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Eric Han Obituary
Eric Han, age 50 passed away on Tuesday, May 5, 2009. He was born in Taiwan on November 11, 1958 and moved to Washington D.C. in 1974. Subsequently, he and his parents, Jui Cho and Wen Hsiu Han, moved to Gainesville in 1977 and opened the first Mr. Han restaurant on S.W. 13th Street. Eric graduated from Gainesville High School and attended Santa Fe Junior College. In the mid 1980's, he and his parents opened the new Mr. Han restaurant on N.W. 10th Place which he designed and appointed.
In addition to managing a busy restaurant, Eric and his wife, Amy, own and manage the Chung Ching Asian Grocery on NW 8th Avenue. For the past seven years, Eric has led customized tours to China organized through his and Amy's travel agency, AE Express. His other professional activities included serving for ten years as an interpreter for the Immigration Court of Central and South Florida, US Department of Justice.
Eric was extremely well known in Gainesville for his warm, humorous, and outgoing nature. He personally welcomed his customers each night and had a devoted following for his outstanding meals and his attentive service. He especially enjoyed planning celebratory parties at his restaurant and catering events in the Gainesville area. He was an avid reader, perceptive historian and an engaging conversationalist.
He was a devoted father, husband and son. Eric took time to help his son with piano lessons, homework and athletics. They often attended sports events at UF and were companions on several trips to China. Eric was a loving, attentive son who made the welfare of his parents a constant priority in his life.
Survivors include his wife, Amy Michelle, his son, Alexander, his parents, Jui and Wen Han, his sister-in-law Jing Yang (Bill Dolbier), brother-in-law, William Yang (Holly) nephew, Stephen Dolbier, nieces Amanda and Kathleen Yang and cousin William Ding.
A reception in honor of Eric's life will be held on Sunday, May 10th at Mr. Han Restaurant from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the University of Florida Foundation on behalf of the UF Shands Cancer Center, P.O. Box 14425, Gainesville, Florida 32604.
Arrangements are under the care of WILLIAMS-THOMAS DOWNTOWN 404 NORTH MAIN STREET.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
WILLIAMS-THOMAS
DOWNTOWN
(352) 376-7556
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Eric Han
Sponsored by Michelle Han.
Robert MacNeill
February 10, 2017
I first met Eric in 1977 at Mr. Han's on 13th St. I went for dinner on Friday night, came back for dinner on Saturday night and then came for lunch Sunday afternoon. When he saw me for the 3rd time in one weekend he asked, "Are you okay, three times already, what's wrong with you...?" I just laughed and told him I could eat here everyday and never tire of it. We became friends and I ate there countless times over the years, getting to know Mr. and Mrs. Han also. They made me feel so welcome, like family. Eric was a beautiful human being, he will never be forgotten...
God bless the entire Han family
April 16, 2010
June 14, 2009
RIP Eric...i just heard about this today. I worked at Saks 5th Ave in the mens department at the florida mall...you were a client of mine...a great guy you will be missed
My thoughts and prayers are with your family
god bless you
Diane Englund
June 8, 2009
Dear Han Family - I only found out today about this tragic loss. I met you all at the restaurant on 13th Street, when my husband Jeff Englund was a carpenter who designed and built the bar at Eric's restaurant in Ocala. I will never forget it; he brought some of my fireworks to celebrate the opening. You always treated us like royalty; we never saw a menu and were served the most wonderful food, Eric always remembering Peking Duck was my favorite dish. My family celebrated our baby's baptism dinner at that location in 1983. Mrs. Jui Cho Han, you may remember my daughter was crying inconsolably, and you were so kind as to take her in your arms and walk her around the restaurant and try to comfort her... you returned her to me saying it wasn't just a baby's cry, it was like she was "being stuck with a pin"... well, I want you to know, we found out shortly thereafter she was suffering from a hernia protrusion, which could not be detected under her gown. We only found out later, by taking her to the ER after a similar experience and she had corrective surgery. To this day I remember your intuitiveness. Jean is now 26 years old, a graduate from UF and studying now for her Masters degree in psychology. Whenever we are in Gainesville, we always come to your restaurant now on 10th PL. We still have friends in the Gainesville area and will try and come to the restaurant to see you when we can, I will call. There are no words to express the genuine sorrow I feel for everyone in the Han family; Father, Mother, Wife, Son, and others... and I pray your faith can help you bear through this most sorrowful loss and as time goes by that memories may again be happy ones of a man who shared joy.
