Aaron Peter Heintz peacefully passed away early Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023, at Cottage in the Meadow Hospice in Yakima while in the company of his sister and brother-in-law.

Aaron was born March 10, 1980, in Chewelah, Wash., to Erick Williams Heintz and Gloria Jean Wolds Heintz.

Aaron graduated from Lewiston High School in Idaho. He worked part time as a courtesy clerk for Albertsons supermarket from 1999 through 2004. In 2004 he worked in hospitality in Yellowstone National Park. He had a strong work ethic and a great desire to work but he was living with a severe disability, muscular dystrophy, that impaired his mobility and strength.

Despite his efforts to continue working, this disability hindered his ability to keep a job. His family is so proud of his will and determination in the face of adversity.

While living in Lewiston, he attended the Wesleyan Church in Clarkston. Over his life he was involved in numerous Christian groups for youth and single people in the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley. His faith was a very important part of his life.

Around 2020 Aaron’s mobility declined to the point where he needed to move into Royal Plaza Health and Rehabilitation in Lewiston for full time care. After a short but very emotionally hard adjustment period he made a conscious decision to not let his circumstances get him down. He transcended depression and anger and began again living life with zest, spunk and joy. He made many friends while there.

After the death of his mother, and his last relative living in the Lewiston Valley in 2022, he decided to move near his sister, Camas L. Nation in Yakima to be by her and her family. He moved into Living Care/Summitview Rehab and Health Center in July 2022 and lived there until his passing. Aaron carried his zest for life and wit to Yakima and made many friends at his new home.

Aaron’s family would like to recognize and thank the Royal Plaza, Living Care/Summitview Rehab and Health Center and Cottage in the Meadow Hospice staff. We would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all who recognized Aaron’s character, befriended him and helped care for him.

Aaron will always be honored by his family as being a connection between us all, he was a witty man who showed so much love to those close to him. He was an amazing communicator often offering valued advice to those close to him. He was always up for a good get together and a good family trip. He enjoyed a great trip to Vegas with family and close friends just a month before his passing. Aaron lived life fully despite his limitations and showed the strongest character all the way to the end. His family is so proud of the exemplary way he lived his life.

Surviving Aaron are his sister and brother-in-law Camas L. and Brandon J. Nation of Yakima and his niece Emma L. Nation of Yakima along with many beloved aunts, uncles and cousins.