Eric Michael Stephens

1970 - 2007

We mourn the loss of Eric Michael Stephens, age 37, who died suddenly at home in Klamath Falls, Oregon. Eric was born in Bakersfield, CA and graduated from Bakersfield High School, where he excelled in forensics. He received his degree in Psychology from San Francisco State University; however, his lifelong passion was music. Eric was a talented musician and songwriter. He wrote the scores and performed for three children's musical stories--the Princess Bean series-- one of which was performed on stage in Los Angeles. He also composed the music for an independent film and, most recently, a commercial. Eric was also a loving husband and full-time father to two beautiful daughters. He will be remembered for his brilliant sense of humor, his beautiful music, his creativity, sensitive nature, insightfulness, and the tremendous love he had for his family and friends. Left behind to cherish his memory are his wife, Dr. Mary Burke; and daughters, Amelia and Casey, all of Klamath Falls; mother and stepfather, Jan and Dave Schieber of Bakersfield; father and stepmother, Rick and Monica Stephens of Pismo Beach; sister and brother-in-law, Kristyn Stephens and Joe Cummings of Bakersfield; maternal grandparents, Rev. Louis and Genevieve Fabrizius of Bakersfield; parents-in-law, Dr. Tom and Pat Burke of Ann Arbor, Michigan; along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, brothers-in-law, and friends who dearly loved him. To honor Eric's life, a memorial service will be held on Thursday, September 6, at 6:00 in the evening, at St. Paul's Episcopal Parish, 17th and B Street, Bakersfield. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Eric's memory to Operation Smile, www.operationsmile.org, or (757)321-7645 Eric Michael Stephens July 26, 1970 - Aug. 23, 2007