Eric Allen Reeder

Erik was our science teacher at Kellogg and always treated my students with disabilities so very well. He included them always and gave them jobs. He was super fun with all of the kids and always welcomed them with laughter and humor. He knew my own son stone and called him “Rock” when he would come volunteer while Elizabeth was Stone’s teacher. My son never minded and laughed. The last time I talked to him at M special, he told me that we never know how much time we have or what can happen to us so we have to live it up and make the most of everyday. I don’t think I ever saw him without a smile on his face come to think of it.

Whenever I showed up to a party, happy hour or event, Eric always seemed ecstatic to see me, greeting me with such genuine warmth, joy and enthusiasm. In reality it was he who was lighting up the room! Eric managed to make everyone feel important, appreciated and welcomed. Such a wonderful, joyous, kind, fun and positive person!

When I think of Eric, the first thing that comes to mind is his great smile—it was truly unforgettable. He and I worked together in Rabat, and I will always remember his kindness, dedication, and sense of humor. I was so happy to see him go on to become a teacher, a role that suited him perfectly. The students who had him as their teacher were truly fortunate. My heart goes out to his wonderful family during this difficult time.

I thought of Eric this weekend when I pulled out this basket of wires in spaghetti mode and thought of how he might organize them. Sometimes there’s random funny thoughts like this that keep him in our hearts and minds.

All our time together on terraces and cruising the Med were my fondest memories of our time together in Morocco. I loved Eric's passion for everything. He took on everything with such gusto and was such an amazing support. I am so sorry for you loss and miss you all!

I came driving home one day to the ranch where Eric and Betty were living and there was Erick up next to old San Marcos Rd. kicking back on a long chair with my nephew Mickey Kitahara. They had a nice chest with some cold beer and they were all set up comfortable as could be sitting up there drinking some brewskis and waving at people when they drove by in their cars I never forgot that. What a cool thing to do

Dear Auntie Ellie & Kyvon,

I am so sorry to hear about Uncle Eric’s passing. My heart goes out to both of you during this difficult time. I’ll always treasure the memories of our time in Batanes, the Uno games, the computer lessons, the picnics, and all the laughter we shared. Uncle Eric’s kindness, warmth, and smile will stay with me forever.

Kyvon, though we’ve never met, I know that your name, derived from "Kayvan", reflects the beautiful friendships and bonds Uncle Eric and Auntie Ellie formed during their time there. Please know you are both in my thoughts, and I’m sending you love and strength.

With love,
Marjorie

Elizabeth & Kyvon,

Alison and I are so sorry to hear of this, and you are in our hearts. When I think of Eric, I think of him flying past me on the soccer pitch. I also think of us jawing, either when on opposing teams or the same team, at the midfield wondering about how people could take soccer so seriously. I got the feeling that Eric thought the beautiful game was simply a fun game that involved movement and conversation. He was kind, funny, and gifted on and off the pitch. We will miss him.

As someone else mentioned, there's a vibe as the memory. Eric was always so laid back, so happy. Even if we knew he was pissed about something, he still always seemed happy. One of my (Sarah's) favorite memories is when the Brasscals were playing at M Special and they started doing the limbo! The bartender came up to the regulars at the brewery and said she'd get a beer for whoever participated and Eric was one of the most exuberant participants!

Sending you love, Elizabeth & Kyvon, during this difficult time.

Oh Beanie you were my favorite smart ass. You were one of a kind and your presence on this earth will be greatly missed. Until we meet again my friend.

Found this picture and wanted to share. Missing my work buddy. Still sending lots of love to the entire Reeder clan.

When I think of Uncle Eric, a specific memory doesn’t arise but rather a certain vibe. The best thing about him was his energy. He was one of the funniest people I ever knew, always cracking jokes and looking for laughs. His vibe brought such joy to every room he walked in. In Tahoe, with him there, our cabin was filled with life, whether he was making puzzles, playing horseshoes, watching football or drinking beer. Playing cards with him on the deck, snowball fights, going sledding down slopes, playing board games and football in the snow, he truly was the fun uncle everyone wishes for. Love you Uncle Eric.

