On July 1st I happened to log onto facebook. The first thing I saw was this post by Peggy Jackson: Our hearts go out to our dear friends and neighbors of 36 years, The Beesleys. Their son Aaron died in the line of duty as a part of a search and rescue team on Sat. June 30th, 2012. Aaron died doing what he loved, helping and serving others. Our deepest love and condolences for our cherished friends. We love you Bob and Laretta and all of your dear children.
My Heart sunk when I read her status. Aaron was able to rescue 2 teenagers that were lost off of Mount Olympus. The rescue helicopter took them, and then came back to pick Aaron up. When the helicopter got back they found him at the bottom of a 60ft. cliff. From what I heard his rescue pack dropped and he went to recover it, lost his footing and fell. So very sad.
I grew up with the Beesley's, and lived in the same neighborhood and ward for almost 20 years. They are good people! Lot's of good memories of their family. I knew Arik, and Allison better than I knew Aaron. I remember that he was always happy and smiling. My last memory of him was when Allison had her missionary farewell, which I think was in the summer of 2003. We were invited to come over to the luncheon afterwards. I remember Aaron and Arik just kicking it and telling stories about the highway patrol. Arik was following in his brother's footsteps and was a state trooper as well. From the way they talked you could tell that they loved what they did for a living.
I knew that I needed to go to the funeral. I sent Quinn and my Mom a text message telling them about what had happened. I was hoping that they would go with me. The funeral was going to be on Saturday July 7, 2012 at Northridge High School. That was the High School that we all went too. My Mom called back later that day because she had left her cell phone at home, and was at work all day. She wanted to go, and she didn't want to go. She has a very hard time with funerals now ever since my Dad died. I understand how she feels. I have a hard time with them as well. I told her that I was going. I felt like I needed to support them, especially because we have known them for so long. I told her I would find out all of details and let her know so she could decide.
Even though she doesn't like funerals she felt the same way I did, and so she went. Quinn wasn't able to go, he had to work. Mom and I drove together to the high school. When we got close to the school we saw all of these motorcycle cops turning at the light that goes to the high school. It was really cool to see that many. When we pulled into the parking lot of the school their were police officers directing the cars where to park. I'm so glad we came when we did because their was already a lot of people there. We got there right as the viewing started, and already there was a huge line.
While standing in line we were able to visit with people that we had known from the old Clinton 3rd ward standing in line behind us. When we got closer to the room that the viewing was in Arik, Aarons brother was in his state trooper uniform keeping the line moving along. I saw him and started to cry. Then his older sister Angela came out and she hugged us, and I started to cry more. When I walked in the room I saw all of Aaron's uniforms. I couldn't believe all of the things that he had done. Besides being a state trooper, he was an EMT, a fireman, and at least 3 more that I can't remember. It was incredible to see that. I had no idea that he had done so many things. Then Allison saw us and came to say hello, and thank us for coming. I was teary still.
When I got to where Aaron's wife was standing. I was very impressed by how she handled herself. I started to cry though. I told her who I was, and how I knew Aaron. I told her that I was so very sorry for what had happened, and wished her the best. Then I came to Bob and Laretta, Aaron's parents. I hugged each one of them tightly, and sobbed. We couldn't do more than that because they were trying to keep things moving so that the funeral would start on time. The funeral was going to be held in the auditorium. It's a huge auditorium. When we walked in the place was already packed. We were lucky to find seats to sit in.
Before finding our seats though, a funny thing happened. My Mom's neighbor across the street came up to us gave my Mom a hug, and asked us what we were doing here. We were just as shocked to see him there too. Dave is a detective for the Unified Police Department. He was in his uniform. His wife Tina was saving their seats otherwise I'm sure she would have come over as well. Anyways we told him that we lived in the same ward and neighborhood as Aaron for about 20 years. Dave said that he was a missionary companion with Aaron in the MTC. What a small world, and so very cool! He told us that while in the MTC Aaron always talked about wanting to be a state trooper, and that he was going to be when he came home from his mission. Dave didn't say, but I think that Aaron had an impact on him, and that's why he is a detective now for the police. After talking for a few minutes we said goodbye and found our seats.
We had about 25 minutes until the funeral actually started. Mom and I were looking around, and couldn't believe all of the different uniforms we saw. We had never seen that many different uniforms in real life, it was really neat to see. When it was time for the funeral to start the casket was brought in followed by all of the family. As we were watching the family come in we were thinking boy there isn't going to be enough seats for them. I don't know if they had done a head count before of all the family that would be there, or if it was just luck. They filled all of the reserved seats. I'm so glad that the family all got to have a seat up close.
