Eric Jon Yurko

Chad and Family,

I am so saddened to hear of the loss of Eric. I cannot imagine how you are all feeling and how your hearts must be aching.

Chad contacted me today, and sent a photo of Eric from a hike we took many years back…thinking about Eric today brought back many memories and sorrow over his loss.

I met Eric years ago (1988) at Black Pine, a S. Idaho geology camp where he and Jeff Vandel made two summers of heat, sagebrush and dust into far more palatable...

I met Eric working in Peru. He was always ready with a laugh, a joke, or a smile. He made many friends in Peru and his happy personality will be missed. He was friendly to everyone at work.

Eric was a great person who touched everyone he came in contact with. I met Eric when I started my first real job as a geologist in Helena. He taught me not just how to be a productive geologist away from the sheltered, university environment but I also learned about life working with him. At work he was quick to smile and make you laugh but also equally quick to help with your job. Some years later when I needed help with a project on the altiplano of southern Peru, I called Eric who...

I only saw Eric occasionally after High School but whenever I did it was like meeting an old friend. For whatever reason, it seemed like I would always run into him in Salt Lake City when we both lived there. Wherever I went I could expect to see him and for him to greet me with "Hey Chris, how you doing?". I hope he has found a way to ski Alta year-round.

For all of Eric's friends Our heartfelt thanks to all who have shared their memories and affection for Eric. We will cherish your words forever. Bonnie Yurko & Family

To the Yurko Family, condolences on the passing of Eric. I will always remember his radiant smile and mishchevious ways. I too was at the party that Ms. Dowling was referring to and remember him piling down from the roof and all his buddies catching him, and afterwards thinking maybe letting him hit the ground would have been a great lesson. We're still here to catch you buddy, and we'll miss you greatly. Rest in peace.

Many thoughts and prayers to the Yurko Family. I grew up in Billings and went to the U of M with Eric. I've always been jealous of Eric, in that, he actually used his degree for gainful employment, which is in itself testimony to his enduring character. I have many great memories of Eric as an honorable, trustworthy and respected friend. Great memories such as cliff diving at Kersey Lake, playing "trust your buddy" off the loft, heating rocks and building sweat lodges are all exciting...

To Bonnie , Chad And Jeff,
I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of Eric. He was a dear life long friend that I have so many fond memories of . My oldest memories in life involve the Yurko's, from growing up skiing, riding horses and branding at the family ranch, staying the cabin on the Lake Fork, and all the great times with Eric and Chad in college. I will miss Eric much and will always have fond memories of all the times we had spent together. Eric , you were a force in my life...

Eric - you're on the other side and might not be able to get into cyberspace and read this but those who love you can - we miss you! You have always been an inspiration on how to treat others and I will always treasure what I learned from you!
Bill Woody