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Misc. => DoomLeague.org News => Topic started by: Ralphis on September 24, 2017, 05:23:27 PM

Title: Aaron "DemonSphere" Emge
Post by: Ralphis on September 24, 2017, 05:23:27 PM
It is with much regret and sadness that I have to report that a pillar of our community, Aaron "DemonSphere" Emge, passed away early on the morning of September 24th, 2017.

In our community, Aaron excelled at everything he attempted. He was an excellent player, a great teammate, and a beloved captain. Above all of this, he was a true friend to many of us and his absence will resonate with us for eternity. May he rest in peace.

UPDATE: Aaron's death has officially been ruled accidental. However, for anyone struggling with depression, know that you are loved - by your family and friends. Please never give up - this is a mistake that you won't have an opportunity to regret. In the United States, there is a free suicide prevention line at 1-800-273-8255.

Aaron's obituary can be found here: https://www.floralhaven.com/obits/paul-aaron-emge/
There will be a Celebration of Life Memorial Service 3:00 P.M., Saturday, September, 30, 2017 at Floral Haven Funeral Home Chapel in Broken Arrow, OK.

(http://doomleague.org/upload/files/demonsphere.jpg)
Title: Re: Aaron "DemonSphere" Emge
Post by: HeX9109 on September 24, 2017, 05:32:44 PM
This fucking sucks. Rest in peace DS :(

I had been playing with DS for about 10 years now, and talked to him a thousand times, but I never knew his real name until today. I wish I went to QuakeCon so I could have met him.
Title: Re: Aaron "DemonSphere" Emge
Post by: Torvald on September 24, 2017, 05:51:57 PM
It fills me with great sorrow to learn of his departure. Rest in peace, Aaron.
Title: Re: Aaron "DemonSphere" Emge
Post by: X-Ray on September 24, 2017, 05:54:08 PM
Quote from: HeX9109 on September 24, 2017, 05:32:44 PM
This fucking sucks. Rest in peace DS :(


Yeah...... D:
Title: Re: Aaron "DemonSphere" Emge
Post by: TMD on September 24, 2017, 05:57:17 PM
Jesus.
Title: Re: Aaron "DemonSphere" Emge
Post by: -Alpha- on September 24, 2017, 05:57:24 PM
rest in peace big guy, you are with the doom gods now. bless us all aaron
Title: Re: Aaron "DemonSphere" Emge
Post by: r4z0r on September 24, 2017, 05:57:39 PM
an outstanding member of the community who poured his heart and soul into this game, taken away from us so soon. RIP DemonSphere
Title: Re: Aaron "DemonSphere" Emge
Post by: Ru5tK1ng on September 24, 2017, 06:12:17 PM
This is so fucking sad and out of left field. He had literally been on our TS til late in the morning swapping stories about mischief and what not. It's just so unreal when you speak with someone only to find out they are no longer here only hours later. Still in disbelief as I type this...fuck man, rest in peace.
Title: Re: Aaron "DemonSphere" Emge
Post by: AlexMax on September 24, 2017, 06:20:37 PM
Damnit.  Just...damnit.

Rest in peace, dude.  You'll be missed.
Title: Re: Aaron "DemonSphere" Emge
Post by: Tsunami/mondobizarrro on September 24, 2017, 06:22:33 PM
jesus fuck, barely knew him but he seemed very cool, thats just very sad
Title: Re: Aaron "DemonSphere" Emge
Post by: MetalGuy213 on September 24, 2017, 06:32:10 PM
Rest In Peace, hope he frags any doomer in the Heaven.
Title: Re: Aaron "DemonSphere" Emge
Post by: Jenova on September 24, 2017, 06:35:43 PM
Crazy, never would have expected this from DS. Rest in peace buddy, it was a pleasure playing with you and you'll be missed.
Title: Re: Aaron "DemonSphere" Emge
Post by: Water on September 24, 2017, 06:42:46 PM
This is the worst feeling to see it happen to someone as great as DS, especially since he seemed fine a few days ago. If I had a sense that he'd even consider this I'd have done anything in my power to stop that from happening. Rest in peace, definitely was a legend.
Title: Re: Aaron "DemonSphere" Emge
Post by: Zakken on September 24, 2017, 06:47:45 PM
Unbelievable... :( I still remember my first times playing CTF with/against him back in 2012. He was already really good at the time, yet he continued to get even better, and quickly became one of the best duelers to ever grace this game, and a top-notch WDL captain to boot. He was also really friendly, passionate and funny to everyone outside of the game; it was a genuine pleasure to have him around, regardless of what we were up to.

