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ERIC RASMUSSEN Obituary
Eric Carl Rasmussen, 58 passed away in the early morning hours of the 18th of December at his home in Guerneville, Ca. He succumbed to his battle with pancreatic cancer with his wife, Freda, by his side. Eric was born in Stockton, CA to Carl and Audrey Rasmussen.
The family moved to Atwater in 1963 and Eric attended Mitchell Elementary, Mitchell Senior and Atwater High School.
Eric had many talents. He was a musician, artist and design engineer. Throughout his life he played keyboard, drums and vocals for numerous local bands and the occasional solo gig. He and his cousins provided musical entertainment at many family reunions.
Eric and Freda once lived in Jerome, Arizona where he learned to make traditional Native American silver and turquoise jewelry. Eric became an accomplished artisan.
Eric taught himself to draw. Several of his charcoal and pencil portraits and still life drawings were shown in local galleries.
Eric lived his final years in the peaceful surroundings of the Sonoma Valley.
One of his favorite quotes was by Henry David Thoreau, "If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away." Eric enjoyed his somewhat free spirited lifestyle, but he also enjoyed returning home to Atwater for family celebrations.
Eric is survived by his wife, Freda, parents, Carl and Audrey Rasmussen, brother John (Lesa) Rasmussen, three nephews John Rasmussen II, Dameon Rasmussen, Johnny Rasmussen III and Kili Menezes (Rasmussen). He also leaves two grand nephews, Richard and Robert Menezes.
For information about Eric's memorial service you may contact Freda via email [email protected] or Lesa at [email protected] or call (209) 357-2567.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for ERIC RASMUSSEN
Robert Yasko
January 22, 2021
Miss you. We will catch up again soon.
Scott Thornhill
January 23, 2011
Dear Freda,
I only knew Eric in our teenage years, but what a great guy he was. Always full of humor and his witt was astounding. To top it off, he was a very intelligent person who used that intelligence to make people laugh. God bless you in this time of transition. Eric is at peace now with God. One day we will join him and enjoy his humor again.
Your friend,
Scott Thornhill
Scott Thornhill
January 23, 2011
Dear Freda,
I only knew Eric in our teenage years, but what a great guy he was. Always full of humor and his witt was astounding. To top it off, he was a very intelligent person who used that intelligence to make people laugh. God bless you in this time of transition. Eric is at peace now with God. One day we will join him and enjoy his humor again.
Your friend,
Scott Thornhill
Kathleen Nelson
January 17, 2011
Dear Freda, I was so glad Barney and I got to spend the days together with you both in November. We had such a wonderful time, and we will treasure the time we spent together. I love you so much Freda. We will all miss Eric very, very much. He was such an incredible friend and so loving and inspiring to everyone who knew him. You are in our hearts now and forever. Love, Kathleen
faye stone
January 15, 2011
just found this in our 1965 yearbook
faye
Gloria Raobinson
January 13, 2011
Dear Freda, I am so, so sorry to hear about Eric's passing. I just found out today from Stephanie the arts division secretary. I never got to hear you and Eric play your music like we had talked about. I sure miss you. It hasn't been the same since you left. I miss our talks, I miss my dear friend. If there is ever anything You need or help in any way please contact me and I will be there. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Love ya, Your friend
Linda Cole-Johnson
January 10, 2011
The other day I was driving home to Jenner........I was blessed to have met Eric and his beautiful wife , Freda, up on Muniz Ranch in Jenner a few years ago. we would have dinner together, play music and have wonderful round table discussions about life, spirituality and ascension. As I was driving home on this particular cold, but beautiful sunshining winter day on Hwy 1 thru Jenner, I suddenly could feel and see Eric's golden light and smile fill the entire sky and the ocean.....and a smile came to my lips because I knew in that moment that Eric is at peace. He did it! He ascended! He arrived!! Thank you, Eric, for the love that you are.
You , lovely Freda, are in my thoughts and you are very much loved.
i
Martha Mick
January 10, 2011
Freda,
I know you will draw strength from the love of friends and family at this time.I am so sorry for not only the loss of your husband but your best friend. Love you so much.
