he loved. He was the type of person that we all strive to be. He was taken from us much too soon, and
his impact on all of us will not be forgotten. The image of his smiling face is seared into my mind and all I can hope
for is that he has found peace and relief from the pain he endured. I cannot fathom what those closest to him are going
through. This all seems unreal, and much too tragic to cope with, but I know that he would appreciate all of those close
to him celebrating his life. My deepest sympathy goes out to his family, finace and friends. Carrie-I love you, and I cannot put into words how sorry I am for your loss. My heart goes out to you.

Weep not for me
now that I have passed.
Remember the laughter, the affection, the joy
not just the recent tears.
Cherish the memories, our hopes and dreams.
Hold fast to the love that we shared.
Be happy with the time we spent together
and being anew.
For I am not really gone,
I am closer than ever before.
As the morning sun rises
and throughout the busy day...I am with you.
Until the setting sun disappears on the horizon
and we watch the day turn into night...I am here.
You may feel a faint breeze stir round your head, while you slumber
as I gently kiss your forehead, "Good night."
The stars that shine so brightly in my heavenly sky
help me watch over you and keep you from harm.
I am the wind in the trees
and the song of a bird.
I am moonbeams in a midnight sky
and a glorious rainbow after the storm.
I am morning dew
and freshly-fallen snow.
I am a butterfly flying overhead
and a puppy happily at play.
I am a smile on a stranger's face
a gentle touch
a warm embrace.
Listen to the wind for my message of love.
Watch the sun rise and set in the sky with me.
Feel my essence encircle you with warm memories.
Open your heart to know...I am not gone.
Reach deep into your soul...You will find me.
I am here.
Have no fear.
I am with you,
Always.

[Michelle Begora (Tindall)]

I can't beleive that this is really true. Aaron is one of the most wonderful, challenging, beautiful people I have ever meant. Some of the best memories of my middle and high school years involve Aaron in some way. He used to sit in front of me in class and I remember complaining about how that beautiful curly hair was wasted on a guy. I remember when he and Matt Sutton were Hanz and Franz. I remember countless hours sitting in a booth at Dennys. I remember the day we rode his motorcycle to Applebees and both burnt our legs on the side pipe when we got off. I still have that scar. These may seem like silly, trivial things, but they are such good memories. I know that several years have past since the last time I talked to Aaron. He was working behind the bar at Lollies. But the wonderful thing about him was that it didn't matter how long it had been since the last time we talked. I would see him again and he would smile his beautiful smile and it was just like no time had passed at all. My deepest heartfelt sympathy goes out to Aaron's family. I recently lost my daughter, and although I didn't know her nearly as long as you were blessed to know Aaron, the best advice I can give to you is this - Talk about Aaron all the time. Continue to share your stories about him. Keep him alive by remembering all the things about him that made him the beautiful, complicated person that touched so many lives. Tell strangers, friends, family...Shout it from the rooftops. Aaron's legacy will live on through all the people who loved him. Again, I am so sorry for your loss.