Rest in peace, DemonSphere. You're an inspiration to me in and out of the game, and you will be painfully missed.
Title: Re: Aaron "DemonSphere" Emge
Post by: Mobius on September 24, 2017, 07:23:18 PM
I hope to everyone who was a friend to Demonsphere that this is in good taste

https://youtu.be/YenU0kRQBeo

This was used primarily cause it was the highlight of my own friendship with Demonsphere. He always came to my teamspeak and it was always in good humor.
Title: Re: Aaron "DemonSphere" Emge
Post by: satsujingear on September 24, 2017, 07:40:30 PM
Rest in peace, DemonSphere. You will be missed.
Title: Re: Aaron "DemonSphere" Emge
Post by: Jwarrier on September 24, 2017, 07:50:22 PM
Rest in peace Aaron, we will miss you.
Title: Re: Aaron "DemonSphere" Emge
Post by: Xenaero on September 24, 2017, 07:52:13 PM
At a loss on what to write, but I've become determined to write something. You were a great friend, even greater competitive player, and a kind soul. I'm happy to have known you, sad to have lost you, and regretful that I couldn't do much for you.

It's a shame our final conversation wasn't more poignant, or more meaningful beyond our community stuff. While I had no idea you were struggling then, I hope that now that you may find peace wherever you are.

You will be missed by many, and forgotten by none.
Title: Re: Aaron "DemonSphere" Emge
Post by: HumanBones on September 24, 2017, 07:53:23 PM
Aaron was a great friend and an even greater person. I very much enjoyed my experience getting to know and see him in person at Ralph's wedding a year ago. We shared a room for 4 days and I felt like we bonded quite a bit. I will miss him more than a trite forum post can convey. RIP.
Title: Re: Aaron "DemonSphere" Emge
Post by: RoSKing on September 24, 2017, 08:27:01 PM
One of my first and forever long lasting doom friends... Meeting back in 2003 feels like just yesterday. I was blessed to be able to actually hang out with you at quakecon before this happened. I don't know why this had to happen, I really wish you could have just called me again. I'm more than at a loss for words... I'm completely lost...
Regardless, I respect you and understand you probably more than others do. I always appreciated our friendship more than you probably ever will know. You were always going above and beyond to be liked, and you were more than successful in doing so. You never failed to keep me and others smiling and laughing with your presence; Having you around was always more than a good time. I still remember one of my fondest memories was getting on late with Bill Steel and all of us getting drunk and playing games like golf with friends. I really hope I still have those stream sessions saved...
You are the shining example of what I aspire to be, and I hope that one day that I can bring life to the room nearly as much as you did. I don't think you understood how much people really cared about you and liked having you around... I'd give anything just to be able to tell you that now.
Until next time my dear friend. I love you and may you forever rest in peace.
Title: Re: Aaron "DemonSphere" Emge
Post by: Alt_Stab on September 24, 2017, 08:44:35 PM
Legendary Doom player, wonderful, lovely, sincere person, and a great friend to me and many more of us. DemonSphere... gone but not forgotten. Love you bro. RIP.
Title: Re: Aaron "DemonSphere" Emge
Post by: Awup on September 24, 2017, 08:48:55 PM
A top notch player who was humble enough to welcome a noob like me to play with him and his dudes. Rest in peace DS God loves you.
Title: Re: Aaron "DemonSphere" Emge
Post by: Otacon-Styrux on September 24, 2017, 09:13:17 PM
Rest in peace Demonsphere, It was a pleasure getting to know and playing with such a skilled doomer. You will not be forgotten. <3
Title: Re: Aaron "DemonSphere" Emge
Post by: Starrk on September 24, 2017, 09:37:06 PM
I'm not sure even where to begin; I had to pull over on the highway because I literally couldn't process the news when I heard it. For the longest it had been me and DS on TS late nights drinking and talking to each other about life and other shit. He was the guy who had gotten me to be a top dueler back when I played almost every day. Always down for a game, always down to shoot the shit. Just an all around good guy. And the best player I've ever seen throughout my years here.
We had always had a bond that no matter how many days it had been since I been on, we'd be back roasting each other and him destroying me on any map I played him on. I remember paying for his plane ticket to get to Ralph's wedding just because I wanted him to be able to be there, and he was so adamant about paying me back that it took weeks of me telling him it's all good for him to just accept the ticket as a gesture of our friendship.
No matter who you are, old or new, you knew about DS' skill in this game. Aaron, I don't know what led you to this, but whatever solace you were looking for, I hope you found it. We all miss you already.

