Aaron J. Larson, of Vancouver, Washington, passed away suddenly Nov. 28, 2021 at the age of 47. After a short hard-fought battle with pneumonia he died in the hospital with his wife Sarah by his side.
Aaron, or “Aarie” to a special few people whom he cherished, was born on March 12, 1974 in Vancouver, Washington, to Cliff and Gail Larson. As a boy, he lived behind the Clark County Fairgrounds and made the whole place his playground, from hot wheels cars and his big wheel to bikes and a three-wheeler, there was always an adventure. Aaron early on found love for woodworking. It grew into an amazing talent and a lifelong passion. It started with scrap wood, a can of nails and a toy saw, which little Aaron used to cut down a tree branch in order to build a fort for himself and the neighbor girl to play in. As an adult, Aaron made all kinds of wonderful things from china cabinets to incredibly detailed wooden trucks.
Aaron went to Ridgefield High School and graduated in 1993. During those years, he worked for the Clark County Fair and earned the money to buy his first vehicle, a Nissan pickup. He worked on it with his dad, developing a lifelong love for mini trucks.
In 1993, Aaron began working for A & J Custom Cabinets, where he worked for 28 years. He started in the shop, then became an installer, and after a few years became a draftsman. He created the plans for the cabinets the company built. He was particularly proud of and amused by his custom design of an entertainment center that also functioned as the stairs which led to the second story of a particular home.
The summer of 2014 turned Aaron’s world on its head. He took a chance and reached out on Facebook to that neighbor girl from his childhood. Though the fort they used to play in had long ago disappeared, they found that their adolescent friendship had not diminished and they quickly became almost inseparable. Aaron and Sarah Tribe were married that November in Ridgefield, Washington. Aaron instantly became dad to Sarah’s seven children who he loved fiercely and was so proud when he became a grandpa to T.J. and then to Elloise.
Before life was filled with kids and family responsibilities, Aaron spent his free time woodworking, fishing, cooking or riding quads in the Oregon dunes with friends. He excelled at all these things. He dreamed about opening a food truck. He was looking forward to the next great adventure. From ribs to unicorn poop cookies, everything he made was the best. Aaron was also the friend you could call or text anytime. He would always be there. It didn’t matter if you wanted to vent, to troubleshoot a problem, celebrate an accomplishment, or talk about Sasquatch or a conspiracy theory.
Aaron is preceded in death by his grandfather Bob Nelson, his grandparents Clint and Flo Larson, Stephanie Larson and his dog Nikki.
Aaron is survived by his grandmother Joan Nelson; his parents Cliff and Gail Larson; his wife Sarah Larson; his children Cordero Linnell, John Linnell, Gabriella Linnell, Jasmin Linnell, Kieran Linnell, Alexandrea Linnell and Joshua Linnell; his grandchildren T.J. Walker and Elloise Maloney, and more family and beloved friends than can even be listed.
Aaron was a strong, loving and great man. He is loved and will be missed by so many.
Friends and family are encouraged to share stories and memories on the memorial website: https://everloved.com/ life-of/aaron-larson/.
A casual celebration of Aaron’s life will be held at the Barberton Grange, 9400 NE 72nd Ave., Vancouver, Washington, 98665 on March 19, 2022 from 2 to 4 p.m. Please come and share your favorite stories, memories and photographs while we visit and share light snacks and drinks.
