When I started reading some of the tributes written by staff and students from the schools Aaron taught at, collated into amazing albums, I did not get very far before tears blurred the lines. I think that will have to wait for another time. We still can’t believe how big an impact Aaron made on staff and students in such a short teaching career, it’s truly inspirational.

Aaron definitely would be “blown away” and very humbled by everyone’s generosity, support and most of all, the love shown to the family.

As many of you are aware, Aaron loved his ‘Happy Socks’ and we embraced that by wearing our own ‘happy socks’ to help raise money for a charity very real to this family, the Leukaemia Foundation.

We had a giant ‘Happy Sock’ at Aaron’s celebration on Saturday, June 9 and collected donations in lieu of flowers. We are very pleased to announce that we have so far raised $6710. Thank you so much for your overwhelming generosity.

We would also like to thank everyone who has registered with Donate Life. It is not enough to just sign your licence anymore. Please educate yourselves and talk to your family members about this.

If you are comfortable with it please register online at www.register.donatelife.gov.au, written consent can also be made at any Medicare office.

We had registered years ago because of an education program at Bowraville Central School when Aaron was in about Year 9 and it was not even a question to consider when the time came to make the decision. It made the whole process so much easier. Nobody ever thinks it will happen to them, but some day it just might.

We take great comfort from the fact that Aaron has been able to save five lives and the sight of two others. Donor families are only allowed to receive limited information about recipients, but to perhaps one day meet the recipients would be unbelievable.

We would also like to say a very special thank you to Judy Ward of Macksville Ex-Services Club and her team of caterers for their support in making sure everyone was well fed on Saturday. Thank you also to the Bowraville Jockey Club for allowing us to use their great venue and Laverty’s Funerals for making the whole process as easy as possible. Thank you to Busways and Bowra Hotel for their kind donation of free bus travel to and from the venue.

Also a special thank you to the local paramedics who attended, Careflight, local police for their sensitivity and the amazing staff at the Gold Coast University Hospital. You all know who you are.

It is at times like these we are reminded how privileged we are to live in a small community and how important it is to always give generously if you can and to treat one another as you would like to be treated especially in times of need. We have certainly received tenfold and will never forget it. Thank you so very much!

In the words of Zac Brown Band’s “Day that I Die” Aaron would love to be remembered and was truly “a man that really lived and never compromised.”

Related story: A tribute to Aaron Argent