Aidan James O’Brien, a beloved member of our community known for his kindness, compassion, integrity, and brilliant mind, passed away unexpectedly on February 18th, 2025. Born on March 3, 2003, Aidan was a child of South Whidbey, attending Trinity Preschool, the Children’s Center, South Whidbey Elementary, Langley Middle School, and graduating from South Whidbey High School in 2021. Sports, island activities, explorations, and nature punctuated his youth. He played marimba in the band Nyrenzi (Shining Stars) and participated in math Olympiad teams, state science fairs, and survival camps.

Aidan was a talented athlete with a passion for running and soccer. He captained multiple sports teams in high school and was the #5 runner on South Whidbey High School’s cross country team when they won the state championship. His soccer journey began as a toddler, and he continued to excel on the pitch with his keen ball-handling skills and innate determination. Whether on the field or the trails, he was the heart of the team and enjoyed the thrill of competition with his teammates.

In his life, Aidan sought to make the world a better place, valued justice and aspired to share unconditional love. He was the glue that brought and kept his friends together. He was a prankster and deep thinker and loved nature, camping, and anything outdoors. He read to understand the world around him and treated all with compassion, humility, and authenticity. He always saw and recognized the value of others. This innate ability to connect and form enduring friendships has been evident in the outpouring of love his family has recently received. He was cherished by his friends, mentors, and community members alike.

Aidan was on the verge of graduating from the University of Washington with honors, having pursued a double major in chemistry and biochemistry. For the past two years, he researched new materials for solar cells at the University of Washington. He worked on improving a type of material called all-inorganic halide perovskite, which can convert sunlight into electricity. Aidan made these materials, tested their properties, and used them to create solar cells. He co-authored a research paper on his findings, and his advisors praised his deep understanding and presentation skills, comparing him to a seasoned Ph.D. student. Aidan had been accepted into Ph.D. programs and offered teaching assistant positions at the University of Colorado – Boulder and the University of Wisconsin – Madison.

Outside of the classroom, Aidan was the leading scorer on the UW Chem Lab soccer team, a key member of a College Inn trivia team, and a beloved member of the UW Chem community. He was known for his sense of humor, passion for unusual music, explosive video gaming, and continued love for running, soccer, and exploring the outdoors. His vibrant personality shone through all of these. Aidan touched the lives of everyone he met with kindness, integrity, and a spark of joy. His legacy will continue to inspire us, and he will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Aidan is survived by his brother, Ian, his parents, Lori and Robert, and his large extended family. A memorial for Aidan will take place on May 10, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 18341 State Route 525, Freeland, WA, at 3:00 PM, immediately followed by a reception at Freeland Hall, 1515 Shoreview Drive, Freeland, WA. Please bring memories. Food and drink will be served.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to charitable organizations that Aidan would have appreciated:

• Chemistry Scholarship Fund – https://www.washington.edu/giving/make-a-gift/?source_typ=3&source=FND-118746

• Friends of Chemistry Fund – https://www.washington.edu/giving/make-a-gift/?source_typ=3&source=FND-118746

• Helping Hand of South Whidbey – https://helpinghandofsouthwhidbey.org/please-donate/

• Hearts and Hammers South Whidbey – http://www.heartsandhammers.com/donate/

• Whidbey Island Nourishes – https://www.whidbeyislandnourishes.org/donate.html