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Erik McCrae Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Erik McCrae
Gordon Fiddes
May 29, 2017
Erik, you are remembered often. You serve as an example and inspiration to many of us. Thank you for your faithfulness and dedication to God and our country.
November 11, 2012
your service will not be forgotten david r hughes USAF retired altus oklahoma
your service will not be forgotten david r hughes USAF retired altus oklahoma
November 10, 2012
Peggy Childers
June 5, 2012
June 4, 2012
To the family and friends of 1st Lt. Erik S. McCrae:
Always remembering Erik. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
June 4, 2011
To the family and friends of 1st Lt. Erik S. McCrae:
Please accept my remembrance of Erik on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
June 4, 2010
To the family and friends of 1st Lt. Erik S. McCrae:
Remembering Erik on the anniverary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Kenna Larra
October 12, 2009
”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,800 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Mothers and/or Fathers, of our heroes, please be aware that the Project Compassion sponsors will now help cover the costs of the portraits for you to have one - regardless if the spouse of the hero has one or not!
Contact us directly at [email protected]. or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and bless you.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna
Project Compassion
P.O. Box 153
Manti, Utah 84642
Peggy Childers
June 3, 2009
To the family of 1st Lt. Erik S. McCrae:
Erik gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Debbi Rawson
April 8, 2009
Thank you to you and your family for keeping our freedom. My father, brothers and Uncles are vets, but we were blessed to have them all come home. I know freedom isn't free, and I am grateful and so sorry for the price yur family has paid. God Bless all of you, and know that your son is till keeping you safe and watching over all of you.
In Memory of Erik ~ (Debra Estep)
June 4, 2008
Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.
The Wind on The Downs
“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”
(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )
Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….
“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”
I did not know Erik, but I am remembering
his service. He is my hero. !
A THANK YOU also to the other McCrae family members for your military service.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Other Side
i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.
can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.
i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side
the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)
“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008
The Other Side –
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol
Sincerely,
Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom and MIL
Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55
Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b
April 5, 2008
You are remembered and respected. Thank you 1st Lt McCrae!
SFC Shane Bails
April 2, 2008
1LT Eric McCrae was a friend in Christ with me. I first met him at Fort Hood, His father COL McCrae was one of my bosses in the past. Eric and I spoke on numerouse occations. I remember getting ready to go with him on that fateful day. I was called back to run some reports for the BN Commander. I never would have thougt 3 hours later I would be doing his paperwork. I miss the talks and friendship. I finally met his wife almost a year later in Cottage Grove. I will never forget Eric. He is always in my prayers as well as his family.
Erik riding shot gun!
Amy McCrae-Sorensen
October 5, 2007
I saved this picture or Erik & Kelby, taken by the Observer paper....goodness, years ago.
Amy (McCrae) Sorensen,
August 9, 2007
There is nothing that I can say or do to take away the pain or bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer you and your family my heart felt condolences. I also offer you my prayers that in time the pain will easy and the memories of your HERO will carry you through each day and night. I want to thank your HERO, for his/her selfless act of becoming a member of the armed forces, his/her willingness to defend the United States of America, all that we hold sacred and for the sacrifice that will forever be etched in the memories of all those who knew him/her. Though tears can never bring him/her back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that he/she made and our sorrow at his/her passing. I believe for every fallen HERO there is a star shining brightly up above to remind us of the precious gift we were given.
Your mission on earth is complete and you are now a member of GOD’s Heavenly armed forces. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the HEROES who have passed before.
I made a special promise to LE RON A. WILSON (KIA on 07/06/07) on the day he was laid to rest as I touched his coffin, that I would never forget him nor would I forget those that gave their lives for our country before him, with him and after him and so when I came across www.legacy.com, I thought what a great way to keep my promise to Le Ron, so I will continue to leave tributes in each guest book until the day there is no longer the need to leave these tributes to a FALLEN HERO.
REST IN PEACE, HERO, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!
PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)
July 10, 2007
Thank you for the sacrifice made by 1st Lt McCrae and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!
Garnet Jenkins
June 3, 2007
In tribute to 1st Lt. Erik S. McCrae, with a Multitude of Thanks, for your Brave Young Soldier's Courage, Dedication and Service to our Country and for Freedom.
May Erik Rest Safely now, in God's Loving Care and may the Peace of God continue to be with the McCrae family.
Those who Made this Ultimate Sacrifice, So Many and So Young, shall Never Be Forgotten, my brother among them. Killed in action Vietnam in 1967.
"I will lift up my eyes to the hills- from whence comes my help?
My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth." ~ Psalm 121:1-2 ~
I am sincerely hoping that you continue to feel the thoughts of caring and support that surround you each day, as this Grateful Country Remembers Someone Very Precious to you, who is a Hero to all of us.
