It is by what you do that you communicate to others that you are deeply involved in their well being.
Ashley MontaguThis memorial website was created to honor Eric Dean Blackwell, a great man loved dearly by his family and friends. Eric was born in Upland, California on December 31, 1968 and taken from us on July 26, 2007 at the age of 38.
Eric, Todd, and Glen died in an explosion during a cold flow test for Space Ship II in Mojave, CA. Their families, friends, coworkers, those injured that day, and those that witnessed this tragedy firsthand, are forever changed and will have to learn to live with the pain of losing so much, so suddenly. There's really just no getting over something like this, but its important to take notice and hold of what is still standing in front of you. Not one of these men would want anyone to give up or live life one ounce less than their true potential.
Eric - its hard talking about you (any of you) in past tense, but you were loved and have more friends than you ever realized. You won't be forgotten anytime soon. The most important things in life are love and friendship. You had both.
Heart you forever, Pookie.
Kim
With the encouragement of Tony Walls, Luke Colby, and others Eric was going to start working towards becoming an engineer to compliment his A&P experience. He was really excited about it, which was kind of a big deal because Eric really didn't enjoy going to school.
A scholarship has been set up in Eric's name at Cerro Coso Community College for pre-engineering students with an interest in the aviation or aerospace industry. Students must have a 2.5 GPA or better and attend school 6 units or more. The first award will selected in the spring and go out Fall, 2009. This is a perpetual scholarship, which means it will be around for quite some time. All donations are tax deductible.
- To donate make checks payable to: Cerro Coso Community College Foundation
- In the memo section write: Eric Dean Blackwell Memorial Scholarship
- Mail or bring to:
Cerro Coso Community College
Attn: Joann Handeland, Development Office
3000 College Heights Blvd.
Ridgecrest, CA 93555
Thank you to those that have donated and made this possible. With the help of the Scaled Family Fund and donations made by individuals Eric's scholarship is gaining interest and growing daily.
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There is a book dedicated to Eric, Glen, and Todd called "The Lunar Exploration Scrapbook - A Pictorial History of Lunar Vehicles," by Robert Godwin. It's an interesting book and the dedication was a very touching and thoughtful thing for them to do.
