Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Erik Garoutte Obituary
Marine Cpl. Erik Thomas, 22, of Santee, California, passed away while serving his country in Baghdad, Iraq on October 19th of non-combat related reasons. Military Funeral Services and a celebration of his life were held on Tuesday, October 30th at Sonrise Church in Santee. He was assigned to 1st Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team Company, Marine Corps Security Force Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Norfolk, VA. Erik was continually recognized for his physical and leadership abilities throughout his career in the Marines, holding such positions as squad, fire team and platoon leader, and received a rare meritorious promotion to the rank of Corporal earlier this year. He attended Rios Canyon and Santee Elementary School. He attended West Hills High School his freshman year and graduated from Santana High School in 2004. Erik was a Safety for Santana's football team and played guitar and sang in various local worship bands. Erik carried his strong faith in Christianity throughout his life. He later moved to Tennessee to pursue his music career but soon grew homesick and returned home. All who knew Erik loved him, and he touched everyone's lives who he came into contact with. It was if his goal was to make people laugh or at least smile, always. He will be remembered for his humor, wit and genuine joy for life. Erik was known for his charismatic smile and always had that "special" gleam in his eye. Erik is survived by his mother Donna Stone of Santee, father Bob Garoutte of El Cajon, stepmother Judy Garoutte, stepfather Paul Atchison, brothers Brian Evan and Kyle Richard, sisters Amanda Claudette and Aimee Lynn, grandparents Carol and Tommy Garoutte, Glen and Judy Stone, Fay Stone, aunts Colleen Pioli, Kari Cordle, Becky Jacobs, Jackie Wyatt, Barbara Turner, Karen Teague, Cara Tavenner and uncles Randy Stone, Clifford Stone and Jason Jacobs, Alan Craig and their families. A private committal ceremony will be held at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery where he will be laid to rest. Erik will forever be remembered in our hearts. Donations may be sent to The Marine Corps-Law Enforcement Foundation, Inc., PO Box 37, Mountain Lakes, NJ 07046; Phone: 877 606-1775. Please make checks payable to The Marine Corps Law-Enforcement Foundation or go to http://www.mc-lef. org/home. aspx. Please sign the guest book at obituaries.uniontrib.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Erik Garoutte
Donna Malone
December 13, 2024
Thankyou Mr. Gili for your kindness.
Donna Malone
Charlie Gili
December 12, 2024
Hello,
We wanted to let you and your family and friends know that we have made a small donation to the Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation in the name of Erik T. Garoutte US Marine Corporal.
We recognize that this is a humble tribute, but we wanted you to know that it is heartfelt and made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals across the American youth hockey community, their friends and family. We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you safe and strong.
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of our US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign
Dianna Garoutte-Dyches
September 18, 2014
GONE HOME
Brian and Kyle ,Eriks brothers
Donna Malone
January 9, 2014
Amy and Eddie
Donna Malone
January 9, 2014
we got Rupert to help along in keeping Eriks memory alive. He loved little Chihuahuas and had to give up his little pet Chihuahua Zoffleton .
Donna Malone
January 9, 2014
Donna Malone
January 9, 2014
Erik and Kristy
Donna Malone
January 9, 2014
scotty and eddie during their visit to Ft Rosecrans
Donna Malone
January 9, 2014
Virginia
Donna Malone
January 9, 2014
Donna Malone
January 9, 2014
Taylors visit to San Diego Mt Soledad
Donna Malone
January 9, 2014
little reunion
Donna Malone
January 9, 2014
Erik and Tyler Wilsons Son
Donna Malone
January 9, 2014
flight to Cuba
Donna Malone
January 9, 2014
Donna Malone
January 9, 2014
Eriks little brother Kyle holding a puppy
Donna Malone
January 9, 2014
Donna Malone
January 9, 2014
Donna Malone
January 9, 2014
Cuba
Donna Malone
January 9, 2014
Tylers Tat
Donna Malone
January 9, 2014
High School
Donna Malone
January 9, 2014
Best Friends
Donna Malone
January 9, 2014
Scotty, Eddie , Erik
Donna Malone
January 9, 2014
Casey and Erik
Donna Malone
January 9, 2014
Best Friends
Donna Malone
January 9, 2014
Prom
Donna Malone
January 9, 2014
on his cruise with Eddie and Amanda and families
Donna Malone
January 9, 2014
Erik and his one and only true love
Donna Malone
January 9, 2014
Erik and Monique
Donna Malone
January 9, 2014
Eriks Cat Louis P Warhol may he rest in peace
Donna Malone
January 9, 2014
Donna Malone
January 9, 2014
He was a Ladies Man
Donna Malone
January 9, 2014
Erik and Aunt Colleens dog Buddy
Donna Malone
January 9, 2014
Donna Malone
January 9, 2014
Eriks Dad and brother Brian
Donna Malone
January 9, 2014
high school
Donna Malone
January 9, 2014
Cuba
Donna Malone
January 9, 2014
Donna Malone
January 9, 2014
Donna Malone
January 9, 2014
Brian and Brendan . Eriks Brothers
Donna Malone
January 9, 2014
Donna Malone
January 9, 2014
Eriks Funeral . Sean , Corey, Dustin, Nick , Brendan
Donna Malone
January 9, 2014
Eriks Family
Donna Malone
January 9, 2014
Eriks Family
Donna Malone
January 9, 2014
Donna Malone
January 9, 2014
Eriks self portrait
Donna Malone
January 9, 2014
Home on leave at Kelly Malones
Donna Marie Malone
January 9, 2014
headed for Cuba
Donna Malone
January 9, 2014
January 9, 2014
Eriks Brothers
January 9, 2014
Eriks brother Brian , Step Dads niece Mary Beth, and very good friend Brinton Ward
January 9, 2014
January 9, 2014
January 9, 2014
January 9, 2014
January 9, 2014
January 9, 2014
January 9, 2014
Donna Malone
January 8, 2014
For Sue Pineda Re my Son Erik Thomas..: I thankyou for your very much waited for and appreciated condolences . I miss you , love you and Always think of you . My memories are chuck full of you . Please contact me at [email protected]
much love to you .. I want to fill you in about so many things about Erik .
