Sgt. Eric John Autio

Sgt. Eric John Autio, born Oct. 27, 1983, passed away April 12, 2009. Eric spent eight years serving his country in the United States Army, which was a career choice he made at a young age. Eric was a soldier in the 82nd Airborne Division and was recently assigned to 8-1 Calvary Squadron, stationed at Fort Lewis preparing for his 3rd overseas deployment. The first two deployments were in Iraq and this upcoming deployment was to Afghanistan. Eric was an outstanding NCO that ensured his soldiers were well trained and spoke in the highest regards of his superiors. Bottom Line: He was a great soldier.

Eric will continue to be the shining light in our family. In 25 years, he was never happier than he was these last few months while spending time with his new wife and beginning to build their life together. He was a man of honor and our family’s own personal hero. He was hilariously funny, wonderfully charming and a gentleman of the highest caliber. Eric could meet a person and instantly accept them in his heart. He loved animals, specifically dogs. Eric rests with some and waits in peace for others to follow.

Eric is survived by his wife, Jackie Autio; his parents, Ric and Karen Autio of Oak Harbor, and Richard and Connie Glenn; his in-laws Robert and Shiela Bennett; his sisters, Romy Rogers and Sydney Autio; his brothers, James and Joseph Glenn, Shawn Rogers, and numerous soldier brothers; his niece/goddaughter, Isabelle Rogers; niece Paige Rogers; grandfather, Gordon Svien; grandmother, Violet Marshall; a very large, loving family; and countless friends, many of whom the family was not even aware of.

A memorial fund at Bank of America has been set up by Richard Autio for Eric and his deploying unit.