This funeral was amazing! It left me wanting to change more things in my life. Funerals have a way of making you feel that way, but I felt it even more with this funeral. Laretta, Aaron's Mom gave the life sketch. She read Aaron's Obituary:
He was born on January 26, 1978 in Ogden, Utah to Robert and Laretta Hancock Beesley. He graduated from Northridge High School and LDS Seminary.
Aaron was an Eagle Scout. He loved amateur radio and obtained his license in his early teens using it to help during races and rescues with communication.
Aaron served an LDS mission in Oakland, California. When he returned home, he attended the Police Academy at Weber State University. After graduation he was hired as a trooper for the Utah Highway Patrol.
He married Kristie Dyer in the Ogden Temple and they have three young sons; Austin, Derek, and Preston. He lived in Bear River City and was a member of the Bear River City 1st Ward.
Aaron loved his job as a trooper and he also loved being on the Corrine Fire Dept. His dream was to fly and he spent many days in the air with the Aero Bureau helping to save others. He was brilliant in technology and loved serving others.
He is survived by his wife and sons of Bear River City. His parents of Clinton; Siblings: Adam, (Rebecca), Angela (Brian) Rice, Arik (Julianne), Allison (Joseph) Camacho. In-laws Kelly and Sandra Dyer, Brian (Heather), Brandon, Kamie (Colton) Ottley, Blake and Brett and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by 2 nieces.
When she was done reading the obituary, she seemed like she was going to cry. She then said she wasn't going to cry, she was here to celebrate Aaron's life, and that she was going to brag about him. I think she had that right, she is his Mother after all! She started out saying that about 6 months before Aaron died her sister died. Aaron had come up to her after the funeral and said " Mom will you speak at my funeral?" Laretta was taken back, she said your not supposed to die before me. Aaron's reply was " Just say that you will do it!" She obviously promised him, other wise she wouldn't have been speaking. I think it would be the hardest thing as a parent to have a child die before you. Everything else Laretta talked about was very good.
Arik, Aaron's brother spoke. He told some stories, and some of them I actually remember. He did a really good job speaking. Arik is going to miss Aron a lot. Lt. Lee Perry Aaron's boss for many years spoke. Governor Gary R. Herbert gave some remarks. Aaron's Father-in-law conducted, and gave the closing remarks. His Father-in-law had a lot of good things to say. He talked about one of President Dieter F Uchtdorf's talks that was in the July Ensign this year entitled Always in the Middle.
Always in the Middle by President Uchtdorf:
Always in the Middle
By many world calendars, July marks the middle of the year. While the beginnings and endings of things are celebrated and remembered, the middle of things often goes unnoticed.
Beginnings are times for making resolutions, for creating plans, for bursts of energy. Endings are times for winding down and may involve feelings of completion or loss. But with the proper outlook, considering ourselves asin the middle of things can help us not only to understand life a little better but also to live it a little more meaningfully.
The Middle of Missionary Work
When I speak to our young missionaries, I often tell them they are in the middle of their missions. Whether they just arrived the day before or are to depart for home the day after, I ask them to think of themselves as always being in the middle.
New missionaries may feel they are too inexperienced to be effective, and so they delay speaking or acting with confidence and boldness. Seasoned missionaries who are close to completing their missions may feel sad their missions are coming to a close, or they may slow down as they contemplate what they will do after their missions.
Whatever the circumstances and wherever they serve, the truth is that the Lord’s missionaries are daily sowing countless seeds of good tidings. Thinking of themselves as always being in the middle of their missions will embolden and energize these faithful representatives of the Lord. As it is with full-time missionaries, so it is with all of us.We Are Always in the Middle
This change in perspective is more than a simple trick of the mind. There is a sublime truth behind the idea that we are always in the middle. If we look at our location on a map, we are tempted to say we are at a beginning. But if we look more closely, wherever we are is simply in the middle of a larger place.
As it is with space, so it is with time. We may feel we are at the beginning or end of our lives, but when we look at where we are against the backdrop of eternity—when we realize that our spirit has existed for time beyond our capacity to measure and, because of the perfect sacrifice and Atonement of Jesus Christ, that our soul will exist for an eternity to come—we can recognize that we are truly in the middle.
Recently I felt impressed to redo the headstone on my parents’ grave. Time had not been kind to the grave site, and I felt that a new headstone would be more fitting for their exemplary lives. When I looked at the birth dates and death dates on the headstone connected by the usual insignificant little dash, this small symbol of a lifespan suddenly filled my mind and heart with an abundance of rich memories. Each of these treasured memories reflects a moment in the middle of my parents’ lives and in the middle of my life.
