Aaron was born September 13, 1979 in Eureka, CA and passed away in a fatal car accident in Garberville on Saturday, Aug. 18, 2012 at the age of 32. He recently moved to Garberville to work with his Uncle Glen Stromstad, at Milt’s Saw Shop. He greatly enjoyed his time working with his Uncle Glen.

Aaron grew up in Eureka and graduated from Eureka High School where he enjoyed time with many wonderful friends and was a strong member of the wrestling team. He went on to complete his AA at College of the Redwoods.

Aaron followed his father in a love for dirt bike riding and was known to disappear for hours, happily riding through the redwoods. Time spent in a fishing boat with his father and grandfather was likely among his best memories as well. Aaron enjoyed camping, going to the river, snow boarding and having a good time with friends, family and his dog.

Aaron was preceded in death by his father, Greg Melanson, in 2004, whom he missed greatly every day thereafter.

He is survived by his mother, Jackie Melanson; grandparents, Don Melanson and Marie and Lyle Woodbury; sisters and brother-in-law, Kristen Melanson and Jessica and Dave Barnett; aunts and uncles, Corinne and Glen Stromstad, Janine Melanson and Iver Lien, Paula and Dave Schmitt, Sharon Barrows and Marc and Barbara Barrows; longtime girlfriend, Goot Chanphom; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

He will be remembered for his incredible energy, for all of the good times he had and will be missed dearly.

A celebration of life will be held on New Year’s Day 2013 and all who loved Aaron are encouraged to attend, place to be announced at a later date.

Aaron’s family would like to thank everyone for their kind words, cards and flowers.

Please make any donations to Singing Trees P.O. Box 8, Garberville, CA 95542 Please sign the guest book at www.times-standard.com, click obits.