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Eric Lerch Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Eric Lerch
Sponsored by Patrick, Kenji, Dave, Jason, Doug, Corey, Andrew, Chad, Ryan, Marc, Jack, Murph, Matt, ad inifinitum.
The Lerch Boys
June 7, 2006
He loved his food
June 7, 2006
Wine tasting on Eric's 30th
June 7, 2006
Mendenhall's Christmas BBQ
June 7, 2006
Hannuka 2005
June 7, 2006
Eric and Tisha
June 7, 2006
30th birthday cake
June 7, 2006
Aub & Nancy at the UCA vs SC game in 2004
Aubrey & Nancy Woodroof
July 19, 2005
Dear family & friends of Eric:
Nancy & I met Eric way back in 1973 at the Lair of the Bear (Camp Blue). We shared so many wonderful times at this "Family Camp" from 1973 and thereafter for many, many years. More recently Eric helped us with a diamond purchase for a custom ring. At that time we got to meet Tisha, a wonderful person. The lost of Eric is BIG to us and we know BIG to all of his family and friends. We send our deepest condolences to everyone during this very sad time. Sincerely, Nancy & Aubrey
Mac Whiting
July 18, 2005
I feel blessed to have known Eric, due in great part to my friendship with Kyle. Much like everyone else who knew him, I have nothing but fond memories of his humor, spirit, and persona. My deepest sympathies to the entire Lerch family. You have always been generous and kind to me without the slightest hesitation; qualities which were very prominent in Eric throughout his lifetime. My heart goes out to everyone in this unfortunate time of grief.
Jamie McLeod (Rubin)
July 17, 2005
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you . You are all such a huge part of my childhood. I will never forget the laughs and memories.
Lots of love,
Jamie and Matt
Jason Hofmann
July 14, 2005
Having just moved to California at the age of 12, I can remember eating lunch by myself on the Joaquin Moraga steps for the first month of school. It was during this time that Eric first appeared in my life. I was attached to him from the very beginning. Within days, we became inseparable friends. I immediately clung to his engaging personality and tried rather unsuccessfully to duplicate his charm. He was the brother that I never had. And it was not like he needed another one. I was accepted, without question, into his world.
It began with our daily ritual of breaking into Kyle’s locker at brunch and stealing his chicken salad sandwich. I can still taste it. Eric would say the secret was in Deedee’s use of dark meat, combined with her love for ridiculous amounts of mayonnaise. As we would each eat half, I can still see us staring at each other while we quickly disposed of Kyle’s lunch. It was such a beautiful thing to watch Eric eat. His nostrils would flare up (as he would never take the time to breathe through his mouth), while his eyes would bulge into a smile. At that age, I had no idea what a side of guacamole even was.
I can remember the endless summer days on Paseo Bernal, scheming of ways to beat Brent in wiffle ball, or take money from him – or both. Eric would act as my agent, discuss the terms and handle the money. More importantly, he would convince me that I could win. Growing up, all of my self-confidence came from Eric. He was such a great supporter to anyone that entered his life. He had this ability to make people believe that they could do things beyond their imagination. He was so unselfish and he genuinely wanted to see the people in his life succeed.
I vividly remember 7th Grade flag football when Adam came out to coach us shortly after his car accident. He had this enormous metal halo drilled into the sides of his head to keep it stable. Initially, we all were a little frightened at the sight of him. Eric pulled me aside before our first practice and told me that it was our responsibility to not let anyone make fun of Adam. His awareness at that age was unprecedented.
One of my fondest memories of Eric came in 8th Grade. It was right before basketball season that Eric approached me with his intent to try out for the team. I quickly reminded him of what a horrible basketball player he was. This did not deter Eric in any way. He told me he knew how important the season was to me and that he wanted to be a part of it. Eric tried out for the team and made it. Three months later, Eric would stand in front of the entire school to present me with an award. He gave me a hug and handed me a certificate. After seeing the hand writing and the array of misspelled words, I realized that he had created this award himself. He had copied it from an old certificate and obtained signatures from the school principal and our coach. The heading read, “Most Valuble [sic] Player.” You know, people just don’t do things like that at that age, let alone, at any age.
Eric was always wise beyond his years. His ideas, even as a young child, were completely unique. Like Kyle said, “Eric was the epitome of cool.” We all tried to emulate him in some way, whether it was how he spoke or how he acted. We constantly looked to him for guidance. He always knew the right things to say and do. From the beginning of 6th Grade, I would never act on any romantic notion without consulting Eric first.