RIP Paul Aaron "DemonSphere" Emge

Just to emphasize what Ralph said: THERE IS NO PROBLEM SO BIG THAT YOU CANNOT SOLVE, OR RATHER YOU CAN SOLVE BY ENDING IT. AS DYSFUNCTIONAL AS WE MAY BE, THE DOOM COMMUNITY IS A FAMILY AND WE WILL LISTEN AND THERE ARE PEOPLE HERE THAT CAN HELP.
Title: Re: Aaron "DemonSphere" Emge
Post by: Avc on September 24, 2017, 10:06:13 PM
well i gotta say, it's actually sort of grieving to see you go, you were actually my inspiration to get better at doom. playing against someone as good as you, and getting closer and closer to beating you gave me a purpose in the doom community, even when i thought i no longer had one. i'm honored to have played beside you in the wdl finals, and you will be greatly missed by me... i'll always have this to remember you by at least...
Title: Re: Aaron "DemonSphere" Emge
Post by: SwiftShot on September 25, 2017, 01:04:09 AM
So sad to hear of this news. I'll remember you for all the good times we had in #hangout in ZDaemon around 2008/09 time, and joining servers with that '<>' tag. News like this really hits home in our small but close knit community that we have. Most of us only know each other online, but I'd like to think all of us are here for each other if anyone ever needs someone to talk about such things.

Rest in peace DS, you will be sadly missed by us all.
Title: Re: Aaron "DemonSphere" Emge
Post by: Denzoa on September 25, 2017, 04:11:48 AM
Far from the worst, and far ahead of the best.. You were the champ of TDT man.. I’m so glad I got to play on your team, laugh with you every day, get better because of you.. you taught me so much more than I could have taught myself..

Not only about Doom, but about life as well.. at times when I felt like sht because my girlfriend dumped me, you were there cheering me up playing games with me, telling me to keep my head up.. so why didn’t you come to me in your own time of need..? It saddens me so much to lose a friend like you, even if I never met you in real life, the friendship was real..

I remember you telling me to come to quakecon, and for that I actually started saving up money to go there.. but now that will just be a dream that will never come true..
Title: Re: Aaron "DemonSphere" Emge
Post by: Dastan on September 25, 2017, 06:38:54 AM
This is truly heartbreaking to hear that something like this would happen to DS.
It literally got me in tears, mainly because I experienced (still am) the state he was and had suicidal thoughts countless times, so I know how he felt.
I am really glad i've got to know you, hell even playing with you; we would spend most of the time chatting on irc and had good laughs.
You were a role model for me to become as good as you are, and seeing you vanish like that really saddens me.