Whatever our age, whatever our location, when things occur in our lives, we are always in the middle. What’s more, we will forever be in the middle.
The Hope of Being in the Middle
Yes, there will be moments of beginnings and moments of endings throughout our lives, but these are only markers along the way of the great middle of our eternal lives. Whether we are at the beginning or the end, whether we are young or old, the Lord can use us for His purposes if we simply set aside whatever thoughts limit our ability to serve and allow His will to shape our lives.
The Psalmist says, “This is the day which the Lord hath made; we [should] rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24). Amulek reminds us that “this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this lifeis the day for men to perform their labors” (Alma 34:32; emphasis added). And a poet muses, “Forever—is composed of Nows.”1
Being always in the middle means that the game is never over, hope is never lost, defeat is never final. For no matter where we are or what our circumstances, an eternity of beginnings and an eternity of endings stretch out before us.
We are always in the middle.
Teaching from This Message
Consider discussing with the family how they are “always in the middle,” even if they are beginning or ending something. Encourage them to do their best on their current activities, not dwelling on the past or waiting for the next activity or project. You may want to suggest they choose one thing they can do to implement this counsel and set a date to achieve their goal.
Youth
In the Middle of Your Preparation for a Mission
President Uchtdorf tells missionaries to think of themselves as being in the middle of their missions. You can also apply this idea to your mission preparation: whether you are 12 or 18, you can prepare to serve a mission.
What are some things you can do “in the middle” of your mission preparation?
Always be worthy to attend the temple.
Learn to recognize promptings from the Holy Ghost by writing down your promptings and acting on them.
Pray for the missionaries.
Ask the missionaries in your area what they recommend you do to prepare to serve a mission.
Learn to manage your time effectively, including important activities such as service, scripture study, and journal writing.
When talking with a family member, share a scripture that inspired you recently. Explain what you think about the scripture.
Ask your friends about their religions and what they believe. Be willing to share your beliefs. Invite them to church or activities.
As you recognize that you are in the middle of your mission preparation, you can live your life to be more worthy of the Lord’s trust and the Spirit’s companionship.
Children
Everyone Can Do Something Now
1. President Uchtdorf teaches that no matter your age, you can do something to help others. In your journal or on a piece of paper, list your gifts or abilities. Ask your parents what they think your gifts are.
2. Decide how you could use your gifts to help others in the situations below.
3. At the end of your list of gifts, write one way you can use those gifts to help others this week.
Everyone Can Do Something Now
1. President Uchtdorf teaches that no matter your age, you can do something to help others. In your journal or on a piece of paper, list your gifts or abilities. Ask your parents what they think your gifts are.
2. Decide how you could use your gifts to help others in the situations below.
3. At the end of your list of gifts, write one way you can use those gifts to help others this week.
Then Aaron's Father-in-law read a poem called The Dash by Linda Ellis
I read of a man who stood to speak
at the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on her tombstone,
from the beginning…to the end.
He noted that first came the date of her birth
and spoke of the following date with tears,
but he said what mattered most of all
was the dash between those years.
For that dash represents all the time
that she spent alive on earth.
And now only those who loved her
know what that little line is worth.
For it matters not, how much we own,
the cars…the house…the cash.
What matters is how we live and love
and how we spend our dash.
So, think about this long and hard.
Are there things you’d like to change?
For you never know how much time is left
that can still be rearranged.
If we could just slow down enough
to consider what’s true and real
and always try to understand
the way other people feel.
And be less quick to anger
and show appreciation more
and love the people in our lives
like we’ve never loved before.
If we treat each other with respect
and more often wear a smile,
remembering that this special dash
might only last a little while.
So, when your eulogy is being read,
with your life’s actions to rehash…
would you be proud of the things they say
about how you spent YOUR dash?
We are always in the middle. I really want to make my Dash count! I often wonder what people would say about me at my funeral. I want to be proud of the things that would be said about me at my funeral. I want to be a good person, the best me that I can be. I want to strive to make each day good, while in the middle of my dash.
LAYTON — They say you can tell a lot about a person by the way people talk about them after they are gone. By all accounts, Aaron Beesley spent his relatively short 34 years doing an enormous amount of good for his fellow men and leaving a lasting impression on virtually everyone he came in contact with.
"He was just a doer," said his father Robert Beesley. "This (outpouring of support) just tells me that other people knew that too."
