Obituary of Aaron Newell Boyington

HAMPDEN-It is with heavy hearts and overwhelming sadness that we announce the passing of Aaron N. Boyington, 55, on Easter morning, April 9, 2023. He passed peacefully at his home with his loving family and devoted partner by his side. He was born on July 13, 1967, in Bangor, Maine, son of Robert N. Boyington and Mary C. (Bagley) Skaggs. Aaron spent his teenage years hunting, fishing, boating, swimming, and spending time with friends and family on Pushaw Lake.  He was a self-taught drummer and bass guitar player and throughout his life he was a member of several rock bands. Aaron loved his drums! He graduated from Old Town High School in 1985 and attended the University of Maine in Augusta, majoring in music. His musical taste was eclectic, but he was a metalhead at heart. One of Aaron’s joys in life was to see live music, a pastime that he shared with his partner, Shawna. In addition to his passion for music, Aaron was an artist, poet, inventor, archer, gun collector, and a fabulous cook. He also spent hours riding his motorcycle, and more recently his Burgman scooter, which he personally customized, Aaron-style. His mustard pickles were the best; a recipe passed down from his Grandfather Bagley. Aaron was a lifelong learner with a creative mind. He could repair just about anything: motorcycles, cars, lawnmowers, you name it. From an early age, he loved to take things apart to see how they worked, and he could always put them back together. Aaron never met a vehicle that he couldn’t install a first-rate sound system in. A friend jokingly told Aaron that he was sure he was deaf in one ear because of the stereo Aaron had installed in his truck. Aaron looked forward to visiting Sprague Falls on the Narraguagus River in Cherryfield every Spring where he spent hours fishing like he did growing up.  He had many lifelong friends, including Mark Buzzell, who rarely missed a day visiting Aaron while he was sick, even bringing a Christmas tree and drum sticks to Aaron while in the hospital.  In Aaron’s earlier life, he was the creator and co-owner of Sound Shapers in Brewer. He also held positions as a supervisor in the housekeeping department at EMMC, Service Advisor at Downeast Toyota, and most recently he was a Manager at O’Reilly’s Auto Parts in Bangor. Aaron loved animals and leaves behind his dogs Tucker, Vivian, and Anakin. He was also known for his unique pets, including a tarantula and a pot-bellied pig.

Aaron was fiercely loyal and protective to those he loved.  He faced life’s challenges on his own terms. He adored his beautiful daughters, Grace and Skye, and would frequently say how proud he was to be their father. Aaron looked forward to a barbecue on a sunny day at the lake with his family, while enjoying a cold beer.  We will miss his quick wit and mischievous smile.   

Aaron was a relentless fighter and is now free from pain. His strong will and stubborn streak, no doubt, got him through the last months of his life.  He left us much too soon.

Aaron is survived by his father, Bob of Glenburn; mother Mary and her husband Tom Skaggs of Pushaw Lake; beloved daughters Grace and Skye Boyington; devoted partner and best friend, Shawna Hachey; sister Amy Boyington, partner Larry Plass, nephew Val Boyington; step-siblings Jeff Skaggs, wife Jamey Richio, nieces Braeden, Rianna and Jordan; Jenny Grove, husband Ray Grove, nephews Andrew, Hank, Matthew and Scott; Jori Cook and husband Timmy Cook.  Aaron was predeceased by his grandparents: Holand and Barbara Bagley; Raymond and Joyce Boyington; Dorothy and Galen Morgan and Aunt Betsy Bagley.  Aaron also leaves behind several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

The family would like to thank the many people who cared for Aaron over the last several months. A special thank you goes out to his partner, Shawna, his sister, Amy, and Gentiva Hospice for their compassionate care during his final days at home. A celebration of Aaron’s life will be held at the Penobscot Valley Country Club, 366 Main St, Orono, Maine, Sunday, May 7, 2023, from 2-4 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Aaron’s name to The Bangor Humane Society, 693 Mt Hope Ave., Bangor ME 04401.  Arrangements are handled by Cremation Basics.  Condolences can be shared at cremationbasics.com