R.I.P DemonSphere.
Title: Re: Aaron "DemonSphere" Emge
Post by: KBlair on September 25, 2017, 07:04:11 AM
I am so glad I had the opportunity to meet DS at Quakecon '16, and again a month later for Ralph's wedding. Those events back to back were some of the most fun I've ever had. I will miss you DS. It seems like yesterday we were shooting the shit with you and your dad at the hotel bar. I still can't quite process the fact that you're gone.
Title: Re: Aaron "DemonSphere" Emge
Post by: Rude on September 25, 2017, 08:13:30 AM
Cant believe you are gone.. 

I have been trying to come up with something to say.  It pains me deeply to know you are gone..  I cant imagine what you were going through, I just wish it hadnt come to this

We met at Quakecon 2013, after having trained together for months before hand. You consistently whooped me and made me a better player, and a better person.  I'm honored to be able to call you my friend in life. Remembering all the good times we shared in WDL, Qcon, and Ralph's wedding. My prayers are with your Father and family.  Love you

Rest in Peace Aaron
Title: Re: Aaron "DemonSphere" Emge
Post by: dew on September 25, 2017, 08:30:22 AM
Sincere condolences to Aaron's family and his closest friends among you guys. It was a shock waking up to the sad news today. He seemed so active and cheerful on various Discord channels just a few days ago. Rest in peace.
Title: Re: Aaron "DemonSphere" Emge
Post by: PerroNDoN on September 25, 2017, 08:47:18 AM
So long DS.
You will be missed

Title: Re: Aaron "DemonSphere" Emge
Post by: BPSkibbenheims on September 25, 2017, 09:01:04 AM
Really only had met DS at Quakecon this year.  Afterwards started chatting with him in discord, and got my ass thoroughly kicked by him in Doom 2.  He was a really nice guy ... gonna miss him.
Title: Re: Aaron "DemonSphere" Emge
Post by: Ten on September 25, 2017, 10:31:14 AM
I am in complete disbelief. DS was such an amazing guy, and such a great part of the community. It's awful to see you go like this, especially because it was so unexpected. You're in a better place now, may you rest in peace man.
Title: Re: Aaron "DemonSphere" Emge
Post by: Alt_Stab on September 25, 2017, 11:03:45 AM
I woke up this morning and I still can't believe it. I flew out to Philly almost exactly a year ago for Ralph's wedding, and me, Starrk, Bones and Aaron just partied for like four days straight, and we really bonded. That dude is so funny, and he seemed so happy. He was such a great dude, and such a good friend, and so fucking good at everything he did, Doom, Quake, whatever. I can't believe that's it, he's just fucking gone man. Never gonna see him or talk to him again. So sad. Such a tragedy. Wish I could have talked to him first. Condolences for his family, I know his dad has gotta be broken right now. Jesus fucking Christ. Love you DS. Wish you didn't have to do this. RIP.

(https://cdn.pbrd.co/images/GM2ksHr.png)
Title: Re: Aaron "DemonSphere" Emge
Post by: Infer on September 25, 2017, 12:01:57 PM
It is always so sad to see such a kind and loved person go like this, I guess no one could imagine what was going through his head, depression really sucks. I did not know him very well, we had a few TS conversations and lots of CTF/Duel games, but everyone could say he was a really nice person, a great friend and one of the most talented doomers in history.

Don't hold your thoughts to yourself, ask for help. Remember that you do matter, and that you can count on your friends and family for the support you need to get through bad times.