I am So Deeply Sorry for your loss.
Doreen Laughlin
May 10, 2007
Dear Scott and Terri - the two of you have been a beautiful example of how God takes care of his children and gives them strength at the time they need it most. Your beautiful smiles and the peace that has enveloped your lives shines through for all to see. I know you miss Erik deeply. I thank God that He continues to care for you, giving you strength when you need it. Please know that your dear son is NOT forgotten. His sacrifice was not in vain and what he did is appreciated by so many. Scott - your many years of service in the military are also very appreciated by me and my family. God bless you and may he continue to cover you with his grace and peace. Every Memorial Day and Veteran's Day - special prayers are said for you. Many hugs to your family from mine.
Dayna Kringlen
April 28, 2007
I did not know Erik.I was one of the many at his funeral and was so moved by his story and the love of his family that I have never forgotten him.I guess that's what I really wanted to leave you with...that ERIK IS NOT FORGOTTEN! Thankyou for the ultimate sacrifice that you made to this country on June 4, 2004. No greater gift can you give...and my heart still breaks for you. It was an honor to attend Erik's funeral and share in your grief. I look forward to meeting him in heaven and saying "thankyou" to him in person. God bless you in your quiet moments of grief that only He sees.
"But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve, as do the rest who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, and remain until the coming of the Lord, shall not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God; and the dead in Crhist shall rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord inthe air, and thus we shall always be witht he Lord. Thefore, comfort one another with these words."(I Thes. 4:13-18)
Amen...
Bill and Mary (McCrae) Scharman
February 27, 2007
Scott and Terri,
My fondest memories are visiting you and the boys at Ft. Knox, and our family reunions. Like Aunt Mamie, the time where he dressed in the Scottish MacRae clothing was special. Just this week looking through Nicoles scrapbook with her, was the picture of Eric holding her, has sweet memories for us. We are so grateful for Eriks example and the light that shined in his eyes because he followed Christ. We are grateful for his service and sacrifice to this country. We love you!
Mamie McCrae
December 20, 2006
Eric will allway's be in our thoughts and hearts, as will you Scott & Terri. He is my hero and I think back to the McCrae Reunion's when he would put on his Scottish kilt & everything that goes with it and pationtly explain the Scottish traditions and perform for us with his dear smile.I think of you all more as my Grandson Gabriel is in the service,what great young people we have serveing our country so we may have the life we enjoy. Norman & Mamie McCrae
Brandy Singer (Fothergill)
November 29, 2006
I was fortunate enough to know Erik, Kelby, Terri and Scott when I was young enough to be babysat by them! Some of my earliest memories are playing Legos with Erik and Kelby and playing in our Play House on Morgan Lake Road in La Grande, OR. Later, I also had the good fortune to play "big sister" to Erik while I stayed with the McCrae Family for a few months while finishing college. Erik was a senior at Tigard High School, and while we technically weren't related, he never-the-less took every opportunity to tease me like a little brother should. (Not to worry, I dished it right back!). That is one of the greatest things that I'll miss about Erik...his sense of humor.
Even though we may be far apart in distance, your family is still close in my heart.
Steve McCracken
November 15, 2006
My dear friends have raised a son any parent would be proud to have! Erik was a paradigm of uncommon quality for a man his age. I was humbled to conduct the memorial services when Erik made the "ultimate sacrifice" and recall saying at his service, "As a father of three young children including one son, Erik had become a man I would be happy for my son to emulate"! That remains true in this dads heart! With great gratitude and enduring esteem I write these words about Erik Scott McCrae. . Pastor Steve McCracken
Iraq Memorial Photo, L-R: SGT Justin Eyerly, Erik, SPC Justin Linden
November 13, 2006
Standing proud in his kilt
November 13, 2006
Erik's wedding, 02/27/2004
November 13, 2006
Willamette Cemetery - W284
November 13, 2006
Erik getting married at Ft. Polk, LA (Chapel #10) 3 weeks prior to deployment
November 12, 2006
CPT Vic Becerra
November 11, 2006
Eric was one of the best Officers that I ever had the honor of meeting. He made everyone around him work better and harder. I will always remember him as the standard.
SGT Justin Eyerly, Erik, and SPC Justin Linden; Oregon Army National Guard, D/2-162 Infantry. Killed in action, 4 June 2004, by a roadside bomb in Sadr City, Baghdad, after coming to the aid of a convoy that had been ambushed.
