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Douglas William Eckhardt

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Douglas Eckhardt Obituary

Published by East Valley Tribune on Jul. 25, 2006.

Douglas William Eckhardt, age 25 of Tempe, passed away at 10:25 p.m. on Friday, July 21 at Banner Desert Hospital. Doug was born on May 6, 1981 in Champaign, Illinois. He was the brother of Steve Eckhardt of Tempe, and the son of Karen and Phillip Gonzales (Chandler, AZ) and Terry and Cindy Eckhardt (Phoenix, AZ). He had many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends that will miss him greatly. Doug spent his early youth in Gibson City, Illinois and grew to become a loyal fan for the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago Bears. Doug came to the Chandler area when he was in the sixth grade and attended Goodman Elementary and Anderson Jr. High where he was active in sports, plays, and academic competition. He was a member of Dayspring United Methodist Church in Tempe, and was active in the youth activities. Doug attended Corona del Sol High School in Tempe, and graduated in May, 2000. Doug was an employee of Tempe Parks and Recreation for seven years as a lifeguard and swimming pool manager. Doug attended Arizona State on an academic scholarship and graduated Suma Cum Laude with a degree in Finance in May, 2004. During his four years at Arizona State, Doug participated in the ASU Rugby Club, and also served as the team treasurer his senior year. Doug received his private pilot's license during his college years, and also loved spending his spare time rebuilding his '67 Chevy Nova with his brother. Most recently, Doug chose to further his education as a graduate student at the ASU School of Law. Visitation will be held at the Lakeshore Mortuary (1815 S. Dobson Rd., Mesa, AZ) on Tuesday, July 25 from 7-9 p.m. Funeral services will be at Dayspring United Methodist Church (1365 E. Elliott Rd., Tempe, AZ) at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, July 26. Burial will follow at the Valley of the Sun Cemetery (10940 E. Chandler Hts. Rd., Chandler, AZ). Friends and family will be gathering for a barbecue to celebrate Doug's life after the service. The residence for the celebration is at 1745 E. Knox Rd., Tempe. Memorials may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at www.leukemia.org , to Dayspring United Methodist Church, or to the Memorial fund with the ASU Rugby Football Club. Sign the Guest Book at eastvalleytribune.com
This obituary was originally published in the East Valley Tribune.

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Recent Activity

August 28, 2006

Kimberly Dowdy posted to the memorial.

July 29, 2006

Andrew Blount posted to the memorial.

July 28, 2006

Rod & Cathy Cope posted to the memorial.

24 Entries

Kimberly Dowdy

August 28, 2006

To Doug's family,

I am so glad that I was able to know Doug and spend 5 years lifeguarding with him in Tempe. He was always so much fun to be around. We had a prank war one summer and he completely disassembled my locker before I got to work the next morning. He was definitely in our prayers during his battle with cancer and now we can be comforted knowing that he is in Heaven. Sympathies go out to your family. - Kim Dowdy

Andrew Blount

July 29, 2006

Doug was one of the most optimistic and positive individuals I have ever known. Even during the hard times he was movitvated toward the best possible outcome. I knew Doug in marching band at Corona and in the business school and business student council at ASU, and he was always a great colleague and friend. I will especially miss his laugh and quick wit. Thanks for all the good times, Doug.

Rod & Cathy Cope

July 28, 2006

Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We have often thought of you over the years and are very sorry to hear of your loss.

Marsha Riddle

July 27, 2006

Dear Eckhardt family,

We are so sorry for the loss of Doug. I had him in Sunday School in the 5th grade and what a delight he was. I am sure he grew into a great young man. Our prayers are with you. He will be forever in your heart.

Sincerely, Glenn & Marsha Riddle

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Phil & Betty VanSwol

July 27, 2006

Dear friends,

Our hearts break for you over the loss of your precious son and brother, Doug. Memories flood back of that beautiful newborn baby, adorable little toddler who then became an outstanding young man. Our hearts are heavy and hurt for you. Please know you're in our thoughts and prayers. We pray that someday the pain and loss you now feel will be replaced with only beautiful memories. May God's love and the love of family and friends bring you comfort.

Dee (VanSwol) Mohn

July 27, 2006

Terry & Karen, I just heard about Doug's passing today from my mom and I was very sorry about your loss. Doug was just a little boy when I was still in Gibson but I certainly remember seeing him at the pool and the park ALWAYS smiling! Please know that my thoughts & prayers are with you right now.

