Deeply Missed, Forever Loved Aaron Michael Tea-Klein
November 26, 1979 - July 27, 2025
Aaron Michael Tea-Klein, also known as Aaron Klein, age 45, of Magna, Utah, passed away suddenly and inexplicably on the morning of July 27, 2025, while visiting San Francisco with his life partner, Brandy Stevens. His passing remains difficult to fully comprehend, leaving his family and friends holding closely to his memory.
Born on November 26, 1979, in New York, his family moved back to Utah 4 months later. He grew up in Salt Lake City, and in Michigan for 2 years. He graduated from Cottonwood High School. He later earned his associate’s degree from Salt Lake Community College in Diesel Systems Technology, a field that aligned perfectly with his love of fixing things and getting his hands dirty.
Aaron was a man who left an unforgettable mark on everyone he met. With a charismatic spirit, a playful heart, and a smile that could light up a room, he had a unique way of showing up as his truest self. Honest, direct, and never one to sugarcoat, he often said with a grin, “I’m just telling it like it is.” And while the truth could sting, it was that honesty we came to love and respect the most.
Aaron loved his cats, Mama and Monkey, his children in every sense of the word. To know Aaron was to know his cats. They weren’t just pets; they were family, and they always came first before most humans, which made us love him even more. His compassion for animals extended beyond his home. He gave generously to local shelters and often stopped by just to share a little love with the animals waiting for families of their own.
The outdoors was Aaron’s sanctuary, a place where he felt most at peace and fully alive, whether biking 18 miles beneath the blazing sun, carving his way down black diamond ski slopes, turning a wrench in the garage, flowing through a Sunday yoga session, or setting off on a spontaneous hike, Aaron met each moment with energy and joy. If it involved nature, movement, or a spark of adventure, he was all in.
His appetite for adventure was boundless. His travels took him from family getaways in Hawaii, to work meetings in Hong Kong, to the golden streets of Greece, a place he once lovingly joked he’d return to in another life as a “fat orange cat.” That was Aaron — always blending curiosity with laughter, turning every trip into a story worth telling. One of his favorite escapes was to Bear Lake, a place that brought out his playful spirit. Whether it was sharing yummy shakes on a weekend getaway with his partner or heading out on a “two dudes” escapade with his brother Merek—tearing through trails and causing just the right amount of trouble—Aaron was in his element. Grinning ear to ear, heart wide open, and fully alive. He and Merek shared the kind of bond that was deep, loyal, filled with laughter and mutual learning. Aaron often said, “I’ll sleep when I’m dead,” and if the way he lived is any proof, he meant every word.
Aaron held friendship close to his heart, but to call him a “friend” barely scratches the surface. If you were lucky enough to be part of his world, you knew he was your chosen brother. Loyal, dependable, and always present. He was the one you knew you could call in hard times, and he always answered as a counselor, a fixer, a listener, or simply someone who showed up when it mattered. Whether your car broke down, your home project hit a wall, or you just needed a lunch companion, Aaron was there, tools in hand, humor on standby, and heart wide open.
Professionally, Aaron dedicated over 16 years to his career at EDL Energy. He brought the same integrity and passion to his work as he did to everything else in life, never cutting corners but doing it frugally, always giving his best. He constantly looked for ways to improve systems and support his team. Late last year, he was promoted to Supply Chain Specialist, a role he embraced with energy and drive. He valued not just the work, but his colleagues at EDL and Trans-Jordan Landfill, who were an important part of his daily life.
One of the most beautiful chapters in Aaron’s journey was his involvement in a men’s group that was focused on emotional intelligence and authentic connection. What began as something outside of his comfort zone soon became one of the most meaningful parts of his life. He cherished the space, the brotherhood, and the personal growth it gave him. We saw him evolve in ways that made us even prouder of the man he already was.
Aaron lived boldly, loved deeply, and gave generously to people, to animals, and to life itself. His presence was a gift, and his memory will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew him.
