The only thing Aron loved to do more than laugh is eat. If Aron didn’t have a burrito crammed into his face I don’t think I’d recognize him. He used to tell me, “Oh yeah man, I’m gonna workout, get into shape, drop 10 pounds,” and then the next day I’d see him eating a super-sized double-cheeseburger with large fries and a diet coke and I’d be like, “Aron… didn’t you just say you were gonna start eating healthy and get into shape?” He’d shrug his shoulders and narrow his eyes like a master bull-chucker and say, “Yeah but this is little, it’s nothing, just a snack.”
A-Gun, Air-Bear, GQ Extraordinaire loved new activities and if he couldn’t do something, whether it was rock climbing, snowboarding, or learning how to ride a bike, he’d get so pissed. He’d mount that bike and fall off and strawberry the whole left side of his body but he’d still get back up and fall and fall and fall until he could ride that beast-machine like a pro. He was also known, on occasion, to particularly love getting dressed up into costumes (which we now have very embarrassing and highly erotic photographic evidence of) and singing falsetto like a strangled cat and dancing like a wild peacock on steroids–extra points for creativity of moves and total, unquestionable commitment to stylistic exposé–nobody had more fun than Aron.
Aron Bryce Gunner had a happy life. Full of love and friendship; I don’t know a single person who met him and didn’t immediately fall in love with him. He was a special and unique soul. One of the best friends I’ve ever had and I am so proud and happy to have known him and loved him for 23 Outstanding Years and he will never, ever die because he lives inside us all.
-Shane Rusing
Aron Bryce Gunner…I had the privilege of calling you my son. When we named you, we knew that one A would be enough…and you proved us correct throughout your life. You were born with a fist and a cigar! Your smile covered your entire face! From the moment you entered this world you were destined to always move forward in life with an endearing smile and a hearty laugh. You were strong-willed, and weren’t afraid to tell me how things should be while you were a teenager, but you always managed to do it with a twinkle in your eye. But only you would take your mother to breakfast at the age of 19 and tell her that dad and I had raised you right, even though you didn’t always get to do what you wanted.
You didn’t wear your faith on your sleeve, or discuss it very often, but you wore it in your heart, and it was that warmth that everyone who entered into your life could feel. You lived by Proverbs 3:27-32:
“Never walk away from someone who deserves help; your hand is God’s hand for that person.” You were always there for your friends, even if it was difficult to do so. “Don’t tell your neighbor, ‘Maybe some other time,’ or ‘Try me tomorrow.” You understood your friends’ emotional and physical needs and would go out of your way to help them and lift them up. “Don’t figure ways of taking advantage of your neighbor when he’s sitting there trusting and unsuspecting.” All your friends knew that you were sincere in your interactions with them. “Don’t walk around with a chip on your shoulder, always spoiling for a fight.” Your compassion towards others always led you to find the best in everyone and every situation. “Don’t try to be like those who shoulder their way through life. Why be a bully?” You were so unique; you liked people for being themselves. You didn’t choose your friends according to what group they might fall into. You reached out to everyone and made them feel comfortable. “Why not? You say. Because God can’t stand twisted souls. It’s the straightforward who get His respect.” Aron, you had His respect, and showed His love to everyone you came into contact with. Your precious spirit is with God, and I look forward to the day when I can be with you again.
All his friends who have come to the house and posted beautiful, heartfelt messages on Facebook have manifested Aron’s love. We have felt his presence in your love and actions. Please continue to come and see us. Please carry forward Aron’s zest for life and his love of people. Twenty-three years seems too short, and I don’t pretend to know why, but I know that I was so lucky to have had twenty-three beautiful years with such a magnificent soul. The most profound love on earth is the love a mother has for her sons. I love you Aron, and it will be that love that sustains me and carries me forward.
-Carole Gunner
Aron Bryce Gunner was a north San Diego county “local” to the core, born at Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla on March 8, 1989. He grew up in the cozy confines of “Olde” Carlsbad, attending local schools and enjoying the surrounding wealth of local activities.
With his mother’s consistent encouragement, Aron began tap/dance lessons and piano at an early age. This evolved into other physical endeavors, beginning with Biddy Basketball at the Boys’ and Girls Club. Even at an early age, his loving heart was evident as he would pass the basketball to less skilled players (sometimes an opponent) to allow them to score. He played T-ball and baseball at Chase Field before moving on to soccer. He continued as a highly skilled player through the eighth grade. At Valley Middle School, he found his true sport’s calling in the wrestling program, happily encouraged by his father. He later went on to receive a varsity letter four consecutive years at Carlsbad High and earned the Most Improved award while setting his sights on the CIF State Tournament.
