Aaron Steven Cathcart, 51, of Princeton, IL, was born June 26, 1972 at St. Catherine's Hospital in McCook, NE to Steve Vale Cathcart and Beverly (Delai) Cathcart. After a brief illness, he passed away on June 5, 2024 at CGH Hospital in Sterling, IL.
Aaron joined his father in operating Cathcart Photography in 1996 in Estes Park, CO. They were award winning photographers who provided lasting memories to their brides and grooms and shot thousands of weddings over the years. Aaron expanded his talents to include family groups and nature photography. His photos were used in various media platforms to include Dateline and The Weather Channel among others. One of his photographs of an elk, taken in Rocky Mountain National Park, was used on a US postage stamp.
He was an avid Ham Radio operator with the call sign of N0WAR. He was a member of several Ham Radio groups while in CO and made Ham Radio friends around the world.
He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and his faithful furry rescue dog, Dundee. He moved to Princeton in 2023 to be near family and opened his photography shop in January 2024.
Survivors include his significant other and loving partner, Heidi Johnson, mother Beverly Powers of McCook, NE; brother David (Gina) Cathcart of Fort Collins, CO; twin sister Lora (Rob) Hamil of Pierce, CO; 4 nieces and 1 nephew: Gillian, Alyson, and Madison Cathcart and Faith (Alec) Wallace and Tyler (Hannah) Floro. Great nieces and nephew are Harper and Vivian Floro and Jeremiah and Anica Wallace.
He was preceded in death by his father, Steve Cathcart and his stepfather, Ed Powers.
Cremation rights have been accorded. A Celebration of Life will be held at City County Park at the Cabin in Princeton on July 13, 2024 from 3:00-5:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers memorial may be directed to Friends of Strays in Princeton.
A Celebration of Life will be held at City County Park at the Cabin in Princeton on July 13, 2024 from 3:00-5:00 p.m.
Address:
City County Park at the Cabin
Princeton, IL 61356
In Memoriam
In lieu of flowers memorial may be directed to Friends of Strays in Princeton.
Condolences
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Tribute Wall
"I was so shocked to see that Aaron had passed away. Many memories of him and his siblings living across the street from us . He and twin sister Lora would come over to visit Coach Coleman. Many prayers to all who loved him."
"Aaron was a wonderful, talented, & friendly guy that was always willing to listen & strike up a good conversation. I along with many others personally did not get a chance to meet him; but was a very well liked voice & member in the ham / amateur radio community. He will be deeply missed.
Mark - KZ4FOX"
"Even though I never met Aaron in person, We talked many nights on the radio about photography. I live in the Los Angeles area. I will miss our conversations about photography and like minded politics. My condolences to Heidi and the rest of the family.
73 my friend. I guarantee you are in a much better place now.
RJ
KM6AVH
"
"A Friend to All
Aaron would get so excited when a fellow ham was trying something new for the first time or joining him in a new radio project. A few years back, while telling me, "You're going to need this stuff to get started", without delay, handed me a grocery bag full of goodies and accessories to help me get my new radio and antenna up and running. He absolutely would not accept any form of repayment or trade, reminding me that others have done the same for him and that it was his pleasure to be able to pay-it-forward.
Aaron's joy and enthusiasm for amateur radio, photography and most importantly, family and his wide circle of friends was infectious! He was a loyal friend, always making it a point to verbalize his appreciation for me, just by being a small part of his day.
My radio buddy, Aaron "No War" Cathcart, has moved on into the next band. For those of us who remain, the sun shines just a little brighter with fond memories of a kind, helpful, warm, and radiant soul who always made our little place in this world a happier place to be.
"
"A Friend to All
Aaron would get so excited when a fellow ham was trying something new for the first time or joining him in a new radio project. A few years back, while telling me, "You're going to need this stuff to get started", without delay, handed me a grocery bag full of goodies and accessories to help me get my new radio and antenna up and running. He absolutely would not accept any form of repayment or trade, reminding me that others have done the same for him and that it was his pleasure to be able to pay-it-forward.
Aaron's joy and enthusiasm for amateur radio, photography and most importantly, family and his wide circle of friends was infectious! He was a loyal friend, always making it a point to verbalize his appreciation for me, just by being a small part of his day.
My radio buddy, Aaron "No War" Cathcart, has moved on into the next band. For those of us who remain, the sun shines just a little brighter with fond memories of a kind, helpful, warm, and radiant soul who always made our little place in this world a happier place to be.
"
"I am so sorry to hear of Aaron's passing, so shocking. We grew up just 2 houses away from each other until late grade school, David and I were inseparable. My heart goes out to all of you, you are in my prayers."
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