Saturday, August 15, 2009

ERIK deDOES -- FATHER, SON, BROTHER, UNCLE AND FRIEND

Erik greatly enjoyed the outdoors of Michigan especially the lakes and woods. He enjoyed playing organized hockey and softball which he played as a child on through adulthood. His favorite season was winter as he could sled with his dogs and daughter Cassie plus once in a while ski.

Every year it was traditional to build a snowman on the front lawn of his house with the love of his life -- his daughter Cassie.

Quite the social person -- here he is with his longtime friends at graduation from Harry Hill High School. He is in the lounge chair.

Erik with his siblings -- Kirk, Darcy, Erik, and twin sister Elizabeth.

Erik at his wedding with old friends. He is fifth from the left.

A driver for UPS for 21 years. His truck decorated by a girlfriend while he was delivering a package on his route in downtown Lansing, Michigan.

We celebrate your life -- November 5, 1963 -- August 19, 2008
With loving memories -- your family and friends.
All photos from Family Collection

Please feel free to leave a comment below.


7 comments:

  1. Barbara,
    I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your son, Erik. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
    I have not seen you since Kirk brought me to your house in St Johns on his motorcyle, quite a few years ago. I miss that goof - wish he was still around here! But I know he loves it out west!
    How are you? Looks like you moved to Kentucky - Kirk wrote that the family has all left Michigan.
    Do you have an email I can write to you?
    Deb Rogers (debszoo43@yahoo.com)

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  2. I can't imagine the sorrow of losing a child. I'm so sorry to hear that life brought this to you.

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  3. Genevieve,
    Thank you for your words of kindness. Hugs and love for all the children of the earth. -- Barbara

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  4. Barbara, in visiting some of your archived posts I was very saddened to come upon this one. Like Genevieve, I too am sorry you suffered (and no doubt continue to suffer) the incomprehensible sorrow of losing your son. Your tribute to Erik is lovely and touching, and makes his zest for life and the abundant love he was surrounded by and gave to others really shine through for those of us who didn't know him. I was particularly moved by the last photo, since my husband has been a UPS driver for 20 years. (And it's never occurred to me to track down his package car and decorate it with Valentines!)

    Thank you for sharing this post, which had to be difficult to write. I wish you continued healing and peace, and the comforting love of your friends and family.

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  5. Laloofah -- thanks for sending your thoughts. Erik was a UPS driver for several years. He was a fun loving guy with lots of friends. Our whole family misses him greatly. I know that UPS is a good company to work for -- so nice that your husband drives for them. Thank you -- barbara

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  6. I was a very good friend of Erik's in high school, and married one of his best friends. I recognize all the guys in the graduation party picture! My good friends, Erik, Steve F, and Mark S are all together now and in God's loving hands. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.

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    1. Such a heartfelt comment. Although I do not know who you are it is obvious that you are familiar with Erik and his friends. The loss of such young men; Steve, Erik, and Mark leaves a trail of tears for friends and family. I tried to figure out who you were -- maybe if you feel comfortable about it you could email me at folk@efolkways.com. My appreciation for your words -- barbara

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