Eric Dean Blackwell

DEAR KIM

ERIC WAS A FRIEND OF MINE DURING MY ARMY DAYS.  WE WERE STATIONED AT PEDON BARACKS IN GERMANY IN 1988 TO ABOUT 1991 WHEN ERIC LEFT TO RETURN TO THE STATES AFTER HIS TIME WAS UP IN THE ARMY.  HE GAVE ME A CD AT THE TIME OF HIS DEPARTURE FROM GERMANY, IT HAS HIS INITIALS EDB ON IT AND HE TOLD ME THAT SOMEDAY I COULD GIVE IT BACK TO HIM AFTER I GOT BACK FROM THE GULF CONFLICT THAT WAS JUST STARTING AS HE WAS LEAVING THE SERVICE.  I STAYED IN FOR ANOTHER 2 YEARS AND LEFT THE SERVICE IN 1992.  I CONTACTED ERIC  ONCE RIGHT AFTER I GOT OUT OF SAUDI ARABIA TO LET HIM KNOW WHAT WAS GOING ON AND UPDATE HIM ON EVERYTHING.  I LOST CONTACT WITH HIM AFTERWARDS AND PROCEEDED TO LIVE MY LIFE.  I NEVER FORGOT MY FRIEND AND ALWAYS THOUGHT THAT THERE WOULD BE TIME TO RECONNECT WITH OLD FRIENDS.  I AM HOLDING THE CD THAT HE GAVE ME BACK IN 1991, THE ERYTHMICS,  AND I THOUGHT TO LOOK HIM UP...ONLY TO FIND HIS MEMORIAL!  I AM THE WORST FRIEND EVER FOR NOT CONTACTING HIM SOONER!  I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR OF HIS DEATH AND TO LEARN OF IT ALMOST A DECADE LATER!  I KNEW MIKE LAFFERTY AND ROD MERFELD AT PEDON BARRACKS AND THEY BOTH WROTE CONDOLENCES OVER 7 YEARS AGO.  I AM SORRY TO HEAR OF ERIC'S DEATH, HE WAS A GREAT GUY AND MY FRIEND!

SADLY

MICHAEL D. PACKARD

 

 

WHEN A LOVED ONE DIES

Have you lost a loved one in death? The pain, the grief, and the feelings of helplessness can seem unbearable. At such times, we need to go to God’s Word for comfort. (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4) The Bible helps us to understand how Jehovah and Jesus feel about death. Jesus, who perfectly reflected his Father, knew the pain of losing someone in death. (John 14:9) When he was in Jerusalem, Jesus used to visit Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha, who lived in the nearby town of Bethany. They became close friends. The Bible says: “Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.” (John 11:5) Though, Lazarus died.  How did Jesus feel about losing his friend? The account tells us that Jesus joined Lazarus’ relatives and friends as they grieved over this loss. Seeing them, Jesus was deeply moved. He “groaned in the spirit and became troubled.” Then, the account says, “Jesus gave way to tears.” (John 11:33, 35) Did Jesus’ grief mean that he had no hope? Not at all. In fact, Jesus knew that something wonderful was about to happen. (John 11:3, 4) Still, he felt the pain and sorrow that death brings.  In a way, Jesus’ grief is encouraging to us. It teaches us that Jesus and his Father, Jehovah, hate death. But Jehovah God is able to fight and overcome that enemy! Let us see what God enabled Jesus to do.

For more reference about this wonderful hope you can visit www.watchtower.org 

Kim, and Eric's family;  I just stumbled across this memorial by accident after checking old friends names on line.  I was a friend of Eric's when he lived in Fairbanks and Anchorage.  I was one of the guys that helped him work on the scout.   I am the guy in the black leather jacket in slide #26.  I was shocked to my core when I found out about what happened.  When I knew Eric he was one of the most "stand up" guys I have ever known.  While I have never met you, He spoke of you.  It really is true that the world is a lesser place without him in it.  I am so sorry for your loss.  Thank You for putting up such a wonderful site.

I met Todd while serving overseas and having the pleasure of being his section chief. We had some good times in the field and personal time. Todd was always eager to learn new things about his job and other duties. He was always good natured and was a outstanding soldier. To hear this news is very upsetting. His lost is deeply felt and he will be missed. To you and your family, please accept my sincerest condolences. Tony J. Boone U.S. Army Retired

I didn't get to serve with Eric very long, but I liked him,respected him and learned very much from him in the short