Eric J. Blackman

This is a nice way to remember Eric from year to year, its been almost 20 years. I hope his family is doing well, my son Sean has been in touch with Ian from time to time, hope he is well. Stay safe

Suzanne,



I am in complete shock.. I had no idea until I read it in a Bloomsburg University alumni magazine.. I owe a lot to Eric. He was one of the few people who helped me out of my "shell" at BU. We had a lot of great times hanging out at the Sixth Street house. Also I was honored to be at your wedding. I am sorry we fell out of touch, he will sorely be missed.

To my dear friend Thanks for showing me how to see things most don`t. You knew and decided to make the ones you loved stronger.You made me stronger.You made me love you even more.You gained my total respect. Love always my best friend .Ed

Eric coached and taught hockey to my son Sean, starting in 1999. Eric would spend huge amounts of time with the kids - really teaching them. There aren't enough people in this world who give of themselves like Eric did. I'm glad we have some champion team pictures to look back on. He will surely be missed.

Suzanne, Ian and Kristen,

I just read through the guest book entry's and I am close to tears. I refused to cry during this terrible tragedy because I wanted to be strong like Eric. I will miss him deeply and dearly. He always made me smile and laugh and always got me psyched up for the hockey games. He was an awesome inspriation to my son and to all who played youth hockey for him. I must say though Eric you were a little over the edge with Ian. I know he can hear you yelling even now. We needed you the other night against Springford they cooked us good. I hope that I will always be able to remember you when I look into your son's face and know that he is part of you. With much sorrow, however I know you are at peace. Rosemarie Dempsey,Stu Dempsey and Shawn Dempsey #43 WCEIHC

Go East!!!! PS: Please help us in the play-offs Eric!!

I worked with Eric for 5 years and every day he would bring his zest for life into the office and always tried to make someone smile, especially if he felt they looked like they needed it. He will be missed, not just because he filled a role here at work but because of his heart and kindness.

As a friend of the Blackman family for the last thirty odd years, hearing the news of Eric's passing left a void in my heart. My friendship with his sister Charlene allowed me to follow his life over the last years, his battle with his illness, and even his very difficult final days. Charlene would always tell me how Eric lived life to its fullest, and while each day after the diagnosis of his illness he would have to contemplate the seriousness of his medical condition, he would put those thoughts aside and go on with his life with a positive attitude. Even as a child Eric was always happy and had an infectious laugh.



To the Krepack, Blackman, and Jones family, your devotion to Eric over the last several years (especially the last few months) is truly an inspiration to us all. The strength, compassion and caregiving that was displayed showed us how much you loved Eric. May Suzanne, Ian,and Kristen be comforted now in their time of sadness. As a beloved husband, father, and friend may we all find comfort in knowing that he has been called to heaven for "God's" work.

For those of you who loved Eric, take solace in the fact that his brief time with us was joyful beyond belief! Told years ago that time was short he simply went on with life. He didn't change a thing. Eric had the incredible ability to always look at life from the other person's perspective. He had a kind heart for those less fortunate. He had an inner strength beyond belief, and even in his final days I never sensed that he was fighting for himself, but only for the void he knew he would leave behind in all of our lives. He just loved us all so well, and that never goes away. God comfort my mother, father, Ian, Kristen and his love, Sue.

The Blackman family,

I will remember Eric as a teacher, for he taught so many of us how to truly live our lives. He was certainly and inspiration and a model to the rest of us. He valued every moment, especially those with his family. Many of us that worked with him, though we have not met you, know all about you. I was standing in his cubicle today looking at the photos on his bulletin board and there was a photocopy of a picture I took at an Elton John concert. I remember how he would always listen to music while working and ask if we'd been to any concerts lately. On my drive home today, I heard four old Elton John songs. Eric, you made me smile.



We will all treasure the times we had with you and be thinking of your family at this difficult parting. May they find the strength they need to live the lives you wanted them to live and fulfill their dreams as you watch over them.

I met Eric four years ago -- never met anyone so positive and enthusiastic in even the most difficult times. He never had a bad word to say about anyone. Instead, he focused on the good in people and would share it with them. Even when he wasn't feeling his best, Eric would find the best in others. He showed by example that a sense of humor and a good hearty laugh was best for the soul -- and highly contagious. Eric always made me laugh. I suspect he's got them all laughing in heaven now. I enjoyed our time together and will miss him deeply. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Dear Blackman Family,



My sincerest sorrow goes out to all of you. Eric was such a 'good' guy who touched many hearts. His devotion to his family was known and admired by everyone. I always admired his optimistic approach to his illness and his ability to bring a little sunshine into the office, even when he was so burdened by his illness. He never called me by my first name: I was always 'Monroe', which brought a smile to my face each day. I will miss him and I pray for all of you at this most difficult time.

There is certainly at least one person in everyone's life that makes a lasting impression.



A person who's attitude, personality, and very being enhances your day.



This certainly describes Eric Blackman and the effect he has had on people around him and especially me and my family.



Eric was a great person to be with and he enjoyed doing things that made him happy.



Some of those things, were a bit beyond what many other people would do, because other people have personal constraints of shyness or worrying about what other people might think.



Eric never had these problems. He was full of life and he enjoyed making others laugh.



I have nothing but good memories of Eric...



When we went to company outings together, lunches or celebrated the holidays at his house....he was always true to form.



Outgoing, funny, and he has some of the wildest facial expressions that would just make me laugh.



My daughter Christy and Eric shared a common bond of the Philadelphia Eagles and he would always call her his football buddy and made her feel special.



That was what Eric did, he made others feel special.



If I had to describe Eric in one word, it would be happiness; Eric was all about being happy.



He truly believed that you should do what makes you happy, for life is short, and he knew this better then any one.



