The passing of Eric is a great loss of a true friend. He was part of my root system that reminded me of moments lost in time, that only those that had walked with me through life's path, could share. Unfortunately, those numbers are getting few. His supportive nature to my kids and me will be sorely missed. I will hold dear the memory of his laugh and smile so he can always brighten my days to come like he brightened those moments that have been lived. Whenever I pass a field of yellow flowers, it has always reminded me of some of the best times of my teenage years. Kori and Eric would come and visit me, and of course, Eric traveled with his guitar in hand. We would spend hours in the fields that were in the back of my home, where he would play his guitar, and we would all sing together. The sun warmed our faces while the songs warmed our souls. Those are dear memories that I always turn to when times are difficult. I have tried to look for pictures that captured the man, but he always seemed to be behind the camera and never the focus of it. I did manage to discover a few that I have shared. One of the photos is of Eric sharing his first Christmas with our family. It also was the first time I had driven with Eric and realized he was a crazy driver. After the party, he drove Kori and I down to his mother's apartment on the winding twisted Sawmill Parkway. This is not an ordinary road. There is no lighting, so when the sun goes down you drive in pitch darkness and there are areas where you can see the bottom of the cliffs with no guard rails. Eric drove the turns at high speeds with utter abandonment, laughing as we screamed. That memory brings a smile to my face.... now. As the years crept in, that memory would always make me laugh, as we would have to tell him to step on the gas because he was driving us mad by driving too slowly. Kori and I would always exaggerate a grimace when Eric tried to take the driver's seat on our road trips. I would always say to him "I would like to get there sooner than a lot later". And he would say, "Oh, come on!". We were so happy when they came down to North Carolina and gave us all a chance to enrich our lives and make everlasting memories with them. I can't imagine how my life would have been if they didn't make that move. It changed me and my family's life for the better and filled my soul with true happiness. When Eric was younger, the guitar was an appendage, and later, the camera would be another. I would like to share Eric's artistic nature and how he saw the world through his camera's lens. His love of life can be seen in every photo he took. We will miss him terribly and will miss his tremendous capability of deepening the moment with his presence while capturing it. I will cherish his photos as a reminder to always love life because that is what Eric always did so well. I truly thank him for grabbing the camera all those times because I have memories that I hold dear to my heart that I can also hold in my hand. Eric's photos are sanctuary to the crazy. Eric was a wonderful husband, a fantastic father and uncle, and a fabulous friend. He will always be loved, remembered, and truly missed

So sorry for your loss.

Dear Kori, I am so very sorry that you have lost your soulmate much too early and hope that you can take some comfort in the happy memories you have and the two good sons you made together. My first memory of Eric was the first day you brought him home from school to meet us. My mother and I were sitting together when you both came in and Eric, with his customary big smile, came over to us, extended his hand and very politely introduced himself which immediately endeared him to us. A few days later grandma asked why you were not dating " that nice polite boy you brought home the other day". Very shortly thereafter you were and the rest is history. We will always fondly remember his cheerfulness, big smiles and all encompassing hugs.

I will always remember his upbeat personality. He was always smiling. My son Nikolas cherishes the moments that Eric spent teaching him how to play the guitar. My 5 year old daughter, Skylar looked sad the other day and when I asked her what was wrong she said "I'm just thinking of Eric". That shows what a lasting impact he had on so many lives.

"Hey yo. Wuuuuzzuuppp?", "What's for lunch??" These are usually how my conversations with Rico started.. He's so very quotable and his huge personality was always apparent and right up front in his greetings. I miss you Erico. Back in September 2001, just days before a terrible thing happened in New York that affected us all, I met Eric for the first time. He hired me to work for him at The Sharper Image. I had no idea he would become not only an amazing boss, but soon a truly great friend. I'd list here all the adventures we had together.. going to Harry's guitar shop on our lunch breaks, sharing beers.. jamming out in his garage.. but there's just too many to good stories to tell here. From day one of knowing him he loved telling his stories. He'd tell me of how he grew up in the city. And how he worked for a deli and a produce market and even how he met his amazing wife Kori, whom he expressed he adored to the moon and back every chance he got. He'd tell stories of his adventures living in Hawaii and then moving to NC. He would tell me about his sons Brendan and Josh and I got to see them grow up vicariously through his words. He was a proud husband and father. Every time he told these stories I'd be like "yeah you told me man" but I'd let him finish.. It was apparent to me that Eric lived a full and happy life. A full and happy life I could only hope to achieve for myself. From his recollections I knew he was surrounded by people he loved and he loved sharing those experiences. Eric was a great man and loved living. He loved his family, his friends.. and he loved sharing his life with those he kept close. I am honored to have been in his tight circle. I'm truly grateful Eric was a part of my life. I am deeply saddened by his loss and I know I am a better person having known him. He has made such an impression and impact on my life and I wish I had thanked him more while he was here. Cheers to you Rico, your spirit lives on and I know you're somewhere out there jamming to some Stones. To Eric's Family.. thank you for sharing Rico. He is one of a kind. Sincerely-Scottie G.

Wish you were here...You have always been my life, my love. I miss you every second of every day. We grew up together and I thought we would grow old together. But you and I had such a very great adventure didn't we, my Bear. ~K

My heart is broken. Love you forever, love you for always, as long as I'm living, my brother you'll be