Richard Johnston Jr
June 5, 2009
We are so deeply saddened by the loss of our brother Eric Han. Friday nights in Gainesville will be a little more empty and we will always feel a sense of loss. For Tracie, Mr. Han's was her little piece of Asia in America solely because Eric Han exuded his Chinese charm. It warmed her heart and brought her back to her fifteen years in Asia. For me the world is poorer because Eric is not here. I pray that Mr. and Mrs. Han have peace. Michele and Alexander you have our deepest sympathies and condolences. We shed more than one tear and each time we prepare to return to Gainesville there is a bit of pain we feel at the memory of our extraordinary and singular friend Eric. We are sad because he is gone but we are blessed to have been touched by him.
Tom Dorn
May 12, 2009
Mr. & Mrs. Han, I am deeply saddened by the news of Eric's passing. It just was delivered to me and I wanted to write you this note. Eric was an amazing person. He touched mine and everyone I know lives in such a positive way. Always positive, always happy, always helpful. I am confident that his way of being touched all who he came into contact with. It's not supposed to happen this way, yet it does. In life we come to believe that the good things will always be there and yet the sad truth is that life is so special, so fragile, that the best anyone can do is live in the moment. Eric showed with the happiness that surrounded him that he gave everything he had everyday. I am thankful to have known him and want to convey to you both and his family my warmest wishes for the strength to go on.
Tom Dorn
Ward & Marj Crago
May 11, 2009
Mr & Mrs Han, Michele, and Alexander, We will always treasure our memories of dining at Mr Han, the best Chinese food, #66 (our wine order)and the sincere welcome from Eric, whether this be just for the two of us or family gatherings. Eric was the tour guide extraordinaire, introducing his country to us, every detail of our trip to China was covered. And Alexander was the best tourist, a real trooper at the age of 6 years. May your memories help sustain you through this untimely loss.
Sincerely, Marj & Ward Crago
Mary Davis
May 11, 2009
To the Han Family,
I am so sad to hear about Eric's passing. But I also believe that God has a plan for every single one of us and as sad as it is for us and especially for you, his beloved family, God must have a better use for him. He is in a better place watching over all of us now. He loved his family so much. He loved his business so much. I will never forget the times I enjoyed dinner at your fabulous restaurant. Always greeted by Eric with a friendly smile and his witty comments that always made me laugh. He even knew who I was when I would call to place an order and he would give ME my order!! He was such an amazing business man. I threw my mom's 60th Birthday party downstairs from the restaurant a few years ago and Eric made sure it was perfect for her...so many warm memories. Gainesville has lost a great man but we are all richer because we had the chance to know him. It was an honor to know you Eric...I am keeping you and your entire family in my prayers. May God comfort you and give you all the strength to get through this difficult time. I am sending lots of love and many prayers...
Stephen Belser
May 11, 2009
I'm very sorry for your loss. I remember always going to Mr. Han's for my birthday dinners. Each year your family was very generous. I wish you and your family peace in this tragic time and I hope you know that many people in the Gainesville community love your family.
Marty Tod
May 10, 2009
Dear Family of Eric,
Yes, I remember fondly the wonderful meals at Mr. Han's on SW 13th St. with my friends being entertained by the young Eric. What fun we had sitting around the round table in the corner with the lazy Susan. Then the meals and dancing at the new restaurant. And now shopping for favorite specialties at Amy's store. The Han family filled many wonderful memories in my 35 years in Gainesville. Eric's passing will leave shoes almost too large to imagine being filled. The sadness is almost unbearable. But the Han family and their community will survive and be stronger for having had Eric to lead us on a wonderful journey.
