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Aaron William Lyda Jr. 'AJ'

Oct. 22, 2002 - Apr. 14, 2020

Date of Service: Apr. 21, 2020

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BURLEY – Aaron William Lyda Jr. “AJ” - a 17-year-old resident of Burley, passed away Tuesday, April 14, 2020.

AJ was born on a glorious fall day with leaves in shades of crimson and pale yellow. The sun was warm and the wind lightly blowing. Of course he couldn’t blow his grand entrance, AJ aspirated meconium, had his cord wrapped and would need the help of the neonatologist and a NICU. He fought to be in this world.

He would need to find his way as he was wedged between three sisters. As a young child, he carried his baby sister, Emma, around by her head, blew up her dolls and begged her to climb trees! He fought with his oldest sister, Alyssa, because he didn't want mother-henned to death and begged for Maura’s attention. On the rare occasion that the stars aligned, AJ and Maura would play together and the love in our home would abound.

As AJ entered school, he couldn’t decide if he was going to like it or not :) His first day in first grade, with the most amazing teacher, Mrs. Stinemates, AJ found himself in the principal's office. AJ refused to come in after recess. When Mrs. Steinmates tried to encourage him, he placed all four limbs on the door frame and held on to his last bit of freedom for life!

His young life was filled with making sure everyone had a friend at lunch, winning spelling bees, making dioramas, Boy Scouts, huge smiles and football. From the time he was seven years old, he loved football. Early in his football “career” AJ became ill. What was thought to be nerves or eating too much before a game turned into almost two years of no school, lots of hospital stays and lots of tests. He joked, “But I got to skip part of 4th and 5th grade.” He fought to be in this world.

Most of middle school was filled with a love for reading and, of course, his huge smile and a gentle heart! AJ would consume books by the dozen. He developed a love for history and politics. He loved Boy Scout camp, merit badges and jumping off cliffs. He loved the Lord and loved being in the temple and, he loved all people. With the return of his physical health, he played football and ran track. Late in his 8th grade year, AJ started wrestling. High school came fast. Some days it felt like he was still holding on to the door with all four limbs fighting so he could be outside running and playing just a little while longer. AJ’s love for Scouting led him to finishing his Eagle Scout. He was still jumping off cliffs! Temple runs at 4 a.m. were normal. He loved/hated wrestling but didn’t want to give it up and his huge smile just confirmed how much he loved football.

Sometimes his smile would fade. So, our beautiful, loving, and talented son, brother and friend left this world too soon. He was and is still a light in this world, and to us. As a family, we are crushed. We ask you to please be mindful of your words and actions. Sometimes it’s the biggest smiles that mask the greatest amount of sorrow. AJ touched so many lives throughout the course of his own. Even though he is no longer with us physically, AJ will forever be in our hearts and minds. Through this hurt and pain, we understand he will be lovingly welcomed into the arms of his Heavenly Father.

AJ is survived by his parents, Aaron and Danielle Lyda; sisters, Alyssa (Keegan), Maura, and Emma; maternal grandmother, Bernadette Watton; paternal grandparents, Bill and Linda Lyda; and many cousins, aunts and uncles.

A visitation will be held from 4 until 6 p.m. Monday, April 20, at Sunrise P-River Ranch (Peterson’s Barn), located at 153 E. 400. S., of Rupert. A Memorial Service limited to selected family members will be held after the visitation at 6 pm. A live webcast of the Memorial Service will be available at the following link: https://youtu.be/cnW2ozf4Yho

A Graveside Service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 21, at Pleasant View Cemetery, located at 1645 E. 16th St., in Burley. A live webcast of the Graveside Service will be available at the following link: https://youtu.be/L6vpt6Fy1Hc

As outlined by Governor Brad Little, only one person or members of the same household may enter the viewing room at a time and there is no congregating in a lobby or other common space in a facility allowed. We respectively remind that all in attendance must comply with the Social Distancing Requirements including at least six-foot distancing from other individuals during this COVID-19 pandemic.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home of Burley.