Aron perfected his skills at surfing and snowboarding throughout his high school years, and was frequently seen surfing the coast from La Jolla Shores to Trestles, always in the company of his great friends. His earlier participation in Junior Lifeguards prepared him well for the ocean.
At the age of five, Aron became a Tiger Cub and advanced through the ranks to earn the honor of Eagle Scout, proudly following the path of his best buddy, older brother Cory. He thrived on the camaraderie, endless activities and outdoor experiences, along with leadership and character building. Aron was known, however, as being somewhat shy of exposure in his scout uniform. His accomplishments were later viewed with great pride and were never omitted from future resumes.
He often reflected back on the many incredible outings: Havasu Falls, the High Sierras in Onion Valley, Colorado River Rafting, Yosemite’s Half Dome, as well as Philmont Scout Camp.
Aron loved the Lord and attended North Coast Calvary Chapel youth groups before moving on to college. Under the leadership of Pastor “Bear”, Aron had the seeds planted that allowed him to mature in his faith.
Aron was accomplished in tele-communications through classes at VMS and CHS. As a field reporter, news anchor, and communications technician, Aron found an interest that would determine his college career path. He fondly recalled covering the Oscars Award program in Hollywood and later earning the Award for Excellence from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
Aron’s first employment was proudly at Legoland in Carlsbad while at CHS. To further support his college expenses, he found jobs at the Marine Room in La Jolla and at JRDN’s in Pacific Beach at the time of his passing. He was well loved by both patrons and staff and made many new friends at each locale.
While attending San Diego State University, Aron developed a wider array of friends from diverse backgrounds. His infectious smile, ample supply of hugs, and loving sense of humor endeared him to many. As a new devotee to the Chargers and everything Azetec, Aron was looking forward to a Charger Super Bowl and the upcoming Aztec basketball season. His recent graduation from SDSU put him in search of his first professional career opportunity.
Aron will be deeply missed by all of those who touched his life… family, friends and peers… all aware he was truly one-of –a kind with a unique combination of generosity, compassion, humor and above all, God’s love.
-Bryan Gunner
I lost my brother and my best friend. But Aron’s heart was so infectious that I see that many here also lost a best friend and brother. I used to wonder, how was it that Aron was always so happy, always ready to annoy his older brother with his love. It was his undying love for his friends and strangers, who Aron just saw as potential friends, and the love they returned to him. He always made sure that everyone was there to hang out and wouldn’t take no for an answer. When I felt like I had no one, I always had Aron. I hope Aron’s eternal love has infected you as it has me. As you live your lives take a part of Aron with you, laugh as he did, greet strangers as he did, dance as he did and live life to the fullest as he did. When you feel the warmth of the sun hugging your skin, just know that’s Aron helping you get your “Bronze on”.
-Cory Gunner
Thanksgiving 2010 was the perfect occurrence. I met Aron at Jennifer's house. I unknowingly was sitting with my future best friend and love of my life in an empty bathtub, talking, laughing, and just having a blast...that was the beginning of the happiest times of my life.
Throughout my time spent with Aron, I have learned so many things about myself, things that I know no one else in this lifetime would help me find.
For instance, I now know that my name is the best name to have in the world, I've learned that I'm a dedicated charger fan fanatic (coming soon), I learned that I should not be allowed to have an expensive phone because I enjoy breaking them, I learned that I need stain-proof surroundings because I always find a way to spill, I learned that I'm sometimes an “angrybear” as Aron would say and need to be happier, I learned to laugh harder, I learned to smile bigger, I learned to eat more, I learned that I am prettiest without makeup on, I've learned that love is the highest power, but most of all I learned that I'm capable to love someone immensely and beyond its known limits. I loved Aron with every inch of my body and I know it's going to be hard to move past this. A good friend of mine messaged me, he said, "it'll be a tough road ahead, but mourning will turn into acceptance and that will turn into a celebration of his life. Realizing the fragility of life and the small, random, but perfect occurrences that brought you two together will let you appreciate life even fuller. Even if you can see it now, you'll be okay. Hang in there."
The day I met Aron was the perfect occurrence. Aron will forever be in our hearts.
-Erin Rementer
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18