Captain Aaron Mark Wideman of Waterloo, Ontario, passed away on October 13, 2024, at the age of 36, while serving his country with the Canadian Armed Forces in Latvia. His family is devastated by this unexpected loss, the cause of which remains unknown. Aaron is survived by his wife, Meighan Chafe, sister, Chyenne (Steve) Vautour, brother Ethan Wideman and his parents, Dan and Nancy Wideman as well as his nieces and extended family.
Aaron was born to Dan and Nancy Wideman in Kitchener, Ontario on October 6, 1988. He was joined later by his sister Chyenne and brother Ethan. The family moved to Waterloo, Ontario, where Aaron attended Bluevale Collegiate and later graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University with a BA in History and Philosophy.
Aaron joined the Canadian Armed Forces as an Artillery Officer in 2013; the majority of his career was spent serving in various command and staff positions with the Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery. In 2019, while serving with the 1st Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, Aaron was deployed to Ukraine for six months as part of Operation UNIFIER. Shortly thereafter, Aaron was posted to Gagetown, NB, where he completed the demanding Instructor in Gunnery course and met his future wife Meighan Chafe, a fellow military member. In 2022, Aaron was posted to the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Quebec as an instructor, where he taught and inspired new soldiers. After dating a number of years, Aaron married Meighan on August 6, 2023. Aaron and Meighan were posted to Latvia in July 2024, as a part of the Latvian Allied Augmentation Team.
Aaron enjoyed hiking and went on a variety of adventures with his brother Ethan. When not geographically together, they shared a love of online gaming at all hours. Powerlifting was a passion Aaron shared with Meighan and they trained together. Aaron loved fine dining and enjoyed cooking and learning new foods and recipes. He lived his life to the fullest and he and Meighan were excited about a new life together in Europe.
Friends are invited to assemble on Saturday November 2, 2024 in the Hall of Colours of the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Ave. Ottawa after 1:00p.m. Graveside Service with Military Honours will held at the National Military Cemetery of the Canadian Forces at 2:00p.m followed by a reception.
Aaron will be greatly missed by all those whose lives he touched, both in his personal and professional life.
“It is not death a man should fear, but rather he should fear never beginning to live.”
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Trevor Waaga
Gail & Craig Taylor
Our deepest sympathies go out to the entire family impacted by Aaron's sudden passing. We fondly remember young Aaron sitting poolside at the family reunion, sharing his dream of a career in military service. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Meighan and Family. I had the privalege of working with both you and Aaron in Ukraine, and often look back at that time with great fondness. Aaron was an integral part of our team there, was always professional in his duties, and always kept up morale with his sense of humour and a joke or two. Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss, and I'm keeping you all in my thoughts.