Obituary of Aaron Owen Mullen

Aaron Owen Mullen 1974 - 2010 Aaron tragically departed this life in confusion on Jan. 13. Aaron was welcomed into the world in Edmonton, Canada to Carmel and Gerald Mullen. He immigrated to Portland, Oregon with his family at two years old, where he grew up and graduated from Sunset High School in Beaverton, Oregon. In college he took classes in Real Estate. Aaron was a bright student, and whatever he did, he did with gusto. He was an avid biker and a powerful swimmer. He also was an superb pool player His first car was a ‘67 Mustang. He had many cars including a Porsche and a full sized Bronco. At 6’7”, and with great strength, he stood out in any crowd, and his personality was also larger than life. He worked in the restaurant business, starting at McDonalds at age 15, eventually becoming manager of several small restaurants around Portland and Beaverton. This is also where he became an excellent cook. He was also a very proficient bartender. From time to time, he worked with his dad building custom homes, where he learned well, many skills. When he was 23, he bought his first home and started to make a career in Real Estate. That home is still in the family today where his niece Alana lives. Aaron was a doting uncle to his much loved niece, Alana, whom he loved to jokingly claim as his own daughter. Aaron had his own way of talking with Alana which could drive the rest of us a bit crazy, but which brought lots of laughter and giggles to her adoring face. We hope that she may remember the times she had walking with Aaron to the park, riding on his shoulders, being pushed in the swings, dancing in his arms, and learning to man the grill for the traditional Mullen Thanksgiving steaks. He lived the last four years of his life in the Seattle area, where he trained to be a manager of a Red Robin Restaurant and occasionally helped his dad, who had moved there. In Portland, Aaron became sidetracked by personal problems which eventually overcame him. In Seattle, he began to conquer his alcoholism through many counseling sessions and a stay at a rehab center. He made some progress but unfortunately had relapses also. These relapses had an adverse affect on his relationships. In his good times, however, he was able to enjoy life. With help from a friend he learned to snowboard through some hard lessons, i.e. falls. Being so tall it was a long way down! Somehow he prevailed and learned to enjoy it. He also hiked long miles and enjoyed the Northwest outdoors. His natural spirit was one of helping others. His best friend, John wrote of Aaron: “ Despite the problems Aaron faced in more recent years, he still devoted his time to the problems of others. It could have been volunteering at the homeless shelter or speaking one on one with his friends. In Aaron’s weakest moments, he demonstrated more love and empathy towards other people in need than I have at my best. That’s the truth about Aaron.” We are comforted in knowing that we will have the pleasure of Aaron’s company again after a resurrection. Until then his spirit, and his mother’s is at peace and in the loving care of our merciful God, our Father. He will be missed very much by all his family and friends. Aaron is preceded in death by his mother Carmel. He is survived by His father Gerald, his brothers, Corey, Kieran. Shaney, Kyle and Orin, and by his niece “daughter” Alana. A family funeral was held on January 18.