Patty, Mark, Evan and Katie,
I am deeply saddened to learn of Eric's passing. I remember with great fondness a young man with an extraordinary amount of kindness and wit even to an old man who got him in trouble when sitting behind him in church. My first memory of Eric and Evan was sitting behind your family during a St. Mary's mass and teasing both him and Evan. And, the look Mom Patty gave me and the boys for playing in church was priceless. At that point Judy and I knew we had found some new friends and, unfortunately, some fellow children (they children and me an adult child) with whom to play.
It is difficult to lose a child or anyone you love and words cannot express my sorrow. But, I am a believer that this earth is merely the beginning of our journey as souls in the universe. Somewhere, Eric is playing the room and getting laughs and probably the biggest laughs are coming from his aunt Carolyn.
I have prayed and will continue to pray for Eric's soul and your family the Anderson's have always provided me with wonderful memories and good friendship. I thank God for the opportunity to know Eric during this first part of his journey It has been a pleasure and I suspect the same for many others.

Dennis Burrows

Posted by Dennis Burrows - Florence, SC - Family Friend   December 07, 2016

Dearest Mark, Patty, Evan, and Katie,
I have often spoke of Eric to family, friends, and students whom I tutored over the last several years, and always with great fondness. Of my former St. Mary students, humorous moments with Eric topped the my list.
As you know, Eric did not always appreciate all that he had to complete for Language Arts in my classroom. There was a routine of daily expectations, especially with vocabulary and spelling assignments.
I will never forget the day that Eric informed me that he had complained about what was assigned to do; he was told to "Just play the game, Eric." When he shared that with me, I broke out in laughter. I, too, used that line more than once during the remaining months of his eighth grade year. If he started to complain or question why such and such was expected, with a smile, my response was "Just play the game, Eric."
Sometime in January or February 2004, when Saddam Hussein was captured, he was described as being "disheveled." The first thing Eric said to me the morning after the capture is that he had watched the news and heard that descriptive word. He was amazed that we had just had that vocabulary word the week before. Even more amazing and hilarious was that Eric believed I just made up their weekly vocabulary words.
Eric holds a special place in my heart, always will. God bless him, and God bless his family.

Posted by Anne Holewa - Paw Paw, MI - Teacher   November 29, 2016

Dearest Mark & Patty,

I imagine there is no pain more far reaching and deeper than losing a child. Our hearts ache for you and your family at this most difficult time. We are truly sorry for your loss.

Michael & Karen Millerwise family

Posted by Michael Millerwise - CHANDLER, AZ - Friend   November 28, 2016

Patty and Family,

I just learned of your sons passing today. My prayers are with you during this most difficult time of sorrow and loss. Although I did not know Eric, he seemed to be a very vibrant and loving person. May the Lord keep you all very close to Him and each other as you go through this sad time. Love, Shelly Berg

Posted by Shelly Berg - KALAMAZOO, MI - Friend   November 27, 2016

Dear Mark, Patty, and family,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time of sorrow. May the Lord bless you with comfort and peace as you mourn the loss of your precious son. We fondly remember Sharon's pride and love for her grandchildren.

Posted by Jean Hessler - Rockford, MI - Neighbor   November 27, 2016

We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your son. Please know that we hold your family in our thoughts and prayers. May God surround your family with love and comfort.

Posted by Don and Sue Juzwiak - Kalamazoo, MI - Friend   November 26, 2016

Patty & Family ~

I just learned of the loss of your son, Eric, and I am so very sorry to hear.
Please know that you are all in my thoughts & prayers at this extremely difficult time. May God wrap you in His loving arms, giving you strength, comfort, and peace.

Hugs,
Dee Lapekas

Posted by Dee Lapekas - Kalamazoo, MI - Coworker   November 26, 2016

Patty and Mark- Evan and Katie

From The Pinto Family- Our deepest sympathy on the loss of your amazing son, Eric. At St Marys and St Augustine School the Anderson Family were friends to all and a family filled with love and laughter that took on more than their share of trials with the deepest love and faith. We send our love and prayers to you- Cathy & Matthew- Alex, Matt, Tom and Jack

Posted by Cathy & Matthew Pinto - Kalamazoo, MI - Friend   November 26, 2016

Dear Patty, Mark, Evan and Katie ~

I am shocked and very saddened to hear of Eric's passing. Although it has been many years since we last saw one another, I have so many fond and treasured memories of our friendship and of Eric and Adam being best buddies.

I was not aware of Eric's battle with Lyme Disease and am so very sorry to hear of his suffering. I cannot imagine the pain and sense of loss you feel and I struggle to find words to convey the sympathy I wish to extend to you at this difficult time. May God grant you peace and wrap you in His love now and always.

