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Aaron Palen
Aaron Palen was a light that shone brightly. He tragically passed away on July 30, 2023 at the young age of 44. He made an indelible mark on this world and on all who loved and knew him. He loved no one more than his wife Kristin and their two children, Jayce and Kenzie.
Born in Massachusetts to Donna Palen and John Palen Jr., Aaron went on to lead an inspiring and successful life. He found joy in the simplest moments and his positivity was infectious. His glowing smile drew everyone in and they couldn’t help but feel his warm presence. Aaron gravitated to helping others always with an empathetic hand. His devotion to his family was evident. His unwavering love for his wife of nearly 19 years, support and admiration of her were ever-present. Aaron’s adoration for his children and playfulness were displayed through the endless eruption of giggles they shared. Their memories together will endure as will his impression on the PGA.
Aaron was a passionate PGA Head Golf Professional who relished his profession. He was first introduced to golf when he was thirteen and immediately fell in love with the game. Aaron played golf for (and graduated from) North Carolina Wesleyan College with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Aaron’s professional career began at Benvenue Country Club in North Carolina leading him to several destinations along the way including: International Country Club (VA) where he proudly earned his PGA membership; The Golf Club at Lansdowne (VA); Mountain View Country Club (PA); Broad Bay Country Club (VA); and Colonial Heritage Golf Club (VA) where he earned the Middle Atlantic PGA Section’s Public Merchandiser of the Year. He ended his career in his “dream job” at Duck Woods Country Club in Southern Shores, North Carolina. Aaron took great pride in and was known for his merchandising and his well-executed club tournaments. His goal was to personalize all interactions resulting in a genuine friendship. Aaron dedicated himself to creating a memorable golf experience for the Duck Woods Country Club membership that he loved.
Aaron is survived by his wife Kristin and their children Jayce and Kenzie; his mother Donna Palen, his father John Palen, Jr.; his brothers John III and Stephen; and his loving in-laws.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 18th at 10 a.m. at Duck Woods Country Club, 50 S. Dogwood Trail, Southern Shores, NC, 27949 with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider helping the Palen family navigate through this heart-wrenching loss and start the journey toward healing by donating to https://gofund.me/1835c477.
Please share condolences with the family at gallopfuneralservices.com. Gallop Funeral Services was entrusted with arrangements.
Condolences
Without the support and encouragement from Aaron and Bobby, my friend Kathy and I would never have had the time of our lives playing at St. Andrews this past spring. His genuine interest in our experience was special to us, and I looked forward to getting to know him better. He had such a sincere joy in life and the golfers at Duck Woods, and will be greatly missed. My heart breaks for his precious family, and thoughts and prayers go out to you.
It is with deep regret thet we mourn the loss of Aaron. He was a great person who was respected by all.
Aaron was ever the professional, but always smiling with a kind word for everyone. His favorite topic of conversation was his wife, Kristin, and their two children. We will miss Aaron so so much at Duck Woods. Heaven has gained an angel. Much love.
So sorry for your loss🙏🏻So young . RIP
Late on a day early this summer Aaron and I fell into a leisurely conversation. We had one of those great chats about golf and life that can occur occasionally between two avid golfers. Neither of us could have guessed it would be our final conversation. But it leaves a warm remembrance of a great human being. I'll miss my friend.
The entire Benvenue Country Club membership and staff would like to send our condolences and wishes of peace during this healing time. Aaron's dedication to his profession was well respected by many, and he was just a good guy.
Aaron was a wonderful person, quick with a smile and a kind or funny word. I had the privilege of working with Aaron on one of the golf programs, but we bonded over our discussions regarding Italian celebrations and what a great cook Kristin was and how much he adored and loved his family. He was so very supportive of all. I know Duck Woods will never be the same.
I’ve taken lots of golf lessons. My recent series with Aaron helped me more than any I have had. I had a 2 year struggle with knee issues and after my lessons with Aaron my friends say I’m playing better than before the knee. Aaron was always upbeat and positive with members. The ultimate professional. I am so glad I have the recordings of his lessons to help remember my teacher and friend. I’m so sorry for his family’s loss.
We are new to DWCC and met Aaron during our tour. He was welcoming and helped us love the club quickly. A couple weeks later, we went to the driving range for the first time, and he remembered us! We are truly sorry and have his family in our thoughts and prayers.
