Aaron Catlin

Aaron Dennis Catlin made quite an entrance into the world on October 6th,1988. Weighing in at a full 11 pounds, Aaron was above average from the beginning. Aaron developed a habit of always having a smile on his face at a young age, a habit he kept all 29 years of his life. Aaron loved sports as a child and always found a way to participate in the games his older brothers played, despite being 7 and 9 years their junior. Wiffle ball out in the yard with family and neighbors was a nightly occurrence. Aaron grew especially fond of playing basketball, soccer, and football.

Every summer, Aaron enjoyed family trips to Deep Creek Lake where lake activities during the day gave way to board and card games in the evening. Young Aaron was thrilled whenever his father allowed him to “drive” the boat, particularly when guiding it into the dock. When Aaron was not doing something outside, he was often found laid back reading a book or doing a puzzle.

Aaron met a number of lifelong friends in middle and high school. This close-knit group saw Aaron graduate with Honors from Atholton High School and also helped him develop a keen poker mind. Aaron accepted a Dean’s Scholarship to the University of Maryland College Park. After four years of studying, playing rec basketball, cheering on the Terps, and the occasional drinking game, Aaron graduated from the University of Maryland in 2010 with Honors as a double major in Mathematics and Computer Science. Computer Science came naturally to Aaron in part due to the hundreds of hours he spent playing computer games during his formative years.

After college, Aaron was accepted into the Department of Defense's Cryptanalysis program where he excelled at work and earned a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering. As luck would have it, Aaron’s met his soulmate and future wife, Ashlyn Winkler, in his first days at work. They immediately formed a bond through work and over time their friendship turned into something stronger. By August 2011 the two were officially “dating” having already survived their first date in the midst of a hurricane. Before long, it was clear Aaron was head over heels for Ashlyn as he was doing things he never did before, including cooking, household chores, and adopting his first dog, Astro (Aaron quickly became a dog lover and eventually the pair adopted a second dog, Halley). In return, Ashlyn became a Ravens fan and participated in rec sports with Aaron, which was no small task. Aaron’s nights were always full as he participated in organized soccer, football, basketball, volleyball, dodgeball, and kickball.

Aaron and Ashlyn spent much of their time outside and exploring together. They loved to spend time with friends and family, especially visiting Aaron’s family for beach weekends during the summer. In September 2013, the two purchased their first home together in Laurel, Maryland. A few months later, after a wonderful evening, Aaron proposed in the basement of their home by writing out the pertinent question with glow-in-the-dark stars. Aaron knew that Ashlyn, the former President of the Astronomy Club at Emory University, would never be able to turn down a celestial proposal. She said yes and the two were married in a beautiful wedding at Running Hare Vineyard on September 6th, 2015. Getting married at a vineyard was a perfect fit given their mutual love of the outdoors and wine. After getting married, the couple enjoyed tasting and making wine together.

Aaron’s friends and family fondly remember his smile and the joy he brought to everyone that he met. Aaron took true pleasure in making other people smile. He was the first to respond “yes” to any questions that started “Does anyone want to...” and was also always willing to take on the most difficult tasks when work was divided. He was helpful and was known to never complain. He had an amazing sense of humor, witty but also completely silly. He appreciated the humor of others, making everyone very comfortable to be themselves around him. He wasn’t overbearing, but rather precise and thoughtful in conversation. He was extremely patient and his family nor Ashlyn remember ever arguing with him. Given all of these amazing characteristics and the fact that Aaron was incredibly humble, it is easy to forget how intelligent Aaron was. As a software developer specializing in cryptanalysis, most people cannot even explain what he did, nonetheless actually do it. To top it off, Aaron was a thoughtful gift giver.

Despite his relaxed demeanor, Aaron had an insatiable appetite for life. With family and friends, Aaron traveled on many memorable trips and attended a number of fun events. Some of the highlights include multiple trips to Europe, numerous Caribbean cruises, an extended stay in Australia, countless trips across North America, an unforgettable honeymoon at Disney World and in the Dominican Republic, and most notably, being in New Orleans and at the Superdome to cheer on his Ravens in their 2012 Super Bowl victory.

Throughout his active life, Aaron was always on the move. Aaron ran cross country in high school and rekindled his love of running over the last few years. Aaron’s natural talent for the sport was evident, and in March of 2017 he finished first in his division in the Get Pumped for Pets 15K in Kent Island, Maryland. In November 2017, Aaron traveled with his wife and family to Orlando, Florida to compete in the Disney Wine and Dine 10K and Half Marathon Challenge. He ran the 10K with his wife Ashlyn and brother Josh dressed in Aladdin themed costumes, while his parents encouraged them along the route. On November 5, Aaron ran his final race, a half marathon, but collapsed at the finish line. Medical professionals on the scene and at the hospital were unable to resuscitate Aaron despite sustained efforts. It was later discovered that despite his overall healthy life, Aaron suffered from an undiagnosed heart condition. Visiting Disney was something Aaron truely loved and did many times over the course of his life, including three separate trips this year alone. Aaron died doing something he loved in a place he loved. Further, he was accompanied by many of the people he loved most. It is fitting that Aaron’s final days were spent traveling and having fun with family.

Beloved husband of Ashlyn Winkler-Catlin; Loving son of Thomas and Diane Catlin; Kindhearted brother of Joshua Catlin and his wife Sarah, and Jeremy Catlin and his wife Alycia Downs; Dear uncle of Layna, Zora, Stella, and Luke; son-in-law of Greg and Annette Winkler; He is also survived by his devoted dogs, Astro and Halley.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit Witzke Funeral Homes, Inc., 5555 Twin Knolls Rd., Columbia, MD 21045 to attend a Memorial Gathering on Sunday, November 12, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and will be immediately followed by Sharing Memories at 12:00 PM. Thereafter, we will gather at Union Jack's Pub to continue remembering Aaron and to share in Aaron's favorite activity, watching football, and raise a glass in his memory.

In lieu of flowers, to honor Aaron's lifelong love of sports, the family requests donations to Good Sports, a charity that provides children the long lasting benefits of physical activity by providing new equipment and apparel to those most in need.

http://www.goodsports.org/donate-online/