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.”
Deepest sympathy to Meighan, Dan, Nancy, Cheyenne, Steve, girls, Ethan and special lady.
Aaron reminds me of my brother ed a bit in that he eagerly committed himself to a life of good deeds, danger, challenges, he was a proud Canadian and willingly fought to protect and serve his country. I am proud to say he was my nephew. I salute you. You are safe within His arms now!