Rest in peace DS, you will be truly missed by all of us.
Title: Re: Aaron "DemonSphere" Emge
Post by: edd on September 25, 2017, 12:04:00 PM
condolences to friends and family

we've all had our silly arguments and disagreements, but we can all come together and agree that DS was a great guy and didn't deserve this, very sad and unfortunate

RIP Geno
Title: Re: Aaron "DemonSphere" Emge
Post by: -Alpha- on September 25, 2017, 12:49:03 PM
Gonna dedicate beating Doom on the hard difficulties, something we were supposed to do together. This one is for you champ.
Title: Re: Aaron "DemonSphere" Emge
Post by: HumanBones on September 25, 2017, 12:49:17 PM
I had a hard time sleeping last night, as I'm sure many of us did. It really did not hit me until I was laying in the dark trying to fall asleep. My mind has been flooded with thoughts of the time I was able to spend with Aaron, particularly at Ralph's wedding. Like Stab said, the three of us and Starrk spent the entire 4 days together and we really bonded and got to know each other. Aaron did not get his own hotel room so he slept on the little couch in mine, and we spent each night talking ourselves to sleep.

Those 4 days were absolutely some of the most fun I've ever had in my entire life, and I hope he felt the same way. At the end of the trip I got to spend time at the airport with him and Stab as we all waited for our planes. He was just a real down to earth, friendly and funny kid and it was at the airport we conceived the WDL Radio "on camera" idea. Somehow I talked him into coming on and he became a regular, we had so many laughs.

I hope he has found some peace now, because someone like him truly deserves it. Some day, I know he will be kicking my ass at doom again. RIP
Title: Re: Aaron "DemonSphere" Emge
Post by: Ghostkiller on September 25, 2017, 01:25:42 PM
As soon as i have learned about this i started dropping tears...

Me and DS go a little way back and i kinda feel like an absolute piece of shit right now for being in very bad terms with him in the past 9 months , i wish i could just apology for all the bullshit i have said to him during the last wdl and would have done something to prevent this from happening...

I knew he was depressed back to 2014 but i thought he had overcome his depression and that makes me feel even worse , it's been years since i have mourned another doomer's death and i wish it never had to happen again...

I still remember when i would be shitting on everyone in duel32 and he would come and ruin my winning sprees by stomping the shit outta of me and i would get fucking upset but deep down i truly respected him as a fellow hardcore duelist and one of the few who could take me in a a serious 100 frags judas23... It makes me sad that he went to Heaven in bad terms with me and i will never have a chance to say how truly sorry i am and how i respected him as a player , friend and tutor since i always learned new things while dueling him...

I could stay typing forever but i am crying while i type this so i will leave it be as it is for now...

R.i.p [RFA]Geno hope u find in Heaven what you could not in this world...

I need some time away from doom, Polie's death already hit me hard enough...

GL UD boys love u bald fucks
Title: Re: Aaron "DemonSphere" Emge
Post by: RottKing on September 25, 2017, 01:28:37 PM
Having known him for years online and recently meeting him for the first time in real life last year, it's pretty unbelievable that he's gone. He was an extremely talented and cool person, it really sucks to hear this. Rest in peace.
Title: Re: Aaron "DemonSphere" Emge
Post by: Zakken on September 25, 2017, 02:55:31 PM
One of my fondest memories with DS and many others was when we played priv right after the second WDL draft, and then practised a lot throughout the season. Everyone was clearly enjoying the game so much, and I'm sure we were all happy to have him be an invaluable part of this competitive community for many of those years. Thanks for all of the games, friend...

(https://i.imgur.com/J6BLnXP.png)
Title: Re: Aaron "DemonSphere" Emge
Post by: Fluffles on September 25, 2017, 03:23:03 PM
Wow... RIP man. He was always such a great guy to play. I hope youve found peace mate :(
Title: Re: Aaron "DemonSphere" Emge
Post by: Tai on September 25, 2017, 04:04:57 PM
Barely know what to say, barely feels real to me.

As a player, easily one of the best I've had the pleasure to play with or play against. I don't think it's a coincidence that some of my best seasons as a captain for a CTF team was when DS was on them (no, neither was in WDL lolz, one season didn't even finish!).

As a person, very chill, very funny, wish I got to meet him at QuakeCon or elsewhere, and I'm crushed that will never happen now. I couldn't even imagine how his closest friends and family feel.