I was Eric’s favorite mother-in-law (and, of course, the only one)! I don’t know why he loved me so much but I’m really grateful. We bonded when I visited them in the Peace Corps and he washed my underwear! He never let me forget it, nor did I want too. Eric, you gave me great joy and you took such great care of my daughter and grandson. You left us way too soon. I am heartbroken.

I so appreciate Eric’s big happy smile and fun stories. He was always amazing on school camping trips, keeping things organized and good food coming off the grill while laughing and talking with everyone around. Eric and Elizabeth are both amazing in their embracing of life and joy. We all lost a bit cheer in losing Eric. 💜

I met Eric through my husband, Tom. From the very start, we connected over our love for travel and camping, swapping stories of adventures filled with laughter and unexpected twists. One of Eric's most endearing qualities was his insistence that I meet Elizabeth. When I finally did, it all made sense.

What I will always remember about Eric is his love for Elizabeth and Kyvon, his students, his intolerance for self-criticism, and his unexpected taste in music.

Elizabeth and Kyvon, you are in our hearts.

Eric was truly the salt of the earth. He was no-nonsense with a sense of humor. He was so genuine, you couldn’t help but know exactly who he was right away and you immediately felt like you’d known him forever. He had a way of just making you feel familiar, comfortable and at ease.

We were always impressed by Eric’s adventurous life. Surfing, dirt bikes, Peace Corps, Morocco and more surfing. We were proud and happy for him as he discovered a new career in which it was clear he found true joy and a sense of purpose.

It was no surprise to us that he was great with kids. We witnessed it firsthand.

One of my favorite memories is of the last camping trip we took with our daughter, Voxie. She was three and a half and her brothers Zildjian and Strummer were five and two. Eric was particularly amused by their antics and insisted on giving them nicknames. Zildjian already went by “Ziggy,” but Strummer he decided would be “Troubie” (shortened from Troubadour, his middle name), and because Voxie had no shame or sense of decorum when it came to eating candy, he dubbed her “Chocolate Face.” He thought it was hilarious and so did she. The nicknames stuck through the whole trip, and I can hear their laughter like it was yesterday.

Eric could find joy in a moment like that and really stretch it out. He could make everyone feel in on the joke. He could make everyone feel welcome and part of the group. He was a wonderful person to have in our lives.

We’ll all miss him.

Elizabeth and Kyvon, David and I are so very heartbroken to learn about Eric. Please know the Terrelll family has you in our hearts and in our prayers. Jordan and I are so grateful we sat with Eric at dinner when we came out to California. He shared with us how you and him meet, and his complete love and admiration for you and Ky. He told us Elizabeth was the strongest person he ever knew. We only saw him every few years at family get togethers… but I always could count on Eric to crack a joke and make me smile. He had an unwavering love of life and his family. Sending you both big hugs until we see you next. ❤️❤️

Elizabeth, my heart goes out to you and Kyvon with the loss of Eric. I can tell he was a wonderful husband, father, and friend who always had a warm smile for everyone. I’m praying for comfort for all of your family. Love, your cousin Marilyn.

Elizabeth, I am so sorry to hear from your mom this morning about the passing of Eric. I think I only met him once at my mother's house when you were there for a Brownlow family reunion. I wished I had known him better. He sounds amazing from all the comments from friends who knew him well. My thoughts are with you and Kyvon through this difficult time.

I was so sorry to learn of your loss. I didn’t know Eric, but I could tell from the lovely comments he was someone I would have enjoyed knowing. Our thoughts are with you.

Elizabeth, I am so sorry to learn of your loss. I didn’t really know Eric but I know that you had a wonderful life together with many adventures and travels. I’m praying for comfort for you and Kyvon.

