Eric Rattan

Eric Norman Rattan

1951 - 2017

Eric Norman Rattan, artist, adventurer, advocate, loving father, and caring and inclusive friend, died in his home surrounded by family on September 5, 2017. Eric was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on June 5, and spent his last three months home in Madison with his family. Before the disease progressed too far, he died quickly and mercifully of a heart attack. As it was his wish for a green burial, his family brought him to the hills of Vernon County in Western Wisconsin where he lies peacefully among the ferns and trees.

He leaves behind his wife, Lindsay Rattan; daughter, Leslie Dressler and son-in-law, Kris Dressler; daughter, Lisa Rattan; grandchildren, Walter and Celia Dressler; mother, Joanne Rattan; siblings, Neil Rattan, Mark and Sara Rattan, and Martha and Mark Tubinis; nieces and nephews, Gina Rattan Gottlieb, Andrew Gottlieb, and Aria Rattan, Seth and Quinn Rattan, and Luke, Andrew and Paige Tubinis; as well as many cousins, su familia tica, and other dear friends. He is preceded in death by his father, Dr. Walter Rattan.

Eric was born in Detroit, Mich. on August 22, 1951. He grew up in Kenosha, Wis., where he had fond memories of playing backyard pick up hockey, joyriding in the family car, raucous adventures with siblings, and discovering his passion for art, a part of which was inspired by his childhood home. He graduated from the Tilton School in Concord, N.H. and went on to the University of Arizona, the University of Costa Rica, and graduated from UW - Madison.

He spent his life enriching the world we live in by developing strong relationships with family and friends, making art, traveling extensively through the United States and Central America, concocting delicious pizzas, challenging the status quo, and embracing change. Eric was a vibrant presence with a contagious laugh, a great educator and mentor to many, and a master tile mosaic artist for his company - Santa Fe Design Studio. He gained recognition, winning the Tile Heritage Foundation Award, Prism International Award, and the Spectrum International Award.

His family is grateful for the compassionate and exceptional care from Agrace Hospice and Dr. Noelle Loconte and her team at the UW Carbone Cancer Center. In the words of un gran amigo, "Un cuerpo se enterraba, pero los recuerdos no. Que descanse en paz, Eric." "A body is interred,but the memories are not. Rest in peace, Eric." We love you very much.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date.

See 'Eric Rattan' Facebook page for unabbreviated obituary.