And guys, I fucking love all y'all. I've been part of the Doom community since at least 1999, even tho I can be an ass in-game (and hope to continue to lol), there's no telling deep down what it means to me, from Doom Connector to Zdaemon to WDL. Whatever happens, I got your back, we have your back. Don't ever forget that.

RIP DS, maybe someday man....
Title: Re: Aaron "DemonSphere" Emge
Post by: Rus on September 25, 2017, 04:50:30 PM
This is heartbreaking. I just played against him for the first time in many years and got summarily rekt, just like I did 7 years ago. RIP dude, you will be missed. Here are a few videos he recorded of me playing against him in 2010. One of the only people who managed to make me rage:



Title: Re: Aaron "DemonSphere" Emge
Post by: legion on September 25, 2017, 08:29:00 PM
not something I expected to happen, and not something I ever wanted to happen.

its honestly shocking to me since he never seemed to be someone who had problems.

goodbye, DS. rest in peace
Title: Re: Aaron "DemonSphere" Emge
Post by: -Alpha- on September 25, 2017, 09:44:27 PM
I'm sorry,
I still can't get over this. Aaron, you're gone, in a better place now. One of the first people I ever met and became friends with through doom on zdaemon. I wished I had his number, maybe could've spammed his ass for something. Never expected him to be suffering through depression, was always cheerful and full of spirit, the light to any dim room. I enjoyed every moment we spent together on those late dooming night sessions back in the day with stab. I should've just spammed you on steam to play doom on the hard difficulty, the only reason I went to buy doom on steam was to try the snapmap levels and multiplayer. Playing clan scrims on zdaemon with strangle and I, having those late night talks. I would've loved to have met you in person, I lost the chance now. Gives me chills seeing your account still logged on steam and zdaemon knowing you ain't there. I haven't seen myself cry like this since forever. I always had your back man, since day one..   
I love you my brother, rest well now doomgod
(https://i.imgur.com/DGTg3fH.png?1)
Title: Re: Aaron "DemonSphere" Emge
Post by: JKist3 on September 26, 2017, 09:50:50 AM
This is a huge loss for the doom community. Wish he was still around.

(https://i.imgur.com/5n1K0oo.jpg)
Title: Re: Aaron "DemonSphere" Emge
Post by: fairlycrazy on September 26, 2017, 12:27:40 PM
This is Paul Aaron's dad, and I don't have much to say right now, and I have no answers..I may never have any.

But I wanted to let you know that all these kind words have helped more than you can know.
I know how much the gaming community meant to him.