June 9, 2006
At Scottish family castle, 09/03 (liked to joke around now and then)
June 9, 2006
Erik, Dad, & brother, Kelby, 12/03
June 9, 2006
Gaduation from Washington County Reserve Deputy training - 99.9% on his weapons qualification
June 9, 2006
On his Harley Davidson 1200 Sporster
June 9, 2006
Erik with Iraqi citizens (Sadr City, Bagdhdad)
June 9, 2006
Leaning on destroyed Iraqi tank
June 9, 2006
1LT Erik McCrae in his "Cav" hat at Camp Volunteer, Sadr City, Baghdad
June 9, 2006
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
June 5, 2006
My heartfelt sympathy to the McCrae family in the loss of Erik. I did not know Erik, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. Erik it has been 2 years since you were taken. You are a hero and you will never be forgotten. Mr. McCrae, my heart was touched by what you wrote about you dear son. He is so special and I honor you for his life.
I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom
To live in the hearts
of those you leave behind
is never to die"
~Robert Orr~
Scott McCrae
January 28, 2006
Erik was our son, a son that any parent would be proud to have had. Erik, a First Lieutenant and a platoon leader in the Oregon Army National Guard, was killed by an IED (improvised explosive device) in Baghdad, Iraq, on 4 June 2004 - he was 25 years old and married for just 3 months. He deployed to Iraq with his Oregon Army National Guard unit (E-82 Cav) as part of 2-162 Infantry Battalion. A battalion that performed admirably, conducting over 3,000 combat missions during their 12 months in and around Baghdad (Sadr City area). The 1st Cavalry Division Commander, MG Charelli, recognized 2-162 IN as one of the best battalions he had ever commanded (this is saying a lot for an Active Duty Division Commander to recognize a National Guard unit in this manner).
Erik was killed when he took his platoon to the aid of a New Jersey MP convoy that had been attacked. Upon arrival at the ambush, a second IED exploded, killing two of Erik's crew members and mortally wounding him. Erik's last words were asking about his men. Erik died 4 hours later in a U.S. Military hospital in Baghdad, never knowing that two of his crew members had died instantly.
Erik loved God, he loved his family, and he loved his friends (1 Co 13:13). I am constatnly amazed at how many people he touched in such a short amount time. He was a giant example of the saying, "It isn't the quantity of the years, it is the quality of them that count."
Erik graduated from Tigard High School with a 4.0 GPA, while also earning the coveted International Baccalaureate Degree. In the process, he managed to accumulate some 35 hours of college math and science credits. He then graduated Cum Laude from Linfield College in 2 1/2 years. In all this, he was never proud, never arrogant, on the contrary, Erik just took it all very matter of factly...no big deal.
He went to work for FEI Corp, in Hillsboro, and soon met his bride-to-be, Heather - soulmates, if there is such a thing. After a whirlwind romance, they married at Ft. Polk, LA, just three weeks before Erik deployed to Iraq. Fortunately, Erik and Heather got to spend nearly three weeks together before his unit deployed.
We talked with Erik a few times by phone after that, but the last time we ever saw Erik was at the Portland Airport as he left to join up with 2-162 IN at Ft. Polk, LA.
We love him dearly, we miss him deeply, and we long for the day when we see him again in Heaven.
Love, Dad
Vangi & McKaLyne Lunsford
January 26, 2006
Psalm 23
1
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
2
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
3
He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
This is a verse that I have found to be comforting to me during my husbands death. Remember that when it seems that no one else is round, God is still there with you! And he will be your rock!
My daughter,McKaLyne, and I send our heartfelt sympathy for your loss! God Bless this warrior, God Bless those whom serve freedom's cause! They are our true HERO's!!!!
If you need anything, please feel free to contact me!!!
Wife & Daughter of the Late
Sgt. Audrey Daron Lunsford
KIA May 23, 2005
Dale & Joan Coles
November 11, 2005
Thank God for Erikand all the other brave men and women in uniform willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Our debt of gratitude knows no limit.
Melissa Maag
October 18, 2005
You are my greatest hero and you make me proud to be an American. You will forever be in my heart and mind. Thank you for being our guardian angel.
John & Pam Hurt
September 19, 2005
We are praying daily for those that are left to go on without you.
You are a man of honor.
May God bless Heather,Terri,Scott and the rest of the McCrae family
Nancy Pearson
May 31, 2005
What a stellar young man you were! You'll always be remembered with a smile. Thanks for giving so much in your short life, and for your shining example of humility and devotion. We miss you now, but are grateful that we'll see you again in Heaven.
Bill & Ginny Stewart
May 30, 2005
As we honor all those who have served our country on this Memorial Day, we remember most the son of friends, Scott & Terri. His selfless sacrifice to aid his team members will always be remembered.
Darby Burnstein
May 29, 2005
On this Memorial Day, we are grateful for the sacrifice that Erik made for so many. Our hearts and prayers are with his family, may God Bless you.
With Gratitude,
Mr. and Mrs. Burnstein
Martin Beck
June 26, 2004
Erik will always be in our hearts
and memories
Staff of Young's Funeral Home
June 16, 2004
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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