We are heartbroken at the loss of Aaron for your family & all of us at Duck Woods. Aaron was admired & beloved by all who knew him. His quick smile & his kind heart will be remembered. I hope your good memories of Aaron as a husband and father will bring you some peace.
I am so sorry and saddened by the loss of such a wonderful man. Aaron was not just a great member of our Colonial Heritage golf staff but a man who earned the respect of our members and community during his years at our golf club. I considered him a close personal friend and I knew he would leave his indelible mark at Duck Woods just as he did at CH. Our prayers and thoughts go out to his family.
The consummate Professional, gentleman & diehard RED SOX FAN. I will miss our baseball conversations & those fine golf trips. Our friendship goes back to Colonial Heritage & that great membership. My sincere condolences for the families lose.
Aaron was a true gentleman and wonderful family man. I remember when I interviewed him for the job at Duck Woods Country Club, never seen such a well prepared presentation, true professional. God bless you Aaron.
Aaron was always kind, and made time to talk to everyone with a smile on his face all of the time. He cared about me and my work and he was a great person. Prayers to his family and friends.
Every interaction with Aaron was one of kindness. I always appreciated his friendly, professional and positive demeanor at the club. Thoughts and prayers for the family.
Aaron was more than a great PGA Pro and leader, he was a great person. I particularly enjoyed our group golf trip to Williamsburg last year and hanging out with him off the golf course. I will miss him tremendously.
My heartfelt condolences to everyone. Blessings for your future.
From my Ohana (Family) to Kristin, Jayce and Kenzie. We love you guys. Aaron was, and will always be my brother from another mother to me. You and your children are considered Ohana to me. Prayers and blessing to you and the children. I love you guys with all my heart.
My thoughts are with the Palen family and all those like me who feel the incredible sadness of this loss. You didn't have to know Aaron long to feel his vibrance, dedication and caring about all that he did.
I first met Aaron when he was the Golf Professional at Colonial Heritage. He was by far the best Golf Professional I have ever encountered. I remember Aaron as the man who always had time for you. He was a kind, gentle man who loved his job and his family. You will be sorely missed my friend.
I first met Aaron when he became the Head Golf Professional at Colonial Heritage GC. He brought an energy, friendly attitude and professionalism that was most welcome. Over the years we enjoyed golf trips together which continued even after Aaron accepted the Head Golf Professional job at Duck Woods CC. We missed him but knew that was his dream job. To lose Aaron as such an early age is truly devastating. We are so saddened and will miss our dear friend. We offer our most sincere condolences to Aaron's family who are all the loves of his life. They just don't make them any better. Rest in peace my friend.
If there is something that I can learn from having worked with and known Aaron is to find in this world what you are passionate for. With the time he had on this earth, he had three passions, I’m certain were in this order; his family, golf, and Boston sports. My heart goes out to his immediate and extended family, friends, and everyone affected by such a bright light extinguished far too soon. See you again sometime.
I worked in the Duck Woods pro shop with Aaron. We laughed a lot, worked hard and I truly loved working with him. Kristin, My heart breaks for you and the kids, I sincerely wish that you find comfort and peace with your family and friends. Aaron was one of the best pros I ever worked with. I’m saddened, shocked and hopeful that you and the kids will be okay. Peace and love to you all.
I knew Aaron while he was the head pro at Broad Bay. He was a very nice guy with great knowledge of the game. I’m so sorry to hear this news. My deepest condolences to his family.
Without the support and encouragement from Aaron and Bobby, my friend Kathy and I would never have had the time of our lives playing at St. Andrews this past spring. His genuine interest in our experience was special to us, and I looked forward to getting to know him better. He had such a sincere joy in life and the golfers at Duck Woods, and will be greatly missed. My heart breaks for his precious family, and thoughts and prayers go out to you.
It is with deep regret thet we mourn the loss of Aaron. He was a great person who was respected by all.
Aaron was ever the professional, but always smiling with a kind word for everyone. His favorite topic of conversation was his wife, Kristin, and their two children. We will miss Aaron so so much at Duck Woods. Heaven has gained an angel. Much love.
So sorry for your loss🙏🏻So young . RIP
Late on a day early this summer Aaron and I fell into a leisurely conversation. We had one of those great chats about golf and life that can occur occasionally between two avid golfers. Neither of us could have guessed it would be our final conversation. But it leaves a warm remembrance of a great human being. I’ll miss my friend.