Eric fought hard for his life, for many years battling cancer, as well as battling his own fears of what will happen to his wife and children if he was to pass on.



There were many things that Eric did to make others happy but it was Eric's wife and children that brought Eric all the joy he could handle.



Every thought he had, every action he did, was about spending time with his wife and children, doing things for his wife and children, and making their lives better and happier.



He coached multiple youth sport teams so he could spend more time with his two children Ian and Kristin.



He loved his wife Suzanne and knew how lucky he was to be married to such a wonderful woman.



If there is anything that we can learn from Eric's time with us, its that life is to precious to waste on wondering what others might think.



He showed that even when things are bad, that you stand tall, you live life to the end, no matter how hard or depressing things might get.



Eric showed his strength, his love of life and his compassion for others every day while his own life was draining away.



It only goes to show you, how special he was, and why he made such a lasting impression upon me.



I ask that everyone keep Suzanne, Ian, Kristin in your thoughts and prayers for a long time to come.



They certainly will need God's help in being strong over the next few days, months, and years. It will be a difficult time for them, but they will remember Eric's strength, and they will stand tall like their loving husband and father did.



I will miss you my friend, thanks for making my life better with your presence.

Don

Suzanne, Ian and Kristen -



Our hearts go out to you - Eric's love for his family and life was inspirational. He certainly made a rare and wonderful difference in the community through all his volunteer work. He didn't waste a moment of his brief time here on earth. We consider ourselves lucky to have known Eric and were touched by his enthusiasm and endless generosity.



Peace be with you -

Cyndy, Kirk and Callahan

I am shocked and deeply saddened to hear about Eric’s demise. I have known Eric as a colleague for the past 2 years. He always greeted me and everyone around him with respect and enthusiasm. I would typically meet him near the microwave around lunch time. He liked spicy food and he would have questions for me about Indian food. He loved life and sports, and was proud of his family. He would stop by my cubicle occasionally and tell me great things about his nice home in West Chester. May God help his family in this difficult time and may his lively spirit live on to cheer everyone up.

Though I've only known Eric as another parent cheering for our kids' hockey team for a little more than a year; I always looked forward to finding the "loud section," within a seat or two of Eric, where I'd feel at home yelling my lungs out, laughing, and slapping a high five when our team scored. I'll miss the opportunity to hear him yelling, "Skate faster!" "Shoot!" and even "You've got to be kidding!" I doubt there has ever been a truer fan or more dedicated father.

I was very surprised and extremely sadden to her the news about Eric. I had the opportunity to coach with Eric and enjoyed our conversations on and off the ice. He was very energetic, enjoyed working with the children and was always giving positive reinforcement to them. Eric will be missed by the many people who he touched their lives over the years. My deepest symphony goes to Suzanne, Ian and Kristen.

We are saddened to learn of Erics passing. It was our pleassure as a family to have been touched by Eric. He was always kind and generous to all the children and adults.

We were shocked and deeply saddened by the news of Eric's passing. In the past our son John played for his team and against his team. No matter which side of the fence Eric stood on, he was always there for the kids. His presence will be missed around Ice Line. Our hearts and prayers go out to Suzanne, Ian, and Kristen. May the Lord provide you with comfort at this most difficult time. The Schivito Family

A warm and enthusiastic coach, respected by all who were coached by him, Eric will always be remebered by me and my son. Eric's organization of the "mites on ice" events have been a highlight of my son's junior hockey experience. Our sincere condolences to Suzanne, Ian and family. The Hausladens

Eric - a great example of what a good husband, father, employee &

co-worker should be. You were a true gentle giant among us & I learned so much from you and the way you handled yourself in all you did. Suzanne, Ian and Kristen, thank you for sharing him with us. May God give you all the grace and strength to move forward in this difficult time - and know that without a doubt, you are all in our prayers and thoughts

It was my privilege and honor to have known and worked with Eric. His love for his wife and kids showed in everything he did and said. His determination was that to be admired by others. He was more then just a coworker, but a friend that always had a word of encouragement for you. May God Bless your family and comfort them in this time.

Shocked and sadden by this news.

I still can not believe it.

Eric is a great guy, who loved playing with the kids. I enjoyed coaching with and being around him, he was always fun. He will be Greatly Missed.

My Condolences to Suzanne, Kids and his entire family.

I had the pleasure of coaching with Eric. I will always remember him as an energetic and encouraging coach and devoted father. While we will be deeply saddened by missing his larger than life physical presence I know he'd want us to remember his energy, zest for life and love for hockey. God rest his soul.

Eric's positive, can-do attitude will be missed. He always had a smile and a hearty hello - what a likeable guy! I imagine God just couldn't wait to have Eric up there with him! But he will be missed down here...

I will always remember Eric's positive attitude and love of family during his difficult fight. Through it all, he always maintained his sense of humor and lived life to the fullest. Eric will be missed by all who knew him.

I was extremely saddened when I read the news this morning, Eric will surely be missed around the office. I would like to send my condolences to the family may God bless you and know that you are in our prayers. Eric, may you play on the eternal hockey rink.

I worked with Eric for the past 6 years. His courageous fight against the odds, positive attitude and devotion to his family were admirable and inspirational. No one who knew him over the past few years will be able to take things for granted, no matter how trivial.

Eric, it's an honor knowing you. We had some fun times together and I will treasure all of the long talks we had about the Flyers and Phantoms. You're a good man, may you rest in peace.

Suzanne, I was so sad on Saturday to hear this news. He was a friend for close to 20 years of working together. Hockey season won't be the same without him.

Shocked and saddened to read this notice. Remember Eric as hard working and energetic young man, always pleasant. Our deepest sympathy to all the family.