Eric Dale Taira

Eric Taira, 64, of Bakersfield, California passed away on February 13, 2026. Eric was born in Santa Maria, California on January 28, 1962.

Eric grew up in Santa Maria and after graduating from Santa Maria High School in 1980 he moved to Bakersfield with his older brother Terry to begin college. His college degree would come later as he began working at Longs Drugs, a career that would span just shy of 20 years when he decided to pursue his Bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts. He would earn his degree in 2009 as well as his teaching credentials. Eric would spend the next 3 years as a substitute teacher until 2012 when he became a special education teacher at McKee Middle School where he worked until his passing this year.

As well as an educator, Eric was a family man, he spent many baseball, soccer, and basketball seasons coaching his 4 children. The family also took many summer vacations to Mammoth Mountain where Eric passed on his love of fishing. He loved to cook and bake for his family, always having meals prepared and fresh bread baked for school and work lunches. He also hosted, and did the majority of the cooking for New Years where he would invite his siblings and their families to join in the festivities. When he wasn't behind the grill or at the oven, Eric could be found at Eagle Mountain where he and Patti spent many weekends playing slots.

Eric is survived by his wife of 32 years, Patti; his children Nick, Ashlee and her wife Liz, Megan and Kellen; and his siblings Terry and Julie Taira, Jenny and Jack Kitaoka, and Gordon and Myrna Taira. He is preceded in death by his parents, Suyeko 'Sue' Taira and Yoshiharu 'Charlie' Taira.

Eric's memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. May the legacy of his sarcastic sense of humor, and his devotion bring comfort to those he leaves behind. A memorial service will be held on March 14, 2026 at 3pm at Olive Knolls Church 6201 Fruitvale Ave. in Bakersfield.
The family is requesting no flowers for health reasons.