Eric Englebert

I grew up with Eric, right next door. My little sister, Rachel, was only a few months older than Eric, so they were friends since they were babies. I never had a little brother, but Eric filled that role nicely. He loved to draw, and so did I, so sometimes when we would play school, I would staple papers together to make books, and our "assignment" was to write stories and illustrate them. I'll also never forget the time he hid behind a bedroom door upstairs in my childhood home, and when I came through the doorway, he jumped out to spook me; startled and without full consciousness, I punched him square in the face. Within seconds, we were both doubled over, laughing hysterically!!!!

While it was harder to stay in touch when I went away for college and started my adult life, we had reconnected in the last five years or so when he and my sister rekindled their childhood friendship. Seeing my sister with her best buddy again as an adult was so rewarding, and it was really cool to get to know Eric as an adult. He was such a goofy, fun-loving kid, and he had maintained that into his adult hood. He was truly one of the most nonjudgemental, open-minded and genuine people I knew. I can hear his laugh still, and I can picture him scrolling through photos of his fur babies on his phone, showing us the best pictures like a proud, proud dad. I'm not sure I'll ever really understand why he had to leave this world so soon, but even in this confusion and pain, I am so glad I had a chance to know him and experience his light. His passing has made the following quote a little too true: "How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard." -AA Milne, The Complete Tales of Winnie-the-Pooh

My heart goes out to Eric's family. What a tragic loss. I knew of Eric as Jamie's best friend. He meant the world to her and they had the best adventures. Jamie gained so much from Eric's friendship; her self-confidence and contentment grew noticeable under his influence. Jamie often talks about the years they were roommates being some of the best times of her life. She learned from him, laughed with him, enjoyed unconditional support and friendship, and became an even better Jamie. I am certain a man like that impacted all the lives he touched and so many people are suffering this loss; but please also celebrate all the beautiful things he left in his wake. My heart is with all of you.