Thank you ,
   Paul
Title: Re: Aaron "DemonSphere" Emge
Post by: HeX9109 on September 26, 2017, 03:12:03 PM
Your son was irreplaceable, both for your family and ours. I'm sorry for your loss.
Title: Re: Aaron "DemonSphere" Emge
Post by: Rebirth on September 26, 2017, 08:40:52 PM
 I never personally knew DS, but I have seen him in duel and priv dominating like no other.
 A man of impressive skill and talent shouldn't have passed away in that fashion. May he rest in peace.
Title: Re: Aaron "DemonSphere" Emge
Post by: HateDaddy on September 27, 2017, 06:08:00 AM
I didn't know him very well but got an opportunity to have a few extensive conversations with him in the past month about Doom. Seemed like a really nice kid. I'm really sorry this happened guys. RIP DS.
Title: Re: Aaron "DemonSphere" Emge
Post by: turSKA on September 27, 2017, 07:52:30 AM
Just unreal and really really sad. Had to process this couple of days before writing anything. One of the main reasons i signed up this season was because of DS, i was hoping to get on his team again because we had such a great run last season. DS is easily the most skilled, couraging, kind and hella funny captain I've ever played with. I never even met this guy and yet he had bigger impact on me than i could have ever imagined. I can't even imagine what's it like for you guys who've hang with him IRL and ofc his family. Condolences to the bereaved family. DS, i hope you found peace.
Title: Re: Aaron "DemonSphere" Emge
Post by: Godlike on September 27, 2017, 04:31:38 PM
I don't even know where to begin I've never been good at doing goodbyes but i must do it for you this is the hardest thing I've ever had to write I'm still in shock that it had to come to this… Aaron you were one of my greatest friends and a brother to me I've known you for over a decade as a personal friend and almost 2 decades as a friendly player. Over the years I've played thousands of different games with you and shared so many good memories, you were one of the main people i looked forward to meeting in real life and chilling with i am going to truly miss you so much you don't even know. Even though i never got the chance to meet you in real life i had the opportunity to get to know you well online you brought laughter to the team speak channel almost every time you were online you were always trying to make sure everybody was alright even if you weren’t yourself you had a huge heart we all loved you like a brother. Ill never forget the times we stayed up till 4 or 5 am drinking and making stupid raps on ts and getting screamed at by my mom and told to go to bed or the time you accidentally drove through the freshly paved tar and thought the tar guys were gonna find out where you lived and get ya lol. Man i just really wish i could've done something to help you i know you've been depressed in the past and we used to talk these things over till the sun came up i just wish you didn’t feel like you had no one on your side i would've bent over backwards to help you bro cuz man time doesn't heal all scars this one will stay open till the day i die and meet you at heavens gates until that day there is a spot reserved in my heart for you i will never forget you or your crazy good king of the hill impressions. I hope you found peace and are no longer fighting your inner demons fly high brotha you'll truly be missed by everybody down here on earth
Title: Re: Aaron "DemonSphere" Emge
Post by: Spunky117 on September 28, 2017, 05:30:08 PM
I have been devastated by this news for the past few days as i'm sure all of you have. I met DS on the newest doom's multiplayer when they released the first Alpha. I have since considered him one of my best friends and we'd always tear it up in Doom. I'm going to miss the hell out of you dude. You may be gone, but you will never be forgotten.

I am currently making a snapmap dedicated to DemonSphere and i'm currently working on a tribute room. There will be panels with your S/N. Upon use they will activate a datapad message that can display 1-2 paragraphs worth of text. If any of you would like to take part in that, feel free to PM or E-mail me with what you'd like to say.

Rest in Peace Aaron.
Title: Re: Aaron "DemonSphere" Emge
Post by: Tony on September 30, 2017, 08:07:06 AM
It's hard to put all this into words but here it goes:

Like many others, I had first met Aaron years ago, as a member of the Doom community. Our friendship quickly evolved beyond just Doom though. We quickly discovered similar interests in other things, and have spent countless nights playing video games, watching YouTube videos, or just hanging out in Skype or Teamspeak. I will never forget those fun times. One of these times that really sticks out was a night where Aaron and I sat online, drank, and spent hours watching YouTube videos of emu racing, which shortly before, we had discovered was a thing.

In 2014, Aaron let me know about how he attended QuakeCon, a video game convention, every year. I decided that it would be fun to meet up with Aaron and attend. We arranged to stay at his place and drive down to QuakeCon the next day. From the moment Aaron picked me up from the airport, we immediately hit it off. We got to his place, in the 100 degree humid weather, and sweated our asses off putting my computer back together, and getting it ready for QuakeCon. That night, we had a blast playing Counter-Strike, and watching movies.

The next day, on the four hour drive to Dallas, we discovered we had pretty similar interests in music as well. I think we must have listened to most of System of a Down and Eminem’s discography on that drive, while discussing other bands.

The times we’ve shared at QuakeCon are memories that I will cherish forever. I will never forget how much fun we had not only at the convention itself, but the countless trips to “our bar” at the convention center, the traditional trips to In-N-Out and Taco Bueno, and just hanging out in the hotel room with other members of the Doom community.

Aaron truly was a great friend. I could always reach out to Aaron about my life’s problems, and always trust him to be honest and caring. even when we didn’t agree on certain topics.

May you rest in peace and always be in our thoughts and prayers,
Aaron “DemonSphere” Emge