Eric Charles Miner

1947 - 2023

Eric Charles Miner passed away November 29,2023 at his home in Sequim. He was born December 7, 1947, in San Diego, California to Col. Ross R and Betty jane (Egolf) Miner. Eric's father was career USMC throughout Eric's childhood giving Eric the opportunity to start school in San Diego, attend classes in New Jersey and Keflavik, Iceland. He graduated from high school in Virgina and attended James Madison University.

On February 6, 1968, Eric enlisted in the Marine Corps. According to a newspaper article- Col. Ross Miner, Commanding Officer of Staging Bn., checked over the orders of his son, Cpl. Eric C Miner as he was reporting in to Staging on January 29. Cpl. Miner departed for Vietnam in February 1970. Some of his awards included the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and Vietnam Cross of Gallantry Medal. Sgt. Eric Miner was honorably discharged February 4, 1972.

Following Eric's discharge, he moved to San Juan Island and worked as a heavy equipment operator. After a fair amount of prodding from his younger brother, Col. Broge Miner, Eric re-enlisted in the Marine Corps, February 5, 1982. He was assigned to the reserve unit WES-47 Det B, Naval Air Station, Whidbey Island. In late December 1990 he was activated in support of Desert Shield/Storm. With a job offer from the Corp of Engineers Eric moved to the Tri-Cities area near McNary Dam where he operated heavy equipment and transported fish on the Columbia River.

In 1984, Eric moved to Oak Harbor and joined the Naval Air Station Whidbey Fire Dept. Several years later he transferred to Puget Sound Federal Frie Dept., Homeport, Everett. Eric participated three times in the Firefighters Columbia Tower Climb in full gear including mask and oxygen tanks in support of the fight against Leukemia. He also did that climb twice with his granddaughter, Raeha. That climb involves 69 flights of stairs-1,356 steps,

Eric met the love of his life, Donna Karls. They were blessed with 38 years together as best friends and husband and wife. Their blended family of Kathy, Kit, Rhonda, Rick, Paul and Rob were their pride and joy, as were their four grandchildren and four great-grandsons.

Eric was member of the American Legion Post 0129, a life member of the VFW Post 7392 and a life member of the Marine Corps League Mount Olympus Det 897. As an active member of the Marine Corps League Eric dedicated every November and December to Clallam County "Toys for Tots". Eric retired from the Marine Corps. November 1, 2000, after serving 22 years- 9 months at the rank of CWO-4. He retired from Puget Sound Federal Fire Department in July 2004 after 20 years of service.

Following Eric's retirement, he and Donna sold the Edmonds home and moved full time to Sequim in 2004. First on the agenda for Eric was to build a big shop. With the purchase of a tractor, he and Donna enjoyed designing and landscaping their acre. By plane, train, and driving the back roads with their 5th wheel in tow they enjoyed visiting 32 of the 50 states, stopping at National Parks and visiting family and friends along the way. Eric was a "Jack of all trades," who willingly helped family and friends. His shop was always open to anyone who needed help, advice or a hot cup of coffee. He always looked forward to readying his camper and boat for the annual May/June fishing on Banks Lake with his buddies. Eric was a much love man who loved life!

Eric is survived by his loving wife Donna, brother Broge (Nancy) Miner; his sons, Rick Karls, Paul (Rochelle) Miner, Rob (Lorrie) Karls; daughters Kathy Lee, Rhonda Karls, Kit (Dan) Kope; grandchildren, Chuck Driggers, David Driggers, Alli Kope, Raeha Rohde; great grandchildren, David Driggers, Michael Naas, Tanner Rohde, Travis Rohde, numerous nieces and nephews and longtime friends; Steve, Norm, Harry, Ted, Gavin and Kathy. He was preceded in death by his parents and cousins Ralph Miner and Bill Cooper.

A memorial service on Saturday April 20th, 1:00 pm at the Northwest Veterans Resource Center, 216 S. Francis St., Port Angeles. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations in Eric's memory may be made to Sarge's Veteran Support, 250 Ash Avenue, Forks, WA 98331 or Toys for Tots.
Published by Peninsula Daily News from Apr. 9 to Apr. 10, 2024.