Martha
myke& shirlene Ortiz
January 8, 2011
FREDA, WE"RE SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. JUST FIND OUT LAST NIGHT & I CALLED NANCY & FAYE TO LET THEM KNOW. I CAN"T IMAGINE LOSING MY SOUL MATE. BE STRONG! LOVE: MYKE & SHIRLENE ORTIZ
January 8, 2011
I was sooo sorry to hear about Eric. Growing up together he was a very special person to me. Sharing many memories. Freda you are in my thoughts &prayers
XOXO Faye
Nancy (Masters) Ortize
January 8, 2011
Freda, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Jim and I just attended my 40th class reunion with Faye and Shirlene and their husbands and we were all asking about you and Eric, not knowing he was sick. The two of you are part of my first memories of moving to Atwater... what a couple you always were! Eric designed and made our wedding rings (silver and turquoise) and stamped his initials inside the bands. My daughter wore mine on her wedding day for "something blue". Eric was such a mellow but strong person. He will be remembered always.
MYKE&SHIRLENE ORTIZ
January 8, 2011
FREDA, WE,RE SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.WE JUST FIND OUT LAST NIGHT. WE CAN,T IMAGINE LOSING OUR SOUL MATE! STAY STRONG! MYKE& SHIRLENE ORTIZ
Mary Glardon
January 8, 2011
Freda, My heart goes out to you at your time of loss. As I look back to our youth I remember you and Eric like Atwater's Romeo and Juliet. Always together, always fixated on each other.
Precious. I am sure he is up there, somewhere, looking down over you, sending you strength and love to go forward. May you find brighter days ahead and feel love, laughter and joy again through your friends and family.
My prayers are with you. Know you are loved. - Mary
Kathy Huddleston
January 7, 2011
Aunt Freda,
Please know that you and Eric's family are in my prayers. Though I never met Eric personally, I can see through the other posts in this guest book that he was a great person and he will be deeply missed by all.
May God bless you,
Your Neice, Kathy
Chuck Busic
January 7, 2011
Freda,
So sorry for your loss. Eric was one of my first "musical brother in arms" and will never forget our times playing together when the music never ended. My prayers are for your peace. Love you.
alyson filippa
January 7, 2011
Eric was one of the most amazing people I have met in my time working with Hospice. Eric demonstrated what an increadible experience dying can be. He was so graceful and peaceful throughout the whole process. I will always remember him and Freda. Such a beautiful couple. Take care Freda. Call me anytime. - Alyson Filippa, MSW, Sutter Hospice
Christmas at Eric's parents house same year.
Freda Rasmussen
January 7, 2011
1969 Thanksgiving at Eric's grandmother's in Valejo
Freda Rasmussen
January 7, 2011
Freda Rasmussen
January 7, 2011
Dear family and friends
Thank you all for your entries in Eric's Guest Book. It is good to hear these kind words on his behalf.
Certainly, no one knows better what an amazing person Eric was than I. He showed us how to live and now how to die. His spirit lives on in our hearts and memories; out of sight but not out of mind.
With appreciation
Freda
Lee Million
January 6, 2011
Dear Freda, I think we all find it hard to imagine our lives without Eric. Thank you and MJ for helping me connect with Eric a few last times before he passed. I will always remember Eric as the most talented, artistic, and wittiest person I have known. I will hold memories of you both close to my heart where the love is. Even as Eric found that his mortal self was fading, he was upbeat about the spiritual implications and he had faith that his last step was a transition to a higher spiritual plane. I think that those are comforting thoughts, and I will hold onto them too. Love, Lee
Lee Million
January 6, 2011
In my life, I have seen Eric fly with Eagles while never losing touch with humanity. Eric has always inspired me to try harder to be a good person. He never was one to put people down. A free spirit to the end, Eric expressed his belief that death is the next spiritual step.... not an ending, but a transition. I will always hold both of you close to my heart where the love is. I want to thank you Freda, and MJ for helping me say good-bye to a great friend. Lee
Lee Million
January 6, 2011
Freda, I have struggled trying to find the right words to express my own feelings of loss, and to some way help you feel better. The fact is, I can find no words for either. Perhaps the best we can do is remember the good friend who has passed before us, and realize that Eric would of wanted us to find the same grace and beauty that allowed him to accept and even embrace the fate that all things must pass. I think that Eric felt that dying is just a transition of energy... not an end so much as a means that will allow us to reach the next step spiritually. I thank Eric for helping me feel this way too. I will always hold Eric and you, Freda close to my heart. Please know that I loved Eric and enjoyed every minute I spent in his presence. What more could one expect of a friend? Thank you for helping me connect with Eric again before he passed. Your friend in tears, Lee
Bob Tatum
January 6, 2011
Dear Uncle Carl and Aunt Audry, I extend my deepest sympathies to you and your family. I was so very sad to hear about Eric,he was such a great Cousin.
