Aidan Patrick Arthur Murphy

This is where we’re supposed to write, “Aidan’s Story.” The “dash” as it is called. We struggle with how to put 19 years of living life into simple words on a page. Especially as we attempt to accept that we are missing the dates for so many of life’s milestones that he still had yet to reach. Aidan was not simple. He was layered and glorious. Just as he could drive you from sane to crazy in 0.2 seconds, he could use the same amount of time to smile and melt you like snow in the sun. I suppose the most simple of ways to put it, “Aidan was Aidan.” However uncomplicated as those words are to print, to those who knew him well, you know just how complex they really are. They mean a million different moments and memories. All unique to each and every person he loved.

The 2^nd of three children, and only son to Kevin and Stacy Murphy, Aidan Patrick Arthur Murphy came into this world on December 12^th, 2002 at 6:50 pm. Showing everyone his stubbornness to do it his way early on, he arrived on his own terms, exactly two months earlier than expected. He was tiny at just over 4 lbs., but defied the odds and challenges stacked against him time and time again and showed the world that, no matter what, he was going to live his life to the fullest. Full Send.

In his 19 years, Aidan moved 7 times, attended 7 different schools, spent 3 years living in and traveling around Europe until finally settling in California in 2019. He touched the hearts of many and is loved and remembered by family and friends across the US and the world.

Aidan liked to live life in the fast lane. Never a moment wasted. He caught lizards and snakes, built the biggest towers and fastest cars with his Legos. He climbed up trees and jumped off cliffs. He went from a boy riding his bike exploring as far as his legs could peddle, to a young man driving around getting lost in music while enjoying the fleeting moments of teenage craziness and young adult independence.

His joys included spending time with friends, thinking of ways to personalize his car, listening to music, and watching YouTube. He secretly still loved his childhood stuffed toy and enjoyed building with Legos. He liked playing sports, but not watching them. He loved his dogs. He loved fast cars and expensive shoes, hamburgers and French fries. Ski season with Dad, and monthly lunch dates with Mom. He admired beautiful houses and dreamed of a future living in the biggest, fanciest house in the most established of neighborhoods.

We will miss his goofiness and sense of humor (which he gets from his dad, BTW). His smirkish grin when a silly idea crossed his mind. We’ll miss his beautiful smile, his dimples, his gorgeous dark, curly hair. The needing to stand on tip-toes to give him kisses, the stubble on his cheek. His man-smell. birthday pancakes, family dinners, putting ornaments on the Christmas tree, all the traditions that will never again be the same. There’s so very much that we will miss about Aidan, but we take some comfort in knowing that he will live on through our memories, our stories, and in our hearts.

Aidan would not have wanted anyone to suffer guilt or pain over the loss of his life. Please take this time instead to celebrate the joy in your memories of him, and laugh like you would have laughed with him.  

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If you, or someone you know, is contemplating suicide please know there are resources and help available. If you are ever feeling deeply alone, please reach out. I promise you, even on your darkest and most desperate of days, you are so very loved.

National Suicide Prevention Line – Text or Call 988, or call directly to 800-273-TALK
Jedfoundation.org – available online, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook

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Donations may be made in Aidan's honor to the Jed Foundation, Donate to Support JED and its Programs: Set to Go, JED Campus, ULifeline, Love is Louder, Half of Us (jedfoundation.org) 

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Those wishing to send flowers are encouraged to use our favorite local flower shop, Rocklin Florist, www.rocklinflorist.com, 916-624-1651.

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