Aedan was a deeply loved son, brother, grandson, and nephew. He is survived by his loving mother, Lauren Winkelman, his loving father, Ryan Smith, and his loving brother, Spencer Smith, as well as extended family whose hearts will hold his memory forever.

Aedan had a kind heart, a brilliant mind, and a sense of humor that could light up a room. He gave the best hugs, the kind you never wanted to let go of, and his smile and laugh are already deeply missed.

From a young age, Aedan showed how thoughtful and unique he was. In elementary school, he once wrote: "My brain—it helps me imagine, and it makes me smart. It helps me move and lets me think. I can't live without it." That curiosity, intelligence, and depth stayed with him throughout his life.

He loved music and found comfort and expression in it. He enjoyed video games and the worlds they allowed him to explore, and he had a special love for his cats, who brought him companionship and peace.

Aedan loved deeply and cared fiercely for the people in his life. He had a way of making others feel seen and understood. He was incredibly smart, introspective, and always trying to better understand himself and the world around him.

Like many, Aedan faced struggles, especially in recent years, but he met those challenges with courage, self-awareness, and effort. He worked hard to understand himself, even researching and reflecting in ways that showed just how strong and thoughtful he truly was.

He was, and will always be, an amazing, beautiful soul taken far too soon.

Aedan's memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him, and he will be missed beyond words every single day.