Carole Grisham
January 4, 2011
Dear Freda,
I was deeply saddened to hear the news of Eric's passing. When I think back to junior high, high school, and beyond every thought of Eric is good. He was always such a nice person and a good friend. If ever there were two kindred souls, it would be you and Eric. I will keep you in my prayers. May God give you the strength you need.
Carole Grisham (Wristen)
Sherry Pitchford (Borba)
January 3, 2011
I am so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers go out to you in the time of need.
Stephanie Carroll
January 3, 2011
Dear Freda, I am so very sad to hear of Eric's passing. He holds a special place in my childhood memories as a really nice guy, someone who knew how to live, spreading joy to others along the way. I pray that your lifelong memories will be a comfort to you at this very difficult time. With love and sympathy to you and your family,
Greg Olzack
December 29, 2010
Freda,
I'm so very sorry to hear about Eric. He was a good person that had a big impact on everyone who knew him. I first got to know him as John's little brother back when we were in high school and then as a member of that infamous group of young guys, The Road Runners. A lot of memories have accumulated for all of us Atwaterites. My best to you.
Karen Phillips
December 29, 2010
To Freda, Carl, Audrey, and Ras, My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Eric was 1 in a million of a guy, talented, smart, and loved life. I will miss him. My heart goes out to you Freda, you were always his "soul-mate".
Be strong my friend, for he will always be looking over you.
Patrick Hurley
December 29, 2010
To Freda, Carl, Audrey and Ras, I am so sorry about your loss. Eric was the sweetest kid. He reminded me so much of "little Audrey." He looked and acted like his mom. Sweet, artistic, quirky and very giving. He was so gentle and funny. Because he was so nice, he touched so many people in his lifetime. May God Bless him forever.
Claudia Guest-Noyes
December 28, 2010
Freda and Family...May the laughter that Eric brought into your life carry you through this time...God Bless All of you...
December 28, 2010
Freda, Im so sorry for your loss. I remember when i first met you two at the cannnery you two were such a couple that i thought would always be together and you were. Eric was a awesome man to talk with he was always so mellow . Your alll in my thoughts and prayers. Love , Ellen Maciel
troy burke
December 28, 2010
Freda, You and Eric were some of my very closest friends thoughout our teen years back in the 60's and early 70's. Eric and I shared many good times together, including our stint as rock band members of the London Fog and numerous other life adventures. I will miss my close friend Eric very much! Freda, you, your family and Eric's family are in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Troy Burke
Maureen Hurley
December 28, 2010
Freda, I'm sorry to hear about Eric. He was a really nice guy who was always cordial to me. I can still remember the first day I met Eric. It was a Saturday and he was on the roof at Mitchell school. I looked up and thot wow, he looks like a Beatle. He jumped down and just started talking like we had been friends forever. Very sweet ALWAYS!
Michael Jon Leonard
December 28, 2010
Eric has successfully "shuffled off this mortal coil", his energy is ours now. Use it well, I'll do my part, brother, but I'll miss you.
Rebecca Graves
December 28, 2010
Ahhh Freda, so very sad to hear of our dear old friend, there are no words to give to ease the grief you are feeling,I know too well. I'm here for you friend in any way.experiencetells us the wounds don't heal---we just learn to live without to survive.Love you Freda Becky Graves.Beachwood,California
Shelia Latham
December 28, 2010
Freda, we just had our 40th high school reunion and Eric and yourself came up in many conversations. We all remembered how you two were always together throughout the year. We also remembered how talented Eric was; he had made jewelry for several of the people who attended the reunion. My consolences to you and your family. Shelia Latham
Ida Boscolo
December 28, 2010
Freda...,My heart breaks for you, I went to Mitchell School with you and Eric .....( Peggy also ) you were a couple then...and I knew you would still be a couple ..He will be missed..I'm so very sorry for your loss
December 28, 2010
Freda,
I was saddened to hear of how sick Eric was and of his passing. I will hold close in my heart and memories our short visit this past August when I saw you both. Eric seemed happy and healthy at that time and that is how I will remember him. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers during this time and always. Sending you love, light and peace. Casey
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