Eric James "Kidlat" Canlas

Just a couple days ago, Facebook reminded me of the time 13 years ago when my apartment was destroyed in a fire. I walked with my roommates, wife, and 9 month old son up the hill to Eric's apartment, where he let us regroup and fed us snacks. He offered us his apartment and his bed and everything else we needed. He did handstands to make my son (and the rest of us) smile. There are a million memories I have of Eric being a kind and generous human being, but this one really seems to...

As a former colleague of Eric, I continue to mourn his untimely loss. His presence on our faculty at Bronx LGJ was a blessing for both the rest of us as teachers as well as for the students whose lives he touched. He had a marvelous talent for convincing students that they could accomplish virtually anything if they really tried. That is truly a great legacy for him to leave behind.

Mr. Canlas, my teacher in 2007, brought hope and creativity to our small corner in the Bronx. He wholeheartedly invested in his work, introducing us to capoeira and fostering a safe space in the classroom for self-expression. His dedication inspired numerous children, including myself. Thank you - you will be missed.

He made growing up in the South Bronx magical. Mr. Canlas created a safe place for nerds and outcasts and anyone really. He's the reason why so many of us loved Capoeira. He'd bring in a hoard of berimbau and we'd get to pay them and learn songs during lunch and after school. The greatest marvel was when he taught a fellow classmate who wasn't athletic how to flip, the school went insane during the Christmas celebration - still talked about to this day. He'd commute on his long board most...

I just heard about this from old students and I am heartbroken. I taught middle school for a few years with Eric in the Bronx at LGJ. He was an inspiration. For a while, kids had him for 7th and me for 8th and it was so much to follow up on - to live up to. He brought joy to everything. Everything. Especially himself. I can still remember the things that made him laugh - those little moments where we'd stand and talk before whole-school morning meetings in the gym or walking to and from...

I was a student of Mr. Canlas around 2007. He was the coolest teacher I had in middle school and I´m sad to hear about his passing. He always had such a great attitude and it was obvious that he loved his job. I´ll always remember his love of capoeira and Allen Iverson. RIP Mr.Canlas, you will be missed.

Mr .Canlas , You were one of the most defining teachers I have ever had. You were an amazing English teacher and actually were the first person to teach me what school could feel like when you do things with love ,kindness and most importantly fun. You did everything with love and you cared about your students so much. I was in 7th grade when you taught me and I will never forget you teaching us the The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian and it was the first time I had the ...

Eric was truly a remarkable young man and an inspiring teacher. He had a gift for bringing out the best in every student whose life he touched. It was a joy to have known him as a colleague at LGJ in The Bronx, many years ago. I am touched to read the many sincere tributes from students whose lives were made better for having known and learned from him. I know there would be many more in these pages if his passing were known by the students of his earlier years.

Mr and Mrs Canlas . We are so sorry to hear of your son's passing. With deepest thoughts and sympathy. Prayers to you and your family. Mr and Mrs Doug Varju and family.