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Eric Bock Obituary
A memorial celebration of Eric's life is being planned for July in Anchorage.
Eric was born Jan. 23, 1971, in Seattle and moved to Alaska with his family at the age of 3. He graduated from Steller Secondary School in Anchorage and earned a bachelor of fine arts degree from the San Francisco Art Institute. Eric had recently returned to California to work toward a master's degree in creative writing at the California College of the Arts.
Eric enjoyed reading and writing and was an avid student of film. In particular, he was a fan of independently produced films and one day hoped to work in the industry.
Eric's friends will recall that he held strong views on a wide variety of subjects and seldom tired of expressing himself. He could be a passionate supporter of those things he agreed with and a fierce critic of those things that he disliked.
He had for the past 16 years been dealing with the effects of the HIV/AIDS virus yet continued to lead a relatively normal life. When he was very young his first fortune cookie stated: "You will succeed by the strength of your will," and his family is convinced that his strong-willed nature is what saw him through many difficult health issues in recent years. May he now rest in peace.
Eric is survived by his mother, Marilyn Parker, her husband, Bill, and daughter, Katherine, of Palmer; his father, Gary Bock, and wife, Sylvia of Anchorage and her son, Yury Ferris of Miami, Fla.; and his sister, Andrea Miller, her husband, Paul, and children, Noah, Jacob, and Jonah of Misawa Air Force Base, Japan. Also surviving him are his paternal grandmother, Pearl Bock; and his maternal grandfather, Rolland Laverne Oliver, both of Wisconsin; as well as aunts, uncles and cousins living in the Midwestern states.
The family suggests donations to the East Bay AIDS Center in Oakland, Calif., or to local or national organizations working to defeat this disease.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Eric Bock
August 2, 2009
Gary, we are very saddend for you loos
we love you Mario y Marina
August 1, 2009
Dear Gary and Marilyn, I am so very saddened for your loss. I loved Eric and know what a struggle life was for him and for you as well. My heart goes out to all of you. I was lucky because he and I bonded from the first time we met and he became a part of my life and my family. I thankyou for inviting me to his celebration of life but I just couldn't do it.....I will do a private ceremony for him in Hawaii this winter.
Aloha Oe', Aloha Oe'..until we meet again! Eric....may you rest in peace.... Aloha and love, Laurie Ashby
Jessy
July 19, 2009
Oh, Eric... I miss you, your cackle, your great brain, and your cooking! Love and condolences
Robert Oliver
July 17, 2009
I would like to share a joyful memory of Eric when he was approximately 6 years old.
Eric and his sister and their parents were on vacation in Wisconsin for a family gathering of relatives at a campsite.
After the evening meal was done and the campfire was started, it was Eric’s time to entertain the group using his creative energy to enthusiastically express himself with stories and songs. He created a microphone prop by putting pop sickle sticks between the boards of a picnic table. After the microphone was completed, it was Showtime! I was amazed and impressed with his creativity, talent, showmanship, and enthusiasm. I thought I was seeing a future professional star entertainer.
I hope that I have added to the collection of memories and that these memories will aid us in our grieving process.
Uncle Bob
April 20, 2009
We feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to have know Eric well and will hold the memories of the time we spent with him in our hearts. He will be greatly missed by all of us.
Our thoughts stay with you Gary.
Jon and Alecia Gottlob
Tina
April 6, 2009
I will always remember Eric's energy and joy of life. We shared a love of movies and would discuss movie trivia for hours. I loved Eric for his artist's soul. I have a few of his photographs in my home. One is a discarded refrigerator, all askew and the other a junk car with wild plants growing in it: I am always struck by his eye for beauty in the desolate. Eric was an old soul and I hope I can face my own end with his grace and courage. Goodbye my friend.
Raymond Fredrickson
April 6, 2009
I went to High School with Eric @ Chugiak High School. I'm sorry for your lose. I recently lost my partner of 10yrs. to HIV-AIDS, I know the struggles you of went through as a family, May Eric rest in peace. Love to his family Raymond Fredrickson
Ann-Marie (Ane)
April 2, 2009
Those who played an active part throughout Eric's life have been in my thoughts every day since I heard the news. One of the reasons it's taken me so long to share some thoughts is because it is difficult to express the depth of my feelings toward and about Eric Bock.