The entire Benvenue Country Club membership and staff would like to send our condolences and wishes of peace during this healing time. Aaron’s dedication to his profession was well respected by many, and he was just a good guy.
Aaron was a wonderful person, quick with a smile and a kind or funny word. I had the privilege of working with Aaron on one of the golf programs, but we bonded over our discussions regarding Italian celebrations and what a great cook Kristin was and how much he adored and loved his family. He was so very supportive of all. I know Duck Woods will never be the same.
I’ve taken lots of golf lessons. My recent series with Aaron helped me more than any I have had. I had a 2 year struggle with knee issues and after my lessons with Aaron my friends say I’m playing better than before the knee. Aaron was always upbeat and positive with members. The ultimate professional. I am so glad I have the recordings of his lessons to help remember my teacher and friend. I’m so sorry for his family’s loss.
We are new to DWCC and met Aaron during our tour. He was welcoming and helped us love the club quickly. A couple weeks later, we went to the driving range for the first time, and he remembered us! We are truly sorry and have his family in our thoughts and prayers.
We are heartbroken at the loss of Aaron for your family & all of us at Duck Woods. Aaron was admired & beloved by all who knew him. His quick smile & his kind heart will be remembered. I hope your good memories of Aaron as a husband and father will bring you some peace.
I am so sorry and saddened by the loss of such a wonderful man. Aaron was not just a great member of our Colonial Heritage golf staff but a man who earned the respect of our members and community during his years at our golf club. I considered him a close personal friend and I knew he would leave his indelible mark at Duck Woods just as he did at CH. Our prayers and thoughts go out to his family.
The consummate Professional, gentleman & diehard RED SOX FAN. I will miss our baseball conversations & those fine golf trips. Our friendship goes back to Colonial Heritage & that great membership. My sincere condolences for the families lose.
Aaron was a true gentleman and wonderful family man. I remember when I interviewed him for the job at Duck Woods Country Club, never seen such a well prepared presentation, true professional.
God bless you Aaron.
Aaron was always kind, and made time to talk to everyone with a smile on his face all of the time. He cared about me and my work and he was a great person. Prayers to his family and friends.
Every interaction with Aaron was one of kindness. I always appreciated his friendly, professional and positive demeanor at the club.
Thoughts and prayers for the family.
Aaron was more than a great PGA Pro and leader, he was a great person. I particularly enjoyed our group golf trip to Williamsburg last year and hanging out with him off the golf course. I will miss him tremendously.
My heartfelt condolences to everyone. Blessings for your future.
From my Ohana (Family) to Kristin, Jayce and Kenzie. We love you guys. Aaron was, and will always be my brother from another mother to me. You and your children are considered Ohana to me. Prayers and blessing to you and the children. I love you guys with all my heart.
My thoughts are with the Palen family and all those like me who feel the incredible sadness of this loss. You didn’t have to know Aaron long to feel his vibrance, dedication and caring about all that he did.
I first met Aaron when he was the Golf Professional at Colonial Heritage. He was by far the best Golf Professional I have ever encountered. I remember Aaron as the man who always had time for you. He was a kind, gentle man who loved his job and his family. You will be sorely missed my friend.
I first met Aaron when he became the Head Golf Professional at Colonial Heritage GC. He brought an energy, friendly attitude and professionalism that was most welcome. Over the years we enjoyed golf trips together which continued even after Aaron accepted the Head Golf Professional job at Duck Woods CC. We missed him but knew that was his dream job.
To lose Aaron as such an early age is truly devastating. We are so saddened and will miss our dear friend.
We offer our most sincere condolences to Aaron’s family who are all the loves of his life.
They just don’t make them any better. Rest in peace my friend.
If there is something that I can learn from having worked with and known Aaron is to find in this world what you are passionate for. With the time he had on this earth, he had three passions, I’m certain were in this order; his family, golf, and Boston sports. My heart goes out to his immediate and extended family, friends, and everyone affected by such a bright light extinguished far too soon. See you again sometime.
I worked in the Duck Woods pro shop with Aaron. We laughed a lot, worked hard and I truly loved working with him. Kristin, My heart breaks for you and the kids, I sincerely wish that you find comfort and peace with your family and friends. Aaron was one of the best pros I ever worked with. I’m saddened, shocked and hopeful that you and the kids will be okay. Peace and love to you all.
I knew Aaron while he was the head pro at Broad Bay. He was a very nice guy with great knowledge of the game. I’m so sorry to hear this news. My deepest condolences to his family.