Gary Pierce

July 26, 2006

Though I do not know the family, I send my deepest sympathy. I too spent my early life in Gibson City, Il after being born in Urbana (Champaign). Having four sons of my own, one Dougs age, gives me pause as I contemplate how I would deal with what you are going through.

Best Wishes to your entire family as you work through this time.

Shelly Threlkeld Hughes

July 26, 2006

Terry, Karen, and Steve-

My family and I have spent the day reminiscing about the special times we shared with your family in Gibson City. Our Christmas parties, especially, are such a wonderful memory for me! Doug was such a cute little boy, and it certainly appears he turned out to be an incredible man. I feel such a sense of sadness for your loss. I will be thinking of you and keeping you in my prayers!

JUDY ECKHOFF

July 26, 2006

Terry, Karen, Steve and families,

Our sincere sympathy to you during this difficult time. I was shocked and saddened to hear just today about Doug's illness and passing.

Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Special memories come to mind of Doug as a little guy in Gibson City at daycare, church and preschool. He accomplished much in his life. How proud you must be. His presence has surely made a difference in the lives of those he touched. May God give you strength and courage to deal with the loss of your precious, Doug.

Mary Barnett

July 26, 2006

To the Eckhardt family:

Though being a neighbor of yours was only for a short time, what a pleasure it was knowing both your boys when they were young. Always so well mannered and willing to tolerate what the "girl" neighbors put them through. I treasure my memories of Anderson Springs and I will always envision your boys tossing a basketball around. I'm deeply sorry about Doug. His illness and death break my heart.

Sincerely,

Mary Barnett

Connie/Dave Threlkeld

July 26, 2006

To all of Doug's family. It has been twenty years since we have seen you dear people. Today we just heard about Doug. I know what a joy and blessing he has always been, stopping in the day you brought that beautiful baby home. So many memories, so long ago and they are all beautiful ones. Our hearts reach out to you all. Love, Dave and Connie Threlkeld and family

Angela Maxey - Karduck

July 26, 2006

To Doug's family,

I am very sorry to hear about the passing of young Doug. I used to babysit for the boys back in Gibson City and they were both tons of fun and full of energy!! May you find comfort in your memories and God bless.

Matt Brill

July 26, 2006

Doug was a fantastic person with a huge heart. He always thought of others before himself. I will greatly miss him and my heart and thoughts go out to his family.

Heather Lawson

July 26, 2006

Mr. & Mrs. Gonzalez,

I did not have the pleasure of knowing your son but I was deeply saddened to hear of your loss. You both were very special to me and I was heart broken to hear of your son's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

July 25, 2006

Karen and Family-

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Love,

Karen Percy(former Erie Teacher)

Scott & Lori Reed

July 25, 2006

Karen and Phil would always tell us how proud they were of Doug and everything going on in his life. He will be missed by the many people he touched.

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

July 25, 2006

DOUG, IT WAS A PLEASURE HAVING YOU APART OF OUR FAMILY AT BANNER DESERT HOSPITAL. WE LOVE AND MISS YOU, THOUGH WE KNOW YOU ARE WATCHING DOWN FROM ABOVE. TO THE ECKHARDT FAMILY, THANK YOU TOO FOR LETTING US BE APART OF YOUR LIVES. DOUG WILL FOREVER BE IN OUR MEMORIES AS WELL AS YOU. MAY GOD SEE YOU THROUGH THIS DIFFICULT TIME. WE LOVE YOU ALL. SINCERELY, 3A ONCOLOGY AT BANNER DESERT.

Rick-Jeannie Rivard

July 25, 2006

Our prayers have been with you and Doug during this painful period. Our joy will be that we shall all meet again "On the Other Side."

God Bless....Prayers....Rick and Jeannie Rivard....

Helen Rubio

July 25, 2006

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

amy binegar

July 25, 2006

I'm going to miss you so much!

Rodney Muehlfeld & Dennis Taylor

July 25, 2006

We're very sad for your loss. It's such a tragedy for a life to be cut so short. Doug touched many lives and will live on in memory. He suffers no more. May God bless and comfort you.

Cyndee Frauen

July 25, 2006

Your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Lyn Willinger (Muehlfeld)

July 25, 2006

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Linda Goltz

July 25, 2006

Dear friends: We are so sorry to hear about Doug. What a blessing he was to you and to many others during his time on earth. We will always remember him for his exuberance and fun-filled spirit. May you be comforted by God through family, friends, and wonderful memories. Bless you all. Linda and Lyle Goltz (and of course, Grant and Megan)

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