Our special son Eric passed away on Tuesday, April 18, 2006, at Auburn Regional Hospital after a major struggle for the past five months with pneumonia. His parents, Bruce and Barbara, his guardians Don Pursel and Gregg Walker, and his brothers, Brian and Neil were all with him at the peaceful end. His remains were cremated and interred at the Enumclaw Cemetery. A memorial service was held on Saturday, April 22, at Weeks’ Funeral Home in Buckley.

Eric was born in Seattle on Oct. 30, 1966, with cerebral palsy. He lived the Navy life with us and got lots of special training and care in Oak Harbor. Friends, neighbors, and care givers all fell in love with Eric. Over his 39 years, he touched hundreds of people with his playful personality and winning smile. He was an avid fan of all sports, especially the Mariners, Sonics, and Seahawks. He would cheer for his favorite players and never tired of watching them. We hope he made the team in Heaven and is now running and jumping.

Our family cannot thank Don and Gregg enough for making Eric’s life so wonderful over the past 28 years. Eric was treated like their own son and he couldn’t have been loved more. They took Eric everywhere and they did everything! He loved living in Enumclaw where he had his haircut at Dick’s Barbershop and he loved to eat at the 410 Cafe. He attended Wabash Presbyterian Church and the Mormon Church nearby home. He loved church music and patriotic music. He was especially fond of anything with the American flag on it. His love of all sports drove Don nuts at times, as he was forced to watch five different sports channels on TV. He loved pizza, fish and chips, and his nightly ice cream and cake. Eric had a special relationship with everyone he met and he has left a big hole in our lives.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Seattle Children’s Hospital Foundation, PO Box 50020, Seattle, WA 98145-2020. For those interested, there is a video tribute to Eric on the website www.weeksfuneralhomes.com. Click on obituaries.