Above all, Aaron cherished his family. He is survived by his loving partner Brandy Stevens, and their son Gabe, Brandy’s by birth but wholeheartedly loved by Aaron as his own; mother Jill Tea Smith (stepfather Jeff Smith); father Paul B. Klein (stepmother Nancy Litch); brother Merek Smith (Krisina) and children Lily and Bear; brother Evan Litch (Anne); aunts, uncles, and cousins who he treasured.
PLEASE JOIN US for a Celebration of Life on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 6:00-8:00PM where family and friends are invited to gather to eat, drink, and share memories. Sharing to start at about 7:00PM.
Starks Funeral Parlor
3651 South 900 East, Millcreek
Parking is to the left of the building on either side of the street.
Anyone wishing to donate can do so to the Humane Society of Utah, a cause close to Aaron’s heart.
In Loving Memory
I’m going to miss my bestie. So grateful for the laughs and time we shared over the past 20 years.
To his family, I’m sorry for your sudden loss! I’ve had the pleasure of being a friend of his since high school. He was one of a kind and the most special kind of man. I will miss him dearly!!
To my life long, best friend, there is seriously no one else I've ever met like you. You know me better than most, including myself. I hope that you felt the same way my brother. I miss you so much and we had so much more to live together. You will never be gone as we will always remember. I hope you are with you're other friends, namely Moka & Junior, you're best cat friends. I know you've missed them for a long time my friend. You have left us all better people by knowing you. Im so glad I got to share some of this life around and with you, thank you for being in my life and my true friend. I will see you again. To Aaron's family, my heart is broken for your loss. You all will be in our families thoughts! And your son, brother, friend & protector will be watching over you.
You will truly be missed by everyone you came in contact with.. fly high my friend the world was a better place with you in it 🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🥲
I had the pleasure of meeting and spending time getting to know Aaron on an EDL work trip to Hong Kong in 2023. He was one of the most down to earth and genuine people I have met. Whilst quieter and more reserved than the others, I could tell just how much he loved his family, friends and fur babies back in the US. We had some really great conversations and I'm so sad to hear of his passing. My thoughts and condolences are with you all.
Dear Jill and Jeff – I am so sorry for your loss! It’s times like this words can’t even express the grief and pain you are both going through. The only thing I have to offer is empathy. I’ll be praying for you. He looks like a lovely man and he will be continually watching over you. I know this from experience. Love, Cathy Tidwell.
I’m heartbroken to say goodbye to my friend of over 20 years. We shared so many good times—racing out at RMR, house parties at Tyler’s, and hanging out in your garage while you worked on the VW Bus or helped me with my vehicles. I’ll never forget how you’d talk it up with my boys about your cars and give them advice. You were my lunch buddy, my sounding board, and someone I could always rely on. You were blunt and always told me how it was, whether I wanted to hear it or not, but you never judged me. That honesty, mixed with your unwavering support, is something I came to count on through all the ups and downs. You were one of the few friends who was there during some of my darkest times, and you stuck with me through a lot of changes over the years. I’m sorry we didn’t talk much over the past couple of years—that will always be a regret. Timing is crazy—sometimes life just falls into place in ways you don’t expect, bringing people back together when it matters most. I’m so grateful it gave me the chance to reconnect with you, to apologize for the silence, and to say goodbye in person. I’m thankful I got to see you one last time, catch up, laugh about old memories, and hear how excited you were about the future and all the adventures you had planned. You weren’t just a friend—you were one of my best friends, a constant in my life, and your absence leaves a void that will never be filled. I will miss you more than words could ever say, and I will carry our memories with me always.
Such a profoundly touching obituary. Your memories of him and your love for him help me understand what a beautiful person he was. I mourn your loss and we are all lessened by his passing.
Aaron’s life was a journey that touched so many along the way. He carried a bright light, and though his road was shorter than any of us hoped, the impact he left will keep guiding us forward. To those of us who walked a part of that path beside him, we will always remember him as a fellow traveler — one whose kindness, strength, and spirit continue on in everyone he reached. My deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who loved him.
In Loving Memory
