Eric John Rystad

Sadly, the family of Eric John Rystad must share his sudden passing on August 28, 2025. Eric was born in Anacortes, WA to Mary and Curtis Rystad on September 7, 1961. Eric is survived by his wife Stacey; his children Spencer, Quinn and his wife Christina and Claire; and his sister Regina and her husband Josh. He is also mourned by his sister Kyle and her husband Sam along with their daughters Afton, Jensen and Emerson. He was preceded in death by his brothers Stephen and Christopher, his father Curtis, and his mother Mary.

Eric grew up in Fresno, CA where he excelled in swimming and water polo, earning All-American honors at Roosevelt High School. He continued his academic and swimming career at Modesto Junior College before transferring to Fresno State University. There he earned a B.S. in Business Administration while leading the swimming team to school records in freestyle events for both individual and relay. He remained at Fresno State for two years after graduation as an assistant coach for the swim team.

After college, Eric and his future wife Stacey moved to Long Beach, CA where they lived and worked before returning to Fresno. The couple married on October 17, 1992 and raised their three children in Fresno, where Eric worked at Community Regional Medical Centers for 30 years as a Network and Telecommunications Engineer, eventually becoming manager.

Eric's greatest joy in life was being a father. He was extremely involved in his children's lives, including coaching basketball and soccer, and even taking an active role in his daughter's theatrical pursuits. He also loved his animals and enjoyed spending time with his extended family and friends.

Eric loved sports, had a gift with numbers, always had a witty comment or joke, and had the biggest heart and warmest smile. Everyone who met him loved him. He was as genuine as they came and he will be deeply missed.