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Erik Sowden Obituary
Northborough - Erik J. Sowden passed away at home on October 13, 2016 after a heroin overdose. Erik's family wishes that this will bring awareness to everyone in hopes of preventing the heartache that they are now experiencing. He leaves behind his parents, "EJ" and Kathy Sowden; his brother, Justin Sowden, his paternal grandmother, Linda Sowden all of Northborough; his maternal grandparents, Ken and Erma Tomcheck of Oxnard, CA; aunts and uncles, Jen Rizzi of Bellingham; Rob and Angie Sowden of Shrewsbury; Don & Debbie Sowden of Hampton, VA; Scott & Sue Sowden of Northborough; Keith & Denise Sowden of Hudson; Bruce & Sue Holler of Ventura, CA; Sally Woods of Van Dyne, WS; several cousins. Born in Ventura, CA, Erik was a lifelong resident of Northborough. He graduated from the metal fabrication program at Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School, class of 2010. Erik was employed as a welder for the past 10 years at Jakeweld in Northborough.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 19, 2016 from 5-8 p.m. in Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main St. Northborough. Burial will take place privately. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Erik's name may be made to your local Lions Club or Mass. Lions Eye Research Fund (www.masslionseyeresearchfund.org). To share a memory or to leave an online condolence, please visit Erik's Book of Memories at www.haysfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Erik Sowden
Neil Cusella
October 21, 2016
So sorry for your loss, I grew up with Erik, in northborough, he was a good kid. RIP
October 20, 2016
I am so sorry for your loss. Erik and I went to middle school together- I have very specific memories of him in our art classes. He was so talented. I always remembered him as caring and genuine and will always continue to do so.
With love,
and old friend of Erik's.
A Mom
October 20, 2016
Sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Steven & Gail Martel
October 19, 2016
Sorry for your loss Our hearts go out to you I know how it feels with that burden may he soar with the Angels in heaven
Gregg and Lucia Jamieson
October 19, 2016
Dear E J, Kathy and family may Jehova, be with you and your family at this time of sorrow.
Ellen and Carolyn
October 18, 2016
There are no words we can say to make this better, so please just know our hearts and prayers are with you both.
May Jehovah give you the strength to endure until the day you will and your beautiful son will meet again in Paradise.
Mike T
October 18, 2016
SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS EJ and KATHY.....I was a former neighbor of yours over there on King Street....
Elaine Andrews
October 18, 2016
Dear Kathy & EJ. We have made a contribution to the Lions Club Eye Research Fund, in Erik's name. Thinking of you. Love Elaine, Chris, Ian, and Catie
Jill Laganas
October 18, 2016
I know your pain. My son died on October from a heroin OD. May you get the strength to get through the next few days.
May his memory be eternal
Colette Richard Bishop
October 17, 2016
I am sorry for your loss.
October 17, 2016
What great courage it took for Erik's family to put his cause of death in the paper. So many people hide this type of death when in fact it does open eyes to young people. My grandson lost a best friend to an overdose and it changed his life. He turned it over to Jesus and never did drugs again. Thank you for your courage. Residents of Missouri xoxo
October 17, 2016
Sorry for your loss.
A Friend
October 17, 2016
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. God is with you, He feels your pain. May you feel His loving presence more in the coming days as you walk together through this time of great sorrow. May Erik rest in His arms.
Angela Bentle
October 16, 2016
Kathy and family, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. May you find peace and comfort during this difficult time. You will be in my prayers. May your son RIP.
A Mom & Grandmother
October 16, 2016
I am so sorry for your loss, no parent should ever bury their child..unfortunately this disease took him from you. R.I.P Eric
Lynn Desposito
October 16, 2016
I am so very sorry for your family's loss ..this is a terrible disease my heart aches for you all ..Godbless you all peace and prayers in the days ahead I hope you find strength to get you through ...thinking of you all with sincere sympathy ..the Desposito family
October 16, 2016
I am so sorry for your entire family.. God Bless Erik and you all !
Wishing your family the very best..
Jean from Vermont..xxoo
Dana O'Connor
October 16, 2016
Dear Kathy, I am beyond sorry for your family's loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers and we know Erik is at peace and that there is a resurrection. Much love, Dana O'Connor & Family
October 16, 2016
God Bless this family in their time of sorrow & in the days ahead. A Mother who knows your pain.
Mother
October 16, 2016
EJ and Family:
My heartfelt condolences on your very difficult loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. You have helped many people who are going through turmoil in their lives with your efforts with the Lions. God will remember those good deeds you have done and he will give you the strength to persevere beyond this tragedy.
Tim Mara,
President Barre Lions
Maureen Labrecque
October 16, 2016
So sad to here of your sons passing...I have never met Erik or any of his family...I am sure he was a loving and wonderful person...This epidemic is very sad...May your son RIP~~~
October 16, 2016
E.J. and Family:
My thoughts and prayers are with you through this tragic time. You have helped many people in need during your years with the Lions so I am sure God will help all of you to get through this horrible experience.
Tim Mara
President Barre Lions Club
A mom
October 16, 2016
May you find comfort knowing your son Erik is at peace and finally free of this demon. Hopefully your courage to share your pain will help others.
Worcester resident
October 16, 2016
I admire and appreciate your courage and openness in your time of grief and tragic loss. Hopefully, your selfless caring for others will save some other family/ies the pain that you are experiencing. God bless all who are left to grieve Erik.
A mom
October 15, 2016
So sorry your son was lost to this horrible disease. Wishing you peace and strength.
A mom
October 15, 2016
So sorry to read of the loss of your son. May he finally find peace and may you gather the strength and peace in the days ahead. This terrible addiction has touched many of us. My heart aches for your beautiful boy and your family.
October 15, 2016
Erik -- your family, your friends, and neighbors will miss you. But you will dwell in their hearts forever. With sympathies to the family. Love from Elaine Andrews, Ian, Catie, and Chris Honeyman.
John Brigham
October 15, 2016
EJ and family....I can't tell you how sorry I am to have seen this notice....I hope that you find some Peace and way to get through this very tough time...Prayers for you all.
Tara Flynn
October 15, 2016
RIP sweet boy.
Tina Maldonado
October 15, 2016
As a Mother of two Daughters my heart is breaking for your family right now. I never had the pleasure of meeting your son Erik, but I'm sure he was a loving young man! I'm so deeply sorry that this evilness has now effected your family forever, but I thank you for raising awareness that this epidemic is everywhere and unfortunately happening in all the best of families in children whom you'd never expect. May your son finally be at peace.
Every Parent ~
October 15, 2016
While the loss of a loved one is never easy, even when anticipated, it is most certainly the hardest when they are taken from us too soon. Your recent loss of your beloved Erik whose tragic death at such a youthful age is definitely in the category of those hard losses.
We ask for God's blessings on your family. May you find the courage and strength to move forward in peace and confidence by remembering you do not walk alone.
In deepest sympathy.
Lorraine Antrobus
October 14, 2016
Words cannot express the sorrow I feel. I remember when he was born what a joy he brought. My heart is with you and I pray for the Lord to bring you peace with the knowledge that he has Erik in his hands.
Lisa dumais
October 14, 2016
Kathy and family, I am so sorry for your loss.
Donna Muller. District 33k
October 14, 2016
Ej, Kathy and family..my thoughts and prayers are with you at such a tragic time..Rest Easy Erik.. gone too soon fly with the Angels.
October 14, 2016
May you rest and suffer no more.
Shine bright.
-addiction nurse
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