With much love and sympathy, Sherry (Summerfield) Woodstock

Posted by Sherry Woodstock (formerly Summerfield) - Plainwell, MI - Family   November 25, 2016

Memories of Eric go all the way back to an eight year old who was, even then in second grade, a stand up comedian in the classroom. I loved his sense of humor and his kind heart. I saw Eric grow up to be a wonderful adult. He always had a smile and friendly greeting for me when our paths would occasionally cross. May he rest in peace.

Posted by Dannie Hickson - Kalamazoo, MI - Friend   November 25, 2016

Peace, Love, Strength and Courage. Rest easily my fellow Lymie.

Posted by Susan Ritval - Boston, MA - Acquaintance   November 25, 2016

My daughter is fighting Lyme Disease . Prayers to your family.

Posted by Terri Weidle - Jacksonville, FL   November 24, 2016

Our memory is of Eric, Evan and Katie when they were little. They were neighbors on D Ave. back then. They would always come to Trick or Treat at our house. They were so cute in their costumes. We were so happy to have them come because back then our home was pretty isolated and no children ever came, except our grandchildren. We always looked forward to seeing them. That is a happy memory that we cherish and will always remember. Your kindness was so appreciated.

God bless you now, hold you up and give you the strength and courage you will need in to face the days ahead.

Posted by Al and Bev Pollard - Richland, MI - Family Friend   November 24, 2016

With my heartfelt sympathy in your loss. I'm so sorry.

Posted by Marie Coburn - Galesburg, MI - Acquaintance   November 24, 2016

Patty,

Words cannot express the sorrow I feel for you and your family over this heartbreaking loss. My prayers are with you through this time.

Posted by Beth Yerrick - Otsego, MI - Coworker   November 23, 2016

Patty and Mark I am so sorry my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Posted by Gloria Brizendine - Augusta, MI - Friend   November 23, 2016

Patty, Mark, Evan and Katie,
May you find strength in each other and all those surrounding you as you go through this unimaginable journey together. I hope you can feel the support and love from all your friends who love you and care for you, holding you close in our hearts. Julie

Posted by Julie Turner - Richland, MI - Friend   November 23, 2016

Patty, Mark and family,
John and I are so sorry to hear the sad news about Eric's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during these difficult times.
Cathy and John Duda

Posted by Cathy Duda - South Haven, MI - Family Friend   November 23, 2016

Patti and Mark, Katie and Evan - words cannot express my shock and sorrow at the loss of Eric. He and all of you are in my prayers.

May the angels lead him to paradise.
May the martyrs receive him at his coming.
And lead him to the holy city, Jerusalem.
May the choirs of angels receive him.
And with once poor Lazarus, may he have eternal rest.

May the souls of all the faithful departed, rest in peace.

Your cousin, Fran Cichon

Posted by Fran Cichon - Chicago, IL - Family   November 23, 2016

Mark and Family,

My heart felt condolences on your loss. There are no words to express to you how sorry I am for your tragic loss. My family and I are praying that the Lord shows you mercy and gives you peace in this most difficult time. God Bless you.
Jim Miller

Posted by Jim Miller - Plainwell, MI - Coworker   November 23, 2016

Mark,

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Carol-Lynne

Posted by Carol-Lynne Klein - Coworker   November 23, 2016

I am so sorry to hear about your lost. I am praying for your family. I know that he will be missed. He is in your heart always and remember God will give you strength.

Posted by rida Jones - Kalamazoo, MI - Coworker   November 23, 2016

To Patty and family, I am so sorry for your loss. It is hard to find the words but I know what u all are going through. I just lost my daughter on Nov 5th. We know Eric is in Heaven now with his family and my Molly! I wish they weren't but now they are at peace! Now we need to pray, and celebrate them! With all my love, hug, cry, pray, and take one moment at a time!

Posted by Kelly Matthews - Portage, MI - Friend   November 23, 2016

Eric, you will be forever on my mind.
With so much love and respect, Uncle David.

Posted by David Dembczynski - Chicago, IL   November 23, 2016

I sincere sympathies are extended to your family Patty, Mark, Evan and Katie. I am at loss for words to tell you how my heart feels. I can't imagine what this is like for you and even though I was already praying for your family I send additional prayers at this sad time. Wish I was closer to you, but please know that my thoughts are with you constantly. Ida and Mike

Posted by Ida Brady - Coldwater, MI - Family Friend   November 22, 2016

Thinking of you and your family.

Posted by Janette Hosier - South Haven, MI - Family Friend   November 22, 2016