Condolences for Aaron William Lyda Jr. 'AJ'

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From Bernadette mom and grans:

It isn't that long since I saw him. Such a beautiful boy inside and out. I think and pray every day and night. I look at his picture all the time. It is so. Hard for your family. I loved him too. He is in the
arms of God now. I love all of you
and will pray for you. When you fill up to it call Me. I'll my love always.

From Dawn Watton:

To my sister Danielle, my beautiful nieces and brother-in-law Aaron , I am so sorry you lost your beautiful boy. I know how terrible the pain of losing your child is. I can only imagine how much worse yours is. Just because of the time you had together and all the memories. I hadn't seen A.J in quite a while. Not by choice but because of the distance. I love you guys so very much. I think of how cute it was whenever I came to visit you guys and he didn't want me to skydive because he thought I would die. That entire vacation he was next to me. I can't get that beautiful face out of my mind. His smile. How kind he was, I picture of him holding hands with Isabella while she shows him around. Holding each others hands. I pray for you guys several times a day. there is nothing that I can say in this time that can change the way you feel. I just want you to know that you have my love and prayers. XOXO Aunt Dawn (Sis) and Jayden

From Dora Labrum:

I am so sorry for your guys

From Kay Stinemates :

Thank you for mentioning me in AJ’s obituary. It meant a lot to me. I truly loved that little guy.

From Juarez Family:

So sorry for your loss. We pray that your family finds peace and comfort in Heavenly Fathers Plan.

From Janiene Watson:

Such a beautiful and thoughtful tribute. My sincere condolences to his family, friends and all who knew and loved him.

From Jean Gardner-Holzer:

Danielle, you and your family have our heartfelt sympathy for your loss. We’re praying for all of you and we’re sure God will grant you His most perfect peace in His time. AJ rests in the arms of our Lord. With sincere sympathy, Jeannie, Bill and James Gardner.

From Jean Gardner-Holzer:

Danielle
Our heartfelt sympathy cannot convey our wishes for your hearts to heal. That’s a job for our Lord. We’re sure AJ has the most beautiful wings in heaven. Jeannie, Bill and James Gardner

We are praying for Gods most perfect peace be with you and your family at this time of sorrow. Jeannie Gardner-Holzer and Bill and James Gardner

From Jennifer Thompson & DJ Browne:

I am so sorry for your loss. AJ was a amazing kid. DJ and AJ were like 2 peas in a pod. He always had a smile and was always the light for others to look to. He will hold a place in our family's heart always. I pray you find peace.

From Carla Klimes:

I'm so sorry for your loss. May you find peace and comfort in Heavenly Father's plan. I knew Bill and Linda and their children when they lived in Kimberly.

From Donald E. Ford:

My sincere condolences

From Jan Jones:

My memories of AJ are from a few years back. I will always remember his smiles. How he helped me in my yard. How kind he was. Just know that he was loved, as are you, his family. May God be with you at this difficult time.

From Paul & Claudia Lyons:

We are so sorry to hear about AJ. Not enough words can convey our sorrow. We send our love and hugs to you all.

From Terry and Judy McCurdy:

We are so very sorry for the loss of AJ. We so love and honor your entire family. May the Lord comfort you during this challenging time.

From Grant Harding:

I am deeply sorry for your loss. God bless you.

From M. Palmer:

My prayers for peace and comfort are with you at this time. Hold onto your memories!

From Hollie Jones :

AJ was a good kid i really enjoyed he always had a smile on his face and always said please and thank you my sympathy and empathy goes out to his friends and family always remember to be kind to one another you never know what they are going through each day.

From Laramie McCall:

AJ was a great kid and I loved going to middle school with him. He was such a happy kid. I’m praying for you all

From J. R. Wells:

Words cannot convey our sympathy and empathy at this tragic time. May God bless and comfort you!

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