Eric….neighbor, friend, co-worker……your wonderful energy…your incredible love and respect for Elizabeth and Kyvon…good talks about work family and life. Good beer while talking surf and mountain biking…gone far far too soon…always in our hearts..Tanya and Steve❤️❤️❤️

Oh that smile....radiant, contagious, genuine...Although I did not see Eric too often, from the first time I met him over 25 years ago, to the occasional times I did see him, that grin remained a constant. Even at the end of his life when he had mostly lost his ability to speak, he was STILL smiling...towards Elizabeth, the amazing hospital staff and his loving visitors.
My husband Chris is a bartender and shared a story that when Eric & Elizabeth would sometimes be at The Pickle Room, while they would be patiently waiting to be served, Eric would be energetically waving hello (yup, with a big smile) to Chris, and most endearing, not expecting to be served immediately (as some do when they know a bartender) and Chris would just think, I can't wait to pour THAT guy a drink....:)
A smile says so much, and is so easy to give. Thank you for sharing yours with all of us and reminding us of how important a simple greeting/gesture can be to brighten someone's day.
I know you are at peace now but I also know for sure that wherever you are, you are still sharing that smile with all around you. We will miss you.

Thank you Eric! Thank you for the constant smiles, even when students/parents were difficult, you always had a smile. Thank you for your energy! No matter what was going on at school or in your personal life, you always had energy to keep us going. Thank you for making connections. Students who were never on your caseload keep sharing their memories of you with each other. Thank you (or should I say Elizabeth) for the Almond Roca/any sweets brought to school. You always knew when to bring me a piece. We are sad and we are grieving yet so thankful for being able to call you Friend.

We are so sad to hear of Eric's passing. We knew Eric from all the years Zaiden and Kyvon spent together at GFS. Those were wonderful years and we spent many happy days camping, gardening, working at the school, and getting to know each other's families. Later we would get to see Eric out at live music events in town and it was always fun to catch up with him and Elizabeth. He was always so positive and we'll always remember his great smile and laugh and willingness to have fun!! We'll miss you as you were taken way too soon.

We met Eric 40 years ago when he came to Santa Barbara to attend UCSB right out of high school. He began working at the Country Meat Market, which was owned by my sister’s father-in-law. Although no one knew him as Eric back then, we all called him Beanie. The whole family worked at the Meat Market, including my future and now husband Johnny, and Beanie quickly became part of our family.
He had a profound impact on everyone he met—always so much fun, a little crazy, and full of endless enthusiasm. When he met Betty the four of us shared so many wonderful times over the years. Our two boys, Johnny and Luke, had a blast with him, as he was like an Uncle to them.
We were all thrilled when Beanie and Betty announced they were expecting a baby, Kyvon. We knew they would be amazing parents.
It’s comforting to know that his spirit will live on in the memories of those who loved him and through his son Kyvon and Betty.
Beanie, we will miss that infectious smile, and you will always have a special place in our hearts. May you rest peacefully now, dear friend. Our hearts and love are with you always Betty, Kyvon and family!💕

This darling, golden-haired boy joined the Reeder family when he was just 6 years old. We Triebs and Sandersons instantly enfolded him and found him so loveable and easy to be with. Many fun times ensued together at the cabin as we cousins played charades, did joint work projects, played games and shared Holidays. Eric will be sorely missed, and always cherished. Huge hugs to Elizabeth and Kyvon as they push through life without Eric's sunny disposition at their sides.

Every time I saw you at M Special, you made it a point to come say hi to me and give me a hug. You were the sweetest guy. We will miss you greatly Eric. Don’t worry, we will take care of E for ya!

So many memories have been flashing back to the days when we met Eric and Betty. To us...it was never one without the other.

It all happened on a magical spot in a community on Old San Marcos Rd. We met them with their endless enthusiasm to help us move in on one of the hottest days of the year, Then it became one event after another; crafting, potlucks, games (crochet anyone), drumming circles, having cocktails around the firepit, parties and sharing family and friends. Just to name a few highlights.