Hundreds of people, including family, friends and fellow law enforcement officers from Utah and surrounding states gathered Saturday at Northridge High School to pay their respects to the man who was described as a dedicated public servant, son, brother and father.
A 13-year veteran Utah Highway Patrol trooper, Beesely fell to his death following the rescue of two teenage hikers on Mount Olympus last Saturday. Investigators believe he lost his footing while trying to retrieve a medical backpack that rolled over an edge during the rescue effort. He served as the technical flight officer aboard the helicopter searching for the hikers.
He wasn't different in his private life or this life. He was just a doer.
–- Robert Beesley, father
Beesley was the 135th police officer killed in the line of duty in Utah and the 13th UHP trooper. The first was trooper George Van Wagenen, who died in an industrial fall in 1931. Prior to Beesley, the most recent was Lt. Thomas Rettberg, who was killed in 2000 while flying a department helicopter.
Gov. Gary Herbert ordered the lowering of the American and Utah flags to half staff Saturday.
"Aaron’s dedication and bravery as a member of the Utah Highway Patrol … is significantly appreciated," the governor said in a statement.
Though there was palpable sadness in the packed auditorium, there was also a strong sense of cheerfulness from those who spoke about Beesley, including his mother.
"I'm celebrating his life," Laretta Beesley told the audience. "I am happy to be able to be up here and brag about my son."
She recalled how resourceful he was from the time he was small to adulthood. He was a whiz with computers and almost anything electronic, she said.
"He had a gift," Laretta Beesley said. "I would tell him, 'Every time you come to my house, my computer stands up and bows.'"
She recalled how he taught himself to play the piano as a teenager and learned to converse in several foreign languages even though he never took any formal courses in school.
"Aaron was brilliant," his mother said. "And he didn't even realize it."
Beesley always aspired to be in law enforcement, she said, having expressed sincere interest before he left on his LDS Church mission.
Upon returning, he endeavored into his public service career, joining the UHP and becoming a volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician in Box Elder County.
His younger brother, Arik — also a UHP trooper — told the audience that he always looked up to Aaron and how his brother always set a good example as a law enforcement officer.
"He should have gotten trooper of the year every year for all he did," Arik Beesley said. "He lived life better than I hope to do in the next 50 years."
"That's something I'll never forget. We were best friends," he said. "(Aaron) was always about helping."
Aaron loved his job and his family, Arik Beesley said.
"Our family is all blessed for having him in our lives," he added.
Beesley leaves behind his wife, Kristi, and three sons, Austin, 7, and 4-year-old twins Derek and Preston.
His friend and UHP colleague, Lt. Lee Perry, said Beesley was a very hard worker who took his "call to serve" very seriously.
"There is no way (to quantify) the number of lives he saved," Perry said. "It far exceeds the number of medals, letters and accolades he received."
Perry described Beesley as a "selfless man" who was always willing to do anything for anyone.
"One of the amazing things about him that was so cool was … he made everyone feel like they were the most important person on earth," he said.
Through Beesley's technical expertise and ingenuity, the department was able to save money and become more efficient resulting in more lives saved, Perry said. That kind of person is not easily replaced, he said.
"Obviously, Aaron is going to be missed," Perry said.
Speaking solemnly at the funeral with emotion in his voice, Herbert said Beesley set an example that everyone could follow in serving his or her community.
"We have a challenge, all of us, to serve each other, to love one another … to be better people and to help those who are struggling," he said. "In every manner of his life, Aaron demonstrated the principles of fortitude and selflessness that make me proud to be a Utahn."
While the Beesley family is still coming to grips with the tragic and unexpected loss, Aaron's father said there is still much they all can be grateful for.
"We're celebrating his life," Robert Beesley said. "That's what he would have chosen and we're happy to do that."
After the closing prayer we all stood. All of those that were serving in any way for the law, or fire department left the room first so they could do an honorary salute to Aaron, and the family. After all of the family had left the Auditorium the rest of the congregation started to leave. Only we couldn't exit the doors of the auditorium for a few minutes because the salute was still going on. When we were finally able to leave the building we saw Aaron's casket on the top inside of the firetruck with the men that he worked with right beside it. It was awesome! Hill field Road was closed in one direction so that those that were going to the cemetery could leave. They had blue ribbons hanging everywhere signifying a fallen officer. A huge american flag hanging, and other flags lining the street. It was so neat to see all of this, the respect! The firetruck carrying Aaron's casket had police escort from those officers we saw earlier on their motorcycles.