Xiexie, Marty Tod
Jesse and Mary Eisner
May 10, 2009
To all of the Han family,
My wife and I were and are regular customers and have gotten to know Eric and became friends over the last few years. All celebrations, whether they were birthdays, graduations, promotions, etc. we're celebrated with Eric.
The very first time I met him, I had received a fortune cookie with no fortune in it, so jokingly I asked him if this was a bad omen. His quick response..."No news is good news". That was typical Eric, quick, entertaining and funny. Normally I'd think this quip was a bit eerie considering the circumstances, but despite the tragedy you will find Eric's name in the newspaper on so many more occasions where it was in fact good news. Whether it was taking folks to a trip to China, or simply making a celebration a bit better, it was always incredible to be around him.
I'm left to think of our last conversation with Eric from about a month ago. We had been travelling alot and were saying how we need to slow down and take it easy. Eric told us that we need to keep travelling and live it up while we are young and that we shouldn't wait. So we will take his message to heart and live life like he told us we should. We will miss him very much along the way.
My condolences to all of the Han Family.
Lynn Edgar
May 10, 2009
Dearest Mr & Mrs Han, Amy, & Alexander - Like so many, I'm in total shock at Eric's death, but thank God that Amy is going to be alright. As you well know, our family has been apart of yours since those earliest days on SW 13th St, the 2 attempts to move Mr Han Restaurant to its current site, the Ocala Mr Han, the numerous "special" family celebrations, & best of all, the "just because we want to see the Hans" family meals. Eric has been such a vital part of our lives in & out of the restaurant, it seems impossible that he's gone. All the children send their deepest love & sympathy. Please know he'll always live in our hearts too, as we share your love & grief at his passing.
Marty and Richard
May 9, 2009
We are sorry to hear of the tragically shortened life of Eric. We feel for Mr. and Mrs. Han and Eric's wife and son. Eric always kept us on our toes with his creative orders for us at The Flower Shop. I know he is already greatly missed in Gainesville.
May 9, 2009
Dear Han Family,
Our neighbors and dinner hosts for many, many years. We feel such great pain and sadness as we consider life without Eric. However, we are blessed with the good fortune of having known him. To experience delicious feasts, wonderful parties and the love and genuine thoughtfulness of your lovely family over the years has been a treasured gift. To have known Eric; such a kindhearted, respectful, intelligent gregarious, and gracious man will forever fill our lives with delightful memories. Our deepest sympathy for your loss which is beyond our comprehension. May you be comforted by God and His goodness and mercy and may you find peace and joy once again in due time.
And Eric; Thanks for the Memories!
Bill, Clara, Kristen, Jenny, Amy and Maggie Driebe
Dawn E. Fox
May 9, 2009
Eric is one of the kindest and most genuine men I have ever know. His smile and laughter was contagious. One of Eric's most beautiful qualities was his love and devotion to his family.
How tragic for the Han Family and the community to suffer this untimely loss.
Eric has touched more lives than we can imagine. We are so fortunate to have known Eric and he will never be forgotten.
Ed Haynes
May 9, 2009
To the Han family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. I have had the pleasure of knowing Eric for all of my years in the Gainesville area. The world has lost a true gentleman, family man and businessman. I will miss his warm smile, sincerity and witty hummor!
Ed Haynes
Peter and Mary Lou Van Note
May 9, 2009
Please know that your son, father, and husband was a caring and gentle spirit who shared his special talents with others and we so deeply appreciated who he was. We were devoted friends who followed Eric from his "Ocala Mr. Han's Restaurant" to the Gainesville Restaurant. Your loss is also our loss. With deepest sympathy.
Mary Lou and Peter Van Note
Shannon, Mitchell and Brandi Zimmermann
May 9, 2009
We are deeply saddened by the loss of such a great person. There was never a time that he didn't personally greet us with an energetic smile at his restaurant, and also amazed us with his signature meals, not only remembering our favorites, but our allergies as well. He touched our lives like he did so many others, and is in many of the photographs on my walls from family gatherings. We extend our thoughts and prayers to your family. He will be truly missed.
Gerald Mobley
May 8, 2009
To the Han Family, May God continue to be with you in your time of sorrow. Keep your head up and the sun will soon shine again.