He wasn't ever someone anyone could just be lukewarm toward, and no matter what your views on life he was someone who always challenged you to think deeper, broader, and with more empathy and understanding than you started out with.
I really love(d) him despite any empty pauses that took place during our friendship, the physical distances that repeatedly occurred, and the illnesses that tethered us too often.
I am a better person for having had him in my life. I am a more empowered woman, and a stronger Alaska Native because of his strong influence. My life has been blessed many times over for having known him.
Marilyn, Gary, Nancy, Ben, Monte, Waltraud, Jesse, Athena, Inger, and those I've forgotten or even have never known about- I am especially grateful for all the growth, assistance, and efforts of love that you all have put forth especially during the last years of Eric's life.
I think it's almost universal to have regrets when those we love die; but, please know that we only do the best that we are able and I know that your influences were of great impact in Eric's life. Thank you.
With love,
March 27, 2009
To Eric's family & friends:
Even when it's expected, a loss isn't easy to take -
Please take some comfort in knowing that we share in many of the emotions you're experiencing. We will certainly not forget Eric. Jointly, & individually, we've shared some memorable moments.
Waltraud Barron & LeMiel Chapman
Marq Elias
March 25, 2009
Cheers Eric.
Katina Stewart
March 24, 2009
Although Eric and I had not kept in contact in years, I never stopped hearing about him (and I'm sure he heard about me) from Ann.
Many a night we all gathered at the house in Thunderbird Falls, being silly teens staying up all night watching movies and hot tubbing under the winter stars.
Eric was one of those people that was a strong force and his memory stays with us, those of us who were lucky enough to know him.
I thank his family for sharing this with us and giving us a chance to say thanks for the memories.
I am sorry for your loss.
Katina
Paige
March 24, 2009
Eric was a good friend to me in high school. Whenever he would come back to Anchorage, he would look me up and we could always connect as if time had never passed.
I will miss his quick wit, and sharp humor, but most of all his friendship.
Goodbye Eric, much love to you and your family.
Connie Gonzalez
March 23, 2009
Thank you Gary for letting us know, I'm glad to have learned about his life. We are deeply saddened by the news, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family this time.
With all of our love,
Connie, Alberto, Diane and Denise
Pearl Bock
March 23, 2009
Dear Gary,
Thank you. I am glad I was able to bring it up. Very nicely written. I am glad to see you are still in contact with John Frederikson.
There are so many who would be interested. I will see that Lloyd German knows about this. At the reunions so many ask about you and if you are ever in Wisconsin. I am not too good about keeping up with your old friends. In 2 years you will have your 50 year class reunion. You should plan to be here for that. That is always Memorial weekend.
My best wishes for your healing time.
Love, Pearl
Scott Bailey
March 23, 2009
Goodbye Eric,
It was a pleasure to know and work with you. May you rest in peace, and all my condolences to your friends and family.
Your Case Manager at the Four A's...
John, Micki, Krista and Erin Frederickson
March 23, 2009
Gary: I am so sorry and can only imagine what you are feeling. You provided him with all the love and support one could possible give. While his life was shortened, you continuously gave of yourself in immeasurable ways and Eric was much healthier for it. Our prayers are with you.
Familia del Moral Socorro
March 22, 2009
Seguiremos rezando por el eterno descanso del alma de Eric,y pidiendole a Dios que le de consuelo a sus padres y el resto de la familia.
Reciban nuestro mas sentido pesame..
Nancy Sheehy
March 21, 2009
Eric, you have been a part of our family for many years. Thank you for letting us into your life. We will miss your vibrant personality, sense of humor and perceptions of the world. You were a unique soul on our planet. You have taught me a lot about many things in your short life. I love you and miss you already. I will remember you always.
Dolly and Mike Jens
March 21, 2009
We will miss you, Eric. We always felt a strong connection to you, and since we had known you all but a few years of your too short life, we hope that you find peace and contentment in a better place. We love you and we will meet again someday....
Ron and Debbie Atwood
March 21, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
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