I wish that I could have known Aaron better. He was a good man. It was really neat to hear about all of the things that he had done over the years of his life. He served so many people not just in his job, but at church, in his neighborhood, complete strangers. Aaron lived what it says in Mosiah 2:17 And behold I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.
This is an article about some things mentioned at the funeral from KSL news that I got of KSL.com:
"He was just a doer," said his father Robert Beesley. "This (outpouring of support) just tells me that other people knew that too."
Hundreds of people, including family, friends and fellow law enforcement officers from Utah and surrounding states gathered Saturday at Northridge High School to pay their respects to the man who was described as a dedicated public servant, son, brother and father.
A 13-year veteran Utah Highway Patrol trooper, Beesely fell to his death following the rescue of two teenage hikers on Mount Olympus last Saturday. Investigators believe he lost his footing while trying to retrieve a medical backpack that rolled over an edge during the rescue effort. He served as the technical flight officer aboard the helicopter searching for the hikers.
He wasn't different in his private life or this life. He was just a doer.
–- Robert Beesley, father
Beesley was the 135th police officer killed in the line of duty in Utah and the 13th UHP trooper. The first was trooper George Van Wagenen, who died in an industrial fall in 1931. Prior to Beesley, the most recent was Lt. Thomas Rettberg, who was killed in 2000 while flying a department helicopter.
Gov. Gary Herbert ordered the lowering of the American and Utah flags to half staff Saturday.
"Aaron’s dedication and bravery as a member of the Utah Highway Patrol … is significantly appreciated," the governor said in a statement.
Though there was palpable sadness in the packed auditorium, there was also a strong sense of cheerfulness from those who spoke about Beesley, including his mother.
"I'm celebrating his life," Laretta Beesley told the audience. "I am happy to be able to be up here and brag about my son."
She recalled how resourceful he was from the time he was small to adulthood. He was a whiz with computers and almost anything electronic, she said.
"He had a gift," Laretta Beesley said. "I would tell him, 'Every time you come to my house, my computer stands up and bows.'"
She recalled how he taught himself to play the piano as a teenager and learned to converse in several foreign languages even though he never took any formal courses in school.
"Aaron was brilliant," his mother said. "And he didn't even realize it."
Beesley always aspired to be in law enforcement, she said, having expressed sincere interest before he left on his LDS Church mission.
Upon returning, he endeavored into his public service career, joining the UHP and becoming a volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician in Box Elder County.
His younger brother, Arik — also a UHP trooper — told the audience that he always looked up to Aaron and how his brother always set a good example as a law enforcement officer.
"He should have gotten trooper of the year every year for all he did," Arik Beesley said. "He lived life better than I hope to do in the next 50 years."
"That's something I'll never forget. We were best friends," he said. "(Aaron) was always about helping."
Aaron loved his job and his family, Arik Beesley said.
"Our family is all blessed for having him in our lives," he added.
Beesley leaves behind his wife, Kristi, and three sons, Austin, 7, and 4-year-old twins Derek and Preston.
His friend and UHP colleague, Lt. Lee Perry, said Beesley was a very hard worker who took his "call to serve" very seriously.
"There is no way (to quantify) the number of lives he saved," Perry said. "It far exceeds the number of medals, letters and accolades he received."
Perry described Beesley as a "selfless man" who was always willing to do anything for anyone.
"One of the amazing things about him that was so cool was … he made everyone feel like they were the most important person on earth," he said.
Through Beesley's technical expertise and ingenuity, the department was able to save money and become more efficient resulting in more lives saved, Perry said. That kind of person is not easily replaced, he said.
"Obviously, Aaron is going to be missed," Perry said.
Speaking solemnly at the funeral with emotion in his voice, Herbert said Beesley set an example that everyone could follow in serving his or her community.
"We have a challenge, all of us, to serve each other, to love one another … to be better people and to help those who are struggling," he said. "In every manner of his life, Aaron demonstrated the principles of fortitude and selflessness that make me proud to be a Utahn."
While the Beesley family is still coming to grips with the tragic and unexpected loss, Aaron's father said there is still much they all can be grateful for.
"We're celebrating his life," Robert Beesley said. "That's what he would have chosen and we're happy to do that."
I'm so grateful for the plan of salvation. That we will be able to see our loved ones again. It is so painful to live without the ones we love here on earth, but it's comforting to know that we will see and live with them again. It will be the greatest reunion of all when we see our loved ones again. I can't wait for that day! I'm grateful to have gone to Aaron's funeral. I have gained a greater perspective on life, and on what really matters.
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