Hundreds of tributes have been pouring in for a talented young Portadown chef described as a “safe place” and “mood lifter” to those around him.
Aaron Conn – a former employee of Maisie’s restaurant on Mandeville Street- passed away suddenly on July 4.
A death notice described him as the dearly loved and forever cherished son of Andrew and Pearl and loving brother of Jack and Zac, grandson of George, Marie and the late Joe and Kathleen Power.
Paying tribute to the “truly valued” team member the popular tapas style eatery said of their friend and colleague: “He was kind, talented, and hard-working, with a smile that could brighten any room.
“He always had time for everyone, looked out for his teammates, and made a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of meeting and working alongside him.
“His loss is being felt deeply across the company, and our thoughts and hearts are with Aaron’s family, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.
“We want to honour Aaron’s memory and recognise just how much he meant to all of us.
“He will be greatly missed, fondly remembered and never forgotten.”
In a poignant tribute, former Head Chef of Maisie’s Miguel Goncalves said of the incredible talent and vibrant young man: “I’m still in denial. Still waiting to see you walk in with that shy smile, humble in the way only you knew how to be.
“Still waiting to hear your “Alright, Chef?” between a pan on the stove and a sip of beer at the end of the day.
“They say time heals. But no one tells us what to do with this knot in the chest that refuses to loosen, with this silent guilt that screams inside. We hadn’t known each other for a lifetime, but it felt like it. Like we’d already been through battles side by side, back to back, on hot kitchen days and cold nights full of talk.
“You were that quiet friend who was always there. Always with a word, a hug, a gesture. Always with that presence that never looked for the spotlight but was enormous in the background.
“You were a partner, a brother, a safe place on days when you didn’t even know you were holding me together. And now, you’re gone from a space where you were needed so deeply.
“You know, we thought you were strong. And you were. We just didn’t realise how heavy the silence was for you. Maybe the world was too much. Maybe you needed more than we managed to give. And that hurts. It hurts not to have seen it. It hurts not to have pulled you back when you were slowly sinking.
“Your heart was bigger than the space you allowed yourself to take up. You were never one for ego — maybe that’s what pushed you down.
“Life wasn’t fair to you. And we… we didn’t get far enough. Now it’s too late for the hug you didn’t get.
“You took a piece of our home with you — our laughter, our rhythm. But you remain in everything you touched. In the things you said, the dishes you crafted, the beers we’ll no longer raise.
“Rest now, brother. I hope wherever you are brings you the peace that was missing here.
“You’ll stay with me, with all of us — in the smell of morning coffee, in the spark of the hob, in the silence that now binds us.
“Until we meet again. And thank you. For everything you were. For everything you left behind.”
Having touched the lives of many, Aaron will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
His heartbroken friend Kirsty lovingly said: “The most heart-breaking news. Aaron was the best friend I ever could’ve asked for. Anyone who knew him knew how he could light up any room he walked into, with that menacing smile and that amazing laugh.
“He never took himself too seriously, and never failed to bring a smile to my face.
“Aaron was so loved and is still so so loved. The amount of people who have reached out to me sharing their stories of Aaron is overwhelmingly beautiful.
“He was such a well known guy and it was all down to how he conducted himself. He would’ve helped anyone he thought needed it, even if he didn’t know ya. Not to mention how he took my younger sister in as his own and constantly told me how much he cared for her and loved her as his own family, he truly was the best.
“Words can’t describe the loss I’m feeling. My thoughts and condolences are with his family, I will always be a phone call away.
“Aaron was my guard dog, my mood lifter and my best friend. He will never be forgotten.”
Aaron’s funeral will be held in The Old Meeting House on Tuesday at 12.00noon followed by interment at Kernan Cemetery with tea afterwards in The Old Meeting House.
Donations if desired, in lieu of flowers are payable to Alan Wray & Co. Funeral Directors, “The Old Meeting House”, 24a Portmore Street, Portadown BT62 3NG for Yellow Ribbon Society and Reach Mentoring.
