Eric Fout

ERIC FOUT of East Lynn, WV passed away Saturday, Nov. 1 at St. Mary's Medical Center, after a short illness. He was 64 years old and just 4 months shy of retirement.
Eric was employed at the Huntington YMCA for over 30 years as a Licensed Massage Therapist. His kindness, skill, and gentle spirit touched the lives of countless members and staff.
Eric was born March 15, 1961, in Philadelphia, PA to Albert Lloyd Fout and Janine Giovannitti. Eric is survived by his wife Pamela "Bo" Masullo of East Lynn, WV, and her daughters Rebecca Masullo (Pat McIntosh) of Portland, OR, Nakoa Masullo (Mike Lambert) and grandson Caleb Masullo of Huntington, WV.
He is also survived by his father Albert Fout of Tucson, AZ, brother Fred Fout, (Gerlie), of Bradenton, FL, brother Chris Calise (Kathy) of Eugene, OR, brother Tony Fout (Courtney) of Concord, NC, sister Jen Fout, of Tucson, AZ and numerous nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews. Eric cherished his wife, family, long-time friend Tammy Stewart, his fur baby Rocco, and a legion of friends.
Eric was valedictorian of the Hobart High School class of 1979 in Hobart, IN. He attended DePauw University in Greencastle, IN.
In 1983, Eric moved to East Lynn, WV with college friends, Blake, Tim, Kris, and Don to homestead. They built a farmhouse (which still stands), gardened and started an intentional community that has impacted generations of folks who have found their way to the peaceful nature-shrouded bliss of Parker Branch. Eric lived in Huntington for years and spent 15 of those years building a custom strawbale house at The Farm with a legion of friends. He and Bo moved into their hillside home named Lil' Italy due to their mutual Italian American heritage in 2021. Eric and Bo created a birders and gardeners' paradise.
Eric was a true Renaissance Man. He had a wide range of knowledge and skills. He was a gifted musician, carpenter, massage therapist, and loved to cook. He was a best friend to many, due to his good-natured personality, wisdom and generosity. He could be hilariously funny. He was a loyal fan of the Chicago Cubs and Marshall Football.
Composer and producer Brian Eno says that "children learn through play, and adults play through art." No one embodied that spirit more than Eric. The multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and John Prine devotee, Eric was always eager to play, spread joy and share art with his love of music.
Eric was one of the founders of the long-running band, Big Rock and the Candyass Mountain Boys (BRATCAMB) featuring his wife Bo (Big Rock) as the lead singer. The band was a staple at the TreeHugger's Ball, Calamity Cafe, Black Sheep, Camden Park and a myriad of festivals and charity events. The band was the entertainment foundation of the epic shows at the Farm Family Reunion. BRATCAMB created two CDs and many video recordings. Eric and the band shared the stage with several touring acts including a handful of shows with Tyler Childers (two of which a young Tyler opened for BRATCAMB). There were also some awesome shows with their friends Rod Elkins, Craig Burletic, and James Barker (Deadbeats and Barkers).
BRATCAMB band practices were full of love, infused with Eric's pasta dishes. Evan Williams flowed into Eric's collection of 1,000 shot glasses.
Eric was a dedicated blood donor and a volunteer at the Mountaineer Spina Bifida Camp for many years. As an organ donor, his final act of kindness will potentially restore the eyesight of two people.
Eric will be deeply missed by his family and friends. May Eric find eternal rest lying in the shadow of the Shade of the Shed.
A Remembrance will be held on Tuesday, November 18 at the YMCA Kennedy Center (Hodges Event and Banquet Hall) located at 5800 Ohio River Road, Huntington, WV 25702 (Route 2) from 4 to 7 p.m. Appetizers and beverages will be provided; feel free to BYOB.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Mountaineer Spina Bifida Camp (501(c)(3). Donate via Venmo at Lindsey.wellman.lw@gmail.com or mail to Lindsey Wellman, 2274 Docks Creek Road, Kenova, WV 25530.