I love you Susie
susan pineda
January 6, 2014
Donna, Its Susie Pineda (Hanford high), I am so sorry to hear about Eric. I have no words to express the sadness I feel for you and your family. I met Eric when he was only 4 yrs old While visiting you in El Cajon. God Bless you Donna, I miss you and love you ...Susie
MSgt Larry Fleming
July 12, 2013
I was the Casualty Assistance Calls Officer(CACO) for Cpl Erik Garoutte. I've been in the Marine Corps for over 20 years and I can say without reservation that although it was the toughest job I've had to do, but it was also the most rewarding. From the time I received the Phone call at 0230 on the morning of 19 Oct 2007 assigning me as CACO to after Erik's Funeral at Ft. Rosecrans it was a humbling experience. I never met Erik Garoutte, but I really wish I could have... At his funeral service he had so many friends that had so many wonderful things to say about him. I know he was sorely missed by his buddies in his Platoon they had to move on with their mission with heavy hearts. I think of Eric quite often and especially in October... He was an outstanding Marine Corporal who was at the top of his game and the sky was the limit for him. The Marine's hymn says " If the Army and the Navy Ever look on Heaven's scenes; They will find the streets are guarded By United States Marines. " I'm looking forward to giving Erik a salute when I walk through those pearly gates.
Karla McLean
April 28, 2013
I never knew him but due a school work I bump into his name and I've read about him and i really admire all he did and how religious he was its really a shame he's not with us but he died fighting for our freedom
February 18, 2013
In recognition and honor of Erik. Always remembered.
Grandma and Grandpa Ellsworth
October 21, 2012
We spent another breezy and cool afternoon with you...celebrating all that you were and all that you continue to be in each of our lives.
Your birthday we greeted with songs but today we were more solemn....because we miss you so. In Honor And With Love,
October 21, 2012
We spent a cool, breezy hour with you Friday, but not as happily as was the week before when we all sang you Happy Birthday. How we miss you. But how your impact on each of our lives sustains. Dear Erik, know you were and are loved and honored.
Grandma and Grandpa Ellsworth
Banner honoring Erik - as First Fast Company returned from Iraq
October 14, 2012
October 14, 2012
Erik....you will always be remembered for the amazing person, friend, and soldier you are. We are thankful we got to know you and have you in our lives. This banner hangs in my garage in your honor...always. God Bless! Marine Mom - Kathy Owenby - Mom of Corp. Richard Lee McNutt
Rebecca McCoy
October 9, 2012
Happy Birthday Eric, up in the heavens watching over your family and friends who all miss you like crazy. I thank you for your service and sacrifice....
Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am in a thousand winds that blow;
I am the softly falling snow.
I am the gentle showers of rain;
I am the fields of ripening grain.
I am in the morning hush;
I am in the graceful rush.
Of beautiful birds in circling flight,
I am the starshine of the night.
I am in the flowers that bloom,
I am in a quiet room.
I am the birds that sing,
I am in each lovely thing.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there. I do not die.
- Mary Frye (1932)
Julie Darden Surmeyer
October 9, 2012
In honor of your service and sacrifice- you are a light that warms the hearts of those who love and miss you so dearly.
Gayle & Pat Malone
October 8, 2012
Thinking of Erik and his family on his birthday. Happy birthday in heaven.
Donna Malone
October 8, 2012
as the day of your birth approaches , I think of you , I remember you and I miss you . My heart is full with love and memories and thoughts of you Erik , my Guardian Angel ..
All my Love,
Momma .
October 8, 2012
happy birthday brother. We sure do miss you down here.
donna malone
October 8, 2012
Happy 27th Birthday this coming Tuesday Oct 9 th Erik .. We'll be drinking to you in your honor , buddy .
Miss the heck out of you ,my Son .
Love You Always ,
Momma .
Erik Garoutte
October 8, 2012
happy 27th birthday Erik Thomas Garoutte ; my beautiful Son , This coming Tuesday October 9th .is the day of your birth .. We celebrate you ,Erik .
