I learned today of the passing of a wonderful man, Eric Schwartz. Eric was a man who touched so many lives in deep, meaningful, and impactful ways. I had no idea that he was ill, and the news came as a shock.
My heart goes out to all he loved and all who loved him--it is a tremendous loss for so many who knew him as you could always count on Eric for a friendly hello, honest advice, and good conversation.
As I think of Eric, the many stories he told me circle in my mind--stories of his childhood interests, life events, and hopes and dreams for his family. He definitely was the kind of guy people looked up to and out to for advice and leadership. He leaves a legacy of good people, people he lived with and loved, and people with whom he collaborated to impact the world in special ways.
I wish I had the chance to say good-bye, and the opportunity to tell him just how much he meant to so many by way of his generous spirit, time, and contribution to individuals and the community as a whole. In particular, he was always there to give my sons a pat on the back and words of encouragement. He was similarly encouraging to me as a mom and a teacher. I'm sure that many are recognizing that today.
At first, I didn't feel it was my place to name this special individual. In time though, I shared these comments more personally with his wonderful family. Though cliche, it's moments like these that make you want to hold on to the people you love with greater strength, care, and appreciation. Life is so fleeting, and it's best to live it as well as you can like this man did. I'm sure that Eric's family and friends will bring forward his many great gifts and contributions in the days, months, and years ahead as they, like him, are good people who have supported and cared for many in their own lives.
My heart goes out to all he loved and all who loved him--it is a tremendous loss for so many who knew him as you could always count on Eric for a friendly hello, honest advice, and good conversation.
As I think of Eric, the many stories he told me circle in my mind--stories of his childhood interests, life events, and hopes and dreams for his family. He definitely was the kind of guy people looked up to and out to for advice and leadership. He leaves a legacy of good people, people he lived with and loved, and people with whom he collaborated to impact the world in special ways.
I wish I had the chance to say good-bye, and the opportunity to tell him just how much he meant to so many by way of his generous spirit, time, and contribution to individuals and the community as a whole. In particular, he was always there to give my sons a pat on the back and words of encouragement. He was similarly encouraging to me as a mom and a teacher. I'm sure that many are recognizing that today.
At first, I didn't feel it was my place to name this special individual. In time though, I shared these comments more personally with his wonderful family. Though cliche, it's moments like these that make you want to hold on to the people you love with greater strength, care, and appreciation. Life is so fleeting, and it's best to live it as well as you can like this man did. I'm sure that Eric's family and friends will bring forward his many great gifts and contributions in the days, months, and years ahead as they, like him, are good people who have supported and cared for many in their own lives.