Eric was ALWAYS enthusiastic when the rain storms would knock out water lines or someone/something needed assistance. Understandable that the PEACE Corps became a calling.

We try not to have regrets in our life but with the hearing of Eric's passing we do. Gone too soon. RIP

Our hearts and love go out to you ....Betty + Kyvon.

These pictures bring back such fond memories for me. I will always remember Eric as an unbelievably kind, caring and passionate person whose spirit was so uplifting.
We miss you cousin Eric, rest in peace.

Don't quite know where to begin... The memories that keep springing to mind are those where we were both busting up laughing to the point where we couldn’t even talk, whether we were trying to figure out some strange new assessment, rewording some crazy goal, or whatever. It didn't really matter what it was, we were always laughing. Eric had the perfect mix of understanding what this job entails and being just crazy enough to keep doing it. He made such a huge impact on our school, helped me grow as an educator more than he ever realized, and brought such a unique and infectious sense of joy to work every day. I miss that stubborn positive energy of his..

Like everyone else, I wish we had more time, a lot more, but I’m grateful for the countless laughs, for our friendship, and for his unending dedication to our Aliso family and this crazy job we shared.

We miss you, Eric. The next round’s on me. 🍻

We once heard Eric say, "I'd rather be at the kids table." Which made us laugh as well as think, in a positive way, Eric really is just a big kid. His fun loving, positive attitude always made him so much fun to be around. The only two things Eric ever showed discontent for, 1) him being bored and 2) Manchester United losing, especially to Everton (which didn't happen often). His jovial demeanor, sarcastic quips, hugs and smile will be greatly missed. Our heart hurts. We will miss him very much. Our love to his family.

I first met Eric during my first year of teaching, when Elizabeth was my colleague and Kyvon was in my k/1 class. It was a crazy year for me, but Eric would come in for his volunteer time with such a positive attitude and made me feel a little less scared of failing. He could roll with the chaos and made me feel like we were on the same team. I was so happy to hear he found his path in teaching; I’m glad so many kids got to enjoy his leadership and I’m so sad his time here has ended. Much love and big big hugs to E and K.

Eric was full of life and always up for anything. I remember the first time we met. A family vacation to Ashland, Oregon. Who was this guy with my cousin sleeping in a tent in the yard of the house we had rented. My big brother instinct immediately went into action to check him out. That lasted about an hour 😛 Rafting down a river, watching Shakespeare and yes some beers and instantly I approved of Liz’s choice.

I watched them grow together. Facing life as this adventurous team. I watched them marry, create an awesome human (Kyvon) and be there through all of life’s challenges together.

I am hurting because I wanted to see what was next for all of us together. Because he was just damn cool to hangout with. And because I will miss his smile.

I have so many stories I could share but the only thing that matters is how he looked at Liz and Kyvon. His love was boundless! You could see it so easily in his face.

I miss you my brother! Save seat for me at your table. We will be together again one day ❤️

Gosh, work just won’t be the same without my bestie. Eric and I were often cracking jokes, could make faces at each other in meetings communicating a whole sentence in one look, and many times called each other to vent to one another about the day or a situation. What I’ll miss most of all is that big toothy grin at my office door window smiling and coming to check in throughout the day. I used to tell him to just pick up the phone or send an email but then it became the joke that he just always interrupted me and now I wish I could’ve soaked up every minute. We used to bust each other’s chops so much. We had inside jokes of texting only in all caps or I’d make fun of how messy his notes and to-do lists were that he once laminated his messiest page for me to keep (I’ve proudly displayed it on my wall). Eric was a beloved colleague, friend, but most of all, he was cherished at Aliso and Summerland schools. When I’d go out to either school’s playground to look for him when he wasn’t in his office, he was ALWAYS playing with kids, joking around, making everyone feel included, special, and was just so damn jovial. He was the first to help or lend a hand, and with all of his students, he had the biggest heart. The impact of his love and guidance is far-reaching. I’ll miss him dearly. Words can’t express how grateful I am to have got to spend the last two years with him on our team, and to have had him as one of my closest confidants. Sweet Eric, you’ll be in my heart forever and I’ll miss you always. Rest easy, my friend. My deepest and sincerest condolences to his wonderful family. 💙💛