Gerald Mobley /Class of 1977
Marge Newsom-Felix
May 8, 2009
Eric your life was much to short. We will miss you very much! You were a good friend and very special to so many of us over the years in Gainesville and Ocala. We pray for your sweet wife and wonderful son that god wilol help them start to heal from this tragedy and that they will on day be able to sit back and enjoy all the lovely memories they have had when you were all together. Mr. & Mrs. Han, I can't imagaine the pain you both feel having had your son leave the earth before you. No parent wants their children to leave before they do. Our hearts are with you all. God bless you.
Love from,
Marge, Loring and Christopher Felix
JOHN KING
May 8, 2009
Mr and Mrs Han
Eric was my best friend. I can not explain what Eric meant to me,the time
we spent in Ocala will never be forgotten. I had 8 years of memories and I will think of him in my prayers. Please
know the love I have for Eric and the family. GOD BLESS
Walter R. Courtenay, Jr.
May 8, 2009
To the Han family -
I was devastated to learn of the untimely passing of Eric Han earlier this week, and I wish Michelle a speedy recovery from her injuries.
This is not an easy time as I know from recent experience. My wonderful wife, Pat, passed away from a stroke in April 2007 at age 53. I'm in recovery but it takes time. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Gainesville, but especially the Han family, has lost a truly great man who will be sorely missed by all who were fortunate enough to get to know him and all his truly great values.
Colleen and Stephan Lauter
May 8, 2009
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Eric was outgoing and upbeat! The people of Gainesville has lost a great man! We will pray for your family.
Kenneth Weeks
May 8, 2009
It is with much sadness over this tragic passing that I send condolences to Amy and the whole Han family. My thoughts are with you all.
Bill Patterson
May 8, 2009
My family and friends are deeply saddened by the loss of Eric. It was just 1 month ago that my parents, Richard and Carolyn Patterson, celebrated their 56th. wedding anniversary at Mr. Hans Supper Club. Eric several years ago proudly showed his pictures of his tours to China with us. Some of our closest friends went on several of his trips, and we ourselves fancied going someday. Eric's mother and father were usually at the restaurant, hosting in their own special way.
We will miss you Eric and we hope and pray that your wife, parents and son will be strong. Love and respect always. I am sure I speak for all of my extended family, deepest sympathies and warmest hopes for the future of your family.
Bill Patterson and Bob Jarabek
Richard and Carolyn Patterson
Dink and Peggy Henderson
James and Charme Burns
Randy Talbot
May 8, 2009
Eric was my friend as he was to so many....incredibly generous and a wonderful smile...he will always be remembered with the kindest of thoughts...our prayers are with the entire Han family....Randy and Susan Talbot
pat gordon
May 8, 2009
Dear Han Family, although we live in Jupiter we have always counted Eric as our friend and have enjoyed that friendship since the day the first Mr Hans opened. We have a second home in Gainesville and when there only dine with Eric.He has meant a lot to our son and shown him great kindness and friendship when he needed it. We will miss him in many ways. Our prayers are with you. The Gordon Family
Sherri Cousins
May 8, 2009
We are so sad to have lost such a wonderful friend much too soon. Eric was at the center of all of our family celebrations: birthdays, anniversaries, Christmases and more. He was so perceptive, and surprised us constantly with his ability to read us so well. Never having to ever look at a menu at his restaurant, we so enjoyed the hours spent with him discussing everything from clothes, cars, and watches to business, travel and our children.
Mr and Mrs Han, Michele and Alexander, may God comfort you and keep you as you heal and reflect on how truly blessed we all are to have known Eric and shared in his life.
We will celebrate Eric and all of our fond and loving memories of him on his birthday every year, which he shares with our son, Niko.
We love you and miss you terribly,
Sherri, Tom, Niko, and Collin Cousins
Matthew Lonesk
May 8, 2009
My wife Kelly and I held our rehearsal dinner at Mr. Han's almost 4 years ago to the day of Eric's passing. My parents, who live in Kansas City, couldn't figure out why we would stage such an event at a Chinese restaurant. Once they met Eric, they knew why. Eric was one of the good ones, you never left his presence without feeling better about yourself, no matter the occasion. He will be dearly missed by all the lives he touched in the Gainesville community and beyond.
