"The dominant description of Jaaden was that he was considerate, humourous, humble, and caring."

Jaaden was a happy fun-loving child as you would expect from anyone having the nickname “Porkchop.” As a toddler, he was not much of a talker, but his mother always understood Jaaden’s needs. It was like they had an inside link with each other. As a child Jaaden’s calm, compassionate, and loving ways were nurtured and encouraged by his mother. He was always easy to manage and very happy as long as he had a chicken bone in his hand or mouth. He was always willing to help his mom, whether it be cleaning, cooking, making scrapbooks and dancing around the house to all types of music.

As he grew into a man, he would become known to many as the “Gentle Giant.” This is a tribute to his kind and compassionate personality that remained as he grew into adulthood. Jaaden favorite sport however was basketball, he often would state he wished his father did not have “bad knees” so he could play alongside him as he did with his older brother Jordan. Jaaden loved spending time with family and friends.

Laughing, wrestling, and roasting sessions with his brothers brought him much joy. Jaaden was honored to be his big brother Jordan’s “best man” at his wedding in February 2022. He also had a special bond with his younger brother Jeremiah whom he shared many of the same interests, spiritual goals, and the love of sports. At times he enjoyed picking up his baby sister to watch a movie or experience some other fun outing with her. He liked to cook his favorite dish Pollo Guisada which he loved for his mom to cook for him as a child. He called it his “comfort food!” 

On June 5th, 2022, Jaaden suffered his first unprovoked seizure. This seizure was unlike his future episodes in that he presented in a confused and discombobulated state. This was witnessed by the family, and he was taken to the local hospital to be evaluated.  All tests from that evaluation came back clear.

In February 2023, Jaaden suffered his second seizure. This seizure presented as a clonic tonic seizure. After numerous tests, doctors did not find any abnormal activity in his brain. Throughout the year, Jaaden suffered at least two other witnessed seizures by family. On the morning of April 7th, 2024, Jaaden was found deceased in his bed by his family. He had suffered another seizure and did not wake up.

 Jaaden was affectionately referred to by his dad as “his favorite;” because his often more compassionate qualities were different from his dad and brothers. These qualities will continue to impact the lives of those he loved and who loved him. In every congregation he attended, the dominant description of Jaaden was that he was considerate, humourous, humble, and caring. On the day that Jaaden passed away, he had planned a kickball game for all the young kids in his congregation. In honor of him, and the day he never woke to see, his family will host an annual kickball event for kids and adults alike to play in. Jaaden may not be present, however, his memory will forever be ingrained in those who loved him.