Tributes paid to 'a wonderful son, a caring brother and a loyal friend'

The service was led by Rev David Lockhart and Rev David Henry, who described Aaron as “a loving and caring individual.”

Addressing mourners, which included members of the McFerran and Gaw families, as well as many of Aaron’s school friends, Rev Henry said the massive turnout showed just how much he meant to his family, friends and the community in which he lived.

“Aaron was a loving and caring individual who expressed those traits not only to his immediate family, but also the community he lived in. It’s a rarity today to see a young man help an elderly neighbour with their groceries, but that was part of Aaron’s nature. It’s a rare thing today to witness good manners and an attitude of unselfishness, but that was who Aaron was, and that’s why he stood out among the crowd,” he said.

Describing the 18-year-old as someone who had “an old head on young shoulders”, Rev Henry said Aaron had been devoted to his family and his friends, committed to attaining a good education, and loyal to his colleagues at his part-time job in the Co-Op store in Abbots Cross.

“Due to his tragic death, certain aspirations could not be achieved. Aaron’s life did not permit him to become that engineer that he dreamed he would become, nor one day to be that loving husband or that devoted father. But life in all its brevity did allow him to be that wonderful son to his parents. Life did allow him to be that loving and caring brother to his sister and a caring uncle to his nephew. Life did allow him to be that loyal and devoted friend to his three buddies. And life allowed him to be that person who expressed kindness and gentleness and decency that brought happiness to others both by his presence and through his deeds of kindness. Aaron Davidson has departed from this world, but his legacy will continue to touch lives even after his departing.”

Aaron was laid to rest in Carnmoney Cemetery.