CORAL SPRINGS, FL, U.S.A.
FOOTBALL COACH, MARJORY STONEMAN DOUGLAS HS, PARKLAND, FL
02/14/2018, PARKLAND, FL
Aaron Feis, the offensive line coach and security guard was among the 17 killed during a shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in February. Aaron Feis selflessly put himself between students and a barrage of bullets at his alma mater in Parkland, Florida.
It was Mr. Feis’ last act. He suffered a gunshot wound and died a short time later.
“He died the same way he lived — he put himself second,” Denise Lehtio, spokesperson at the high school stated. “He was a very kind soul, a very nice man. He died a hero.”
“He really was a great man, mentor, friend and dad,” Willis May, football coach, added.
Willis May talked about a man he worked with and cared for deeply. “Big ol’ teddy bear,” May said of Feis. “Hardcore – he coached hard. Real good line. He did a great job with the [offensive] line. He took pride with working with those guys. Loyalty – I trusted him. He had my back. He worked hard. Just a good man. Loved his family. Loved his brother – just an excellent family man.”
Mr. Feis wanted all of his players to further their football dreams wherever they could find a college home.
Friend, Julie Corona: “Not everyone has that heart, and I can tell you Aaron was born with that heart. He had done many things. He’d never take no. He’d just keep going. He’d say that today: ‘Don’t cry for me, go do, keep going, think of me but go get your dream, remember what I told you.'”
Aaron Feis played center for the Eagles from 1995-98. A 1999 graduate of Douglas, he first returned to his alma mater as a coach in 2002. He leaves behind a wife and a daughter.
March 14, 2018
Today, a month after the shootings, I attended a prayer meeting at my son’s high school in Portland, Oregon. Everyone in attendance was given a name of one of the shooting victims, and I received Aaron’s name. I remember reading last month about his selfless actions that saved many students, and re-reading them today brought me to tears. Please know that I am praying for you, his loved ones.
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13 Laura Long