Lettera Family
May 8, 2009
My family has known the Han family for over 20 years. To say we were stunned to recieve the news would be an understatement. My husband will miss the animated business discussions he used to have with Eric over dinner, and we will all miss his warm and engaging spirit. Our love and prayers are with his family.
Steve and Helen Hsu
May 8, 2009
We were treated to a scrumptious dinner by the Dean of COM and other dignitaries of UF at Mr Han's when Steve was recruited to join the university. It was then that we discoverd that Eric and Steve had a lot in common - both were born in Taiwan and moved to the States while young, both come from a family where members once served the Nationalist government. When I later arrived in Gainesville permanently from HK, it was Amy who helped me set up my kitchen with supplies from her store so that I can continue to prepare traditional Chinese meals at home just like in HK and Taiwan. And when my parents moved to Gainesville from AZ, once again, it was Eric who told us where the Chinese seniors would hang out, how to get Chinese Satellite TV, and Amy who helped with my parents' grocery shopping, including finding "secret" and favorite traditional Chinese foods that I don't even know existed. Gainesville is so lucky to have Eric and Amy, and will never be the same without Eric. Our prayers go to the family. We are very saddened for your lost.
Barbara Osthoff
May 8, 2009
Our hearts go out to the Han family. We have been going to the restaurant for many years when going to the Gator games, and have gotten to know and visit with Mama and Papa Han and Eric. Our prayers and thoughts are with the family. Eric will truly be missed, what a loss.
Barbara, Bettye,
Reba and Bruce.
Polk County, Florida
Ted Belser
May 8, 2009
My family and I have been customers of the restaurant since the Hans frist opened it on SW 13th Street in 1977. Mr. & Mrs. Han have always been warm & friendly hosts, and like his parents - Eric continued the tradition. Going to the restaurant was always a joy. My sons (now 28 and 30) grew up almost always celebrating birthdays there, in addition to many other visits each year. Eric had a great sense of humor, always welcoming us and making us feel at home. They serve the best Chinese food that I have ever had (even better that I experienced on a trip to China). To the Han Family - My family and I share your sorrow in the loss of Eric. He will be missed, but his loving spirit and that of his wonderful family will live on.
Daphna Ariel
May 8, 2009
Dear Mr. and Mrs Han and Family,
We are speechless over the loss of our dear friend Eric. We too feel we have lost a family member. Eric's smile and making one feel like they were home while dining at the restaurant will be missed. He always took pride in making my favorite head hunters.
Although its difficult today to see beyond the sorrow,
May looking back in memory help comfort you tommorrow.
Our hearts go out to you and the family in the days ahead.
Daphna Ariel and Frank Kowalczyk
Lee Cash
May 8, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Craig, Lee Anne, and Chance Cash.
May 8, 2009
My prayers go out to the Han Family. Such a wonderful person will truly be missed.
Roger and Cindy Daigen
May 8, 2009
Eric was a larger than life figure whose memory will live on in those who knew him. We are deeply saddened by his passing. We extend our sympathies to entire Han family.
Vicky Wolsfelt
May 8, 2009
We are greatly saddened on your loss. Eric will be greatly missed. Our whole family including our grandchildren were shocked by this tragedy. We all extend our thoughts and prayers for your family. Our grandchildren said a special prayer for Alexander who they met and played with a few years ago when Eric, Michele and Alexander came to see us on our farm in Thomasville. The Wolsfelt Family
Nadine Walker
May 8, 2009
The world has lost a great man. My sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Han.
Dan Taylor
May 8, 2009
I was a dish washer at Mr. Han's Restaurant on 13th St. in the early 1980's while attending the University if Florida. The entire staff and family were pleasant hard working people. Eric was always diligent and insightful. I used to love the family atmosphere and the feasts served to the staff each night after closing.I remember well the many vagrants that would come each night for food and they never left hungry. I am very sorry for the Han family for this tragedy and the loss of such a valuable community servant. May God bless you all and we will keep you all in our prayers.
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