Paul Atchison
October 21, 2011
I miss you, son. I was, am, and always will be very proud of you, Erik.
Pop
Peggy Childers
October 19, 2011
To the family and friends of Cpl. Erik T. Garoutte:
Please accept my remembrance of Erik on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Donna Malone
November 8, 2010
Forever in our Hearts
Love ,
Mom, Kelly, Kyle, Brian, Katie, and Brendan .
Brothers Brian and Kyle and Mother Donna
Donna Malone
November 7, 2010
sitting beside Eriks commemorative plaque at Mt. Soledad Veterans Memorial
Donna Malone
November 7, 2010
Donna Malone
November 7, 2010
Patti Achilly
November 7, 2010
To a strong, handsome, caring son, brother and man that will be always and forever missed...
Donna Malone
November 7, 2010
every day I miss you so .
Mom .
Susan Hissom-Medina
November 6, 2010
I miss you Erik, I remember making you your custom Taylor Guitar birthday cake in Oct of 06. I loved to hear you play and sing. I told you then that I was your biggest fan and I still am. I thank God for blessing me with knowing you.
Grandma and Grandpa Ellsworth
October 22, 2010
It is beautiful when we visit your site, and the flags we bring each month are a testament to your belief in what you chose to do with your life. How we love you! How proud we are to be related to you. And, selfishly, how much we miss your humor, your energy, and your loyalty. Hear us, Erik. We love you.
Kevin French
October 20, 2010
The fact that I write this is the selfish sadness of the human heart. You are missed by many. The impact you had on this older man's life is worth the little time it takes to write my thoughts. The time I spent knowing you is treasured. The laughter tucked away in my memory jumps out to remind me of the humor you shared with everyone. I was blessed to know you at all.
Sean Duke
October 20, 2010
hey Garoutte,
Just wanted to stop and say hi, and to let you know that you are still remembered as if you were still here. You are still respected, missed, and most of all missed. From all of the guys of 1F2, We love you and miss you brother! Please keep a hand over all of us as we continue to deploy or part with the marines.
Peggy Childers
October 19, 2010
To the family and friends of Cpl. Erik T. Garoutte:
Remembering Erik on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
S. Allen
May 31, 2010
Never to be forgotten an American Hero. Thank You.
Mary Mason
October 19, 2009
Remembering an amazing Marine and young man in Erik Garoutte. 1F2 misses you. Prayers.
Kurtis Matthews
October 5, 2009
Hey Eric! You probably dont remember me but i went to BSG with you. I just found out from a few of our fellow marines. Im just sitting here remembering all of the memories of you and bradfield in the squadbay! I just wanted to Thank you for your sacrifice! You will always be remembered! Semper Fidelis! God Bless!
Kurtis Matthews LCPL/USMC
sean duke
September 27, 2009
hey garoutte,
im not really sure what to say besides i miss you so much. I loved hearing the songs that you wrote and you and I singing them together. I loved it when you tried to mock my accent. That was so funny. I also remember how you would be talking to your mom on the phone and I would always bug you to let me talk to her cuz she was an amazing lady from what i had met of her on the phone. To the family, if you need anything please just let me know and I will do my best to do what I can. Erik, you are missed so very dearly. I have lost friends in the past but this one hit me hard. Thank you for making me a better person for knowing you.
Brad Stueber
September 1, 2009
Please know that I am still here and still praying for Erik's family and friends as you continue on with your lives. The Book of Hebrews Chapter 11 discusses in great length, many of the Old Testament saints and what they did or accomplished. It flows into Chapter 12 which says "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses......" I think that Erik is probably sitting in Heaven's grandstand with others who have gone before us, and he (they) see and are very much aware of what we are doing and going through on earth.
God's peace and multitude of blessing to whoever reads this. And again, Erik, thanks for all you did and for touching many lives around this world. We will see you in time.
Tyler Brooks
August 31, 2009
Hey man I just wanted to stop in and say hi. I was unpacking the other day from my move and came across some old pictures from high school. I have one of us during a football game. It made me smile to remember the old days. Your name will never be taken in vain and always talked about with the highest respect. Love and miss you man.
Lcpl. Brooks, Tyler J
Mary Mason
June 16, 2009
Stopping by to remember Erik. 1F2 misses you badly. My prayers go out for your family and your Marines!
June 15, 2009
Every morning Grandpa and I listen to the Marine Hymn...7A.M.is Erik time at our house. The pain is not so bad now...Aunt Colleen is right... but the missing you is as bad as ever. I love sharing a new flag with you every month at Rosecrantz, but wish the sharing was in person. We love you, Erik, and celebrate all that you are to us and to so many others. Grandma and Grandpa Ellsworth
debasis behera
June 7, 2009
this gentleman has made the supreme secrefice for the sake of iraqi people and humanity. terrorism is against humanity.so the family members and the friends should be proud of him.
Showing 1 - 100 of 346 results
Make a Donation
in Erik Garoutte's name
Memorial Events
for Erik Garoutte
How to support Erik's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Erik Garoutte's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
