Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Eric can easily be remembered for his antics, his humor, and his legendary pranks. Who can forget Eric and Steve upending a full-size refrigerator; or sending a tiny Dawn spinning clear across the family room into a floor lamp; certainly, the image of Eric impaling a political sign on the head of a pesky elementary school classmate remains clear in the minds of even those of us who never actually witnessed this event. Of course, Eric was known to be the prime instigator of the epic wrapping paper fights that punctuated so many Christmas Days.
Eric may just as easily be remembered for his ready smile, quick wit, and remarkable ability to make us all laugh. His athleticism, personal magnetism, and yes, his sheer size made everyone notice him, like him, want to be around him.
A lesser man may have stopped there, content to ride the coattails of his own good humor and easy popularity. Eric did not.
For all his humor and ease, Eric did not shy away from hardship or from hard work. Like his father before him and like his son, Matthew, in his footsteps, Eric thrived in a livelihood that involved helping other people cope with the most difficult and painful situations in their lives. His clients could trust him to manage their complicated problems with good sense and sharp focus. He did this, because he was a good worker. Though not mandatory for the job, Eric threw in a dose of humor and genuine compassion to his work, as well. He did this, because he was a good man.
A lesser man may even have stopped there, content to be witty, popular, and excellent at his job. Eric did not.
His dedication to his many lifelong friends and to his family was boundless. Eric clearly cherished Paula, and they were a perfect pair. His children’s love for him was itself clear evidence of his strength as a father--a strong, sensible, playful, dedicated father. The whole package.
I envy heaven, for it now has Eric on its team, and it can hear his hearty laugh and see his bright smile, while we here must commit these treasures to our memories.
