Eric L. Vogt

1942 - 2015

Eric L. Vogt

Eric L. Vogt, 72, of Palm Desert, CA passed away on July 2, 2015 in Palm Desert, CA surrounded by his family. Eric had been a 14 year survivor of multiple myeloma and colon cancer. Eric was born October 26, 1942 and he was married to Bonnie Vogt for 49 years. They resided in Palm Desert since moving to the Coachella Valley in 1980. Eric is survived by his wife, Bonnie Vogt, son Michael Vogt and his wife Pamela Vogt, son Eric Vogt II and his wife Karen Vogt. Eric is survived by his six grandchildren, the joys of his life, Haley Vogt, Hannah Vogt, Kierstin Vogt, Annika Vogt, Eric Vogt III, and Caitlyn Vogt. He is also survived by his brothers, Roger Vogt and his wife Julie, Carl Vogt and his wife Betty, sisters Susan Toutousavus and her husband John, and Pixie Semple and her husband, Joel. Eric Vogt retired in 1996 as a State Forest Ranger III for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) and as the Deputy Fire Chief for the Riverside County Fire Department. Eric began his career with CAL FIRE in the summer of 1961 as a fireman in San Diego County. After serving in the US Army from 1964 to 1966 he returned to his fire service career. In 1980 Eric promoted to Battalion Chief and served as the Fire Marshal for the Cove Communities of Palm Desert, Indian Wells and Rancho Mirage. In 1984 Eric promoted to Division Chief supervising the Riverside County Fire Department's eastern division from Cabazon to Blythe. Eric promoted to Deputy Chief in 1990 and was responsible for fire department operations throughout the eastern half of Riverside County. After retirement, Eric taught fire technology courses at College of the Desert and served for several years as the Fire Technology Coordinator in the Public Safety Department at COD. Eric also worked for his friends Michelle and Jay Sadler (Michelle's Fire Services) as the driver and operator of GIS and Medical units at large wildfire base camps. Later in life, Eric continued to serve others by working as an independent computer consultant. Eric offered to help anyone who was having hardware or software difficulties in person or over the phone. Often times Eric refused payment and suggested donations to the Palm Desert Historical Society if customers insisted. Most of Eric's computer clients were more friends than customers because that is how he treated everyone. At the time of his passing, Eric served the City of Palm Desert as a member of the Building Board of Appeals. Eric was a member of the Palms to Pines Rotary Club for many years and he was a strong supporter of the Palm Desert Historical Society. Eric was a member of several multiple myeloma support groups, both locally and on line. Eric's optimism and wealth of information was a great comfort to those learning about their diagnosis. The Vogt family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Davood Vafai and his staff for their many years of compassionate and professional care. Eric's priorities in life were his family, friends, and work. Eric had a natural gift for working on anything mechanical. A memorial reception will be held on August 22, 2015 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at Cornerstone Covenant Church located at 73605 Dinah Shore Drive, Suite 100 in Palm Desert.

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