Eric was always fun. He was up for a dinner out, a party (at someone else’s house), a trip, an adventure. I remember making a cardboard kayak with him at West Beach. It was fun and we were competitive. I don’t think we got far, but had a lot of laughs! We had many dinners out, I remember Jil’s for some reason. Rog remembers going with him to the Funk Zone right before he had to take interferon. Eric told him about his experience which made Roger not feel so alone. And who could forget all the crazy Goleta 7 stories that came to fruition on my boat at 4th of July.

I distinctly remember the last time I saw Eric. It was at Old Town Coffee. Joy Stix were playing and he as usual was full of life and humor. Eric made me laugh that night and he was full of love for Elizabeth and pride for Kaivon. Eric loved to tell me how he looked forward to seeing Kaia’s middle school outfit of the day. We would chuckle about that because it was Kaia’s pink, kitty cat era and she took it over the top. Eric is one of those rare people I only have positive memories of. Gone too soon. RIP Eric. My heart goes out to Elizabeth and Kaivon

It was always great hanging out with Eric and listening to his latest stories. Fond memories of chaperoning school campouts in the pouring rain, or randomly running into him and Elizabeth at the beach from time-to-time. He also had some great dance moves!

We'll miss you Bud.

Thinking of Eric as we sit by the water in Aruba and enjoy a beverage. Too bad it’s not a San Miguel from our days in the Philippines, but I thought a Chill represented your spirit well. Cheers to you, and so grateful to have spent those days together-great memories Rest in Peace and carry on! .
🙏❤️

To our beloved cousin Eric - this is by far my most favorite photo of all of us cousins. Sadly, I only have a very old black and white copy that I scanned long ago, so I'm hoping someone else will share the original color photo. This was taken circa 1980 at our beloved family cabin, Pyrabee, in Lake Tahoe. I know it was as special to you as it is to me. Eric, you were someone who could always make me laugh, which I always appreciated because I don't laugh often enough. Your wonderful spirit and generous smile always reminded me to not take myself too seriously. Rest in peace cousin, I love you.

Bless your heart Eric. You were strong stoic…heroic man for your family. I have always admired your zest for life, your push and drive to succeed. I was so impressed when you worked at the restaurant in Santa Barbara and eventually was in charge of the place…event manager, you ran the place. Then off to college to become a popular and beloved teacher. You rock! Rock on Eric! 🩷

Tacos and Tequila

I had a great evening with my cousin brother-in-law (and sister 😉)in July. it was our first hang out as a adults without the kids, and it was great! We laughed and drank margaritas, and ate tacos at the kitchen table. We hit a particularly funny subject on one of my bathroom contractors, and when we were all done cracking up about my naivety, Eric looked at me and said, “I like you!” Then we all laughed again at the fact that we were finally hanging out as people and not parents. It’s such a sweet memory. Elizabeth and I had just really bonded as sisters over that week, and then when Eric came home from camping, we bonded in a new way too. (I felt like I had ANDY written in sharpie on my foot.)
AND Eric and Kyvon didn’t give me any grief about doing a family portrait before I left! Sadly, I have not finished them, but I’m so grateful to have them and will post a crappy screenshot until I get the real deal up.
I can’t express how much that week means to me and I definitely can’t express how sad I am for you (and us) with this ridiculously long and yet very sudden shit storm of loss and grief. Sorry, I just really don’t have a different word. Elizabeth, I sent you that message that “Maybe sometimes swearing helps”. It does for me.
(Also prayer and a little bit of tequila)
I love you sister ❤️

Love, Heidi (and all the Sledges)

Belize Golf Cart Fun
June 2024

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