Eric had his own time schedule. He would take hours to get from point A to point B. It was so frustrating. It was only when you were along for the ride that you would see that he never walked the beaten path. He constantly paved his own way. Everything was an adventure to Eric. Time would pass, as you would find yourself nowhere near the intended destination. Yet, it was impossible not to be drawn to him and the road that he traveled. He made everything so fresh and exciting. His joy for life made the people around him happier.
Eric’s most tremendous characteristic was his enormous heart. I found it fitting that the crowd poured out onto the street at his funeral. His heart would not have fit in that room either. This outpouring of affection was a testament to Eric. He was so deeply loved.
I am so thankful for Eric. He made such a significant imprint on my being. Not only that, it was Eric who opened the doors to a family that I have grown deeply attached over the past 18 years. Kyle, Brent and Adam - the eternal kinship that I hold with each one of you comes from the bond that Eric forged long ago. I will never forget that. Tisha - I remember Eric kissing you for the very first time on my parent’s deck on New Year’s Eve. There are no words to describe the beautiful impact you had on Eric. You made him a better man with your calming presence and your unconditional love. He was so fortunate to have you in his life. Deedee - I see Eric in you as I saw you in Eric. You, as have many, spoke of the way Eric would light up every room he walked into. This is no different than the light that you exude upon entering any populated space.
Each one of you has and will always have a very special place in my heart.
With all of the love in the world,
Jason
adam lerch
July 13, 2005
On behalf of my mother,father,brothers, sisters,aunts,uncles,cousins,and anyone else in the family, I can't thank you all enough for your support and love durring this trying time.The turn out was incredible, and a true testiment to Eric the person. You are all great friends, and family. He touched all of us in his short time in one way or another, and that was evident on Thursday. Again, thank you all! And Eric, I will miss you and all that hair.
Love you always,
your eldest brother,
Adam D. Lerch
p.s. you still owe me $50.00 (putz)
Barret Frost
July 11, 2005
Dear Lerch Family: Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all. I will never forget all the memories growing up with Eric (MBA, MOL, Junior High, High School, etc.) He will definitely be missed!!
Dave Berry
July 11, 2005
My condolences to all of Eric's family and friends. I'm glad I got a chance to know such a great guy. He was taken too soon, but he left a ton of good memories for all of us and he will be missed.
Jenny Magallanes
July 11, 2005
From everyone at Monarch Group (Management at the Apartment Community)- our prayers and thoughts are with you all. Eric was very loved by all who knew him- he made some great friends here at the apartment community where we all live. Tisha- you're in my prayers and I'm just a few steps away if you need to talk. God bless you all.
Fee Biggs
July 11, 2005
In the short time I knew Eric at GIA, he became a cherished friend - always happy and making people laugh.. a true gem -
My thoughts are with you.
michael mortensen
July 10, 2005
Dear lerch family and tish. I am so sorry for your loss , my thoughts and prayers are with you . i am so happy i met eric when he moved to SD , its been the best 2 yeas i could ask for . i love him like a brother. He will be missed and always remembered for the great guy he was with that big smile. God Bless Michael mortensen
Sandy Ruliffson
July 10, 2005
I remember when Eric came with us for some Tahoe skiing way back when and he was so polite and easy to be around. And of course so handsome when I saw him at weddings and engagement parties more recently. You all have my sympathy and I am so sorry for his untimely passing.
relura horton
July 10, 2005
Kyle and Family,
Only the fondest memories...my thoughts are with you and I am so sorry for your loss.
Relura
Christina Epps
July 9, 2005
Dear Lerch family,
I am deeply sorry for your tragic loss. I will always remember Eric as a happy go lucky guy - lighting up every room he entered with his charm and crazy stories. My thoughts are with you all - take good care of yourselves
Michael Dillon
July 8, 2005
Dear Kyle and Lerch family,
I am so sorry for your tremendous loss. Eric will be missed. My thoughts are with all of you.
Patrick Berry
July 8, 2005
Dear Tish & Lerches,
I am so sorry for your loss. I know his memory will live on in our hearts & minds forever.
Love,
Patrick & Rachel
Denise Ruiz
July 8, 2005
My heart goes out to you all.. Deepest Symapthy.
Nancy Dillon
July 8, 2005
Dear Dee Dee, Brian, Kyle and Family,
We were so very saddened to hear about the loss of Eric. Although we only met him a couple of times, we can see by the condolence messages how well loved and thought of he was. Our hearts go out to all of you.
Nancy and Bob Dillon
Eric Bocks
July 8, 2005
On behalf of The Bocks Family,Our love and prayers are with you. Eric was very dear to us having been a neighbor for many years growing up. We have so many cherished memories of his Big heart, Comedic nature, and Geniune spirit. He will be missed and always remembered for the Beautiful man he was.
God Bless,
Randi Schultz
July 8, 2005
Dear Dee Dee, Brian and family
We were sorry to hear of the loss of Eric. Our thoughts are with you at this very sad time. Please keep healthy and safe.
Warm Regards,
Randi and Warren Schultz
Brad Milenbach
Jackie Milenbach (Mudd) and family
Andrew Tuft
July 7, 2005
Dear Kyle and Lerch Family,
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I'm always here for you if ever need anything. Eric remains a unique & tremendous individual. You all are.
Much love,
Andrew & Dan Tuft
Mary Ann Berry
July 7, 2005
Eric always lit up a room when he entered it, and that is how I see him in my mind's eye whenever I think of him now - that great grin and, As Adam mentioned, the hair. I know how much he'll be missed and my prayers are with all of you in this very hard time.
Duane Wrobel
July 7, 2005
Dee Dee, Brian and family,
My heart goes out to you. No words can ease the pain, express the hurt, nor make it all go away. If they could, I would say them.
An old friend and neighbor,
Duane and Denise Billheimer
July 7, 2005
Eric was our upstairs neighbor and we got to know him over the past year. He was known truly as a giving person. As his friends, we prayed for him, and now our prayers are with his soul and his surviving loved ones as we all suffer the loss. We are here to help out in any way possible. Love and compassion,
Jennifer French (Epps)
July 6, 2005
I just heard from my sister about Eric. I knew him in Moraga when I worked at the video store in the late 80's. He was a great person and will be missed. My heart goes out to the family. I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts, J.
Clyde & Ruth Richards
July 6, 2005
Brian and Family,
Our hearts and thoughts are with you during this traggic, devastating time.
Clyde and Ruth
Bill & Ellen Sardella
July 6, 2005
Dear DeeDee:
Our deepest sympathy for you, Brian and the family with the loss of Eric. Ellen and I connected with Eric briefly at North County Fair shopping center while he was working at a jewelry store. He was very happy to be in San Diego and it showed. Camille, Bryant, Scott and Geoff & Kendra all extend their condolences.
Sincerely,
Bill & Ellen
The Polse Family
July 6, 2005
On behalf of the entire Polse Family, our thoughts and prayers go out to the Lerch Family. For over 35 years the Lerch's and Polse's have been like one big family. Losing Eric is like losing a son or a brother of ours. Eric had a heart of gold and his memories will live on with us forever. You will never be forgotten. We love you G-dbos! Hope you are having a cigar with Uncle Denny and Big Daddy!
Augusta Benvenuto (Schappert)
July 6, 2005
Dear Dee Dee, Kyle, Brent, Adam and Family,
I am deeply saddened by the sudden great loss of Eric. He will always hold a special place in my heart. I have so many great memories of Eric and the family that will stay with me forever. Please know that I am thinking of the family and send my love and sincere condolences to you all at this difficult time.
Adam Miazga
July 6, 2005
To Eric's family and friends,
It could not have said any better, "eric was a diamond in all of our hearts." I was a friend and co-worker in san diego to Eric. Loved our times together and so many have said the same. I am still in denial, however, every day I see eric's car, his cell number, our clients that we helped and may friends that have nothing to say. I believed that that moment of silence when you have nothing to say in regards to one person is that true definition of, "love". Eric was loved by all and will always be remembered and loved.
In Sympathy,
Adam J. Miazga, G.J.G.
Scott Potter
July 6, 2005
Dear Kyle and the Lerch Family -
I am sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. With regards, Scott Potter
Sue Ellen (Ainsworth) Calcagno
July 6, 2005
Dear Dee Dee and family,
I use to baybsit Eric and the boys back in the 1980's in Moraga. When my sister told me about Eric's passing my heart just ached for the family. ......Sending you love and comfort during this time.
xoxox Sue Ellen
shayne del cohen
July 6, 2005
May the hole in your heart find salve in the wonderful memories.
sdc
Jennifer and Christopher Powell
July 6, 2005
Eric was a great friend and a wonderful person he will be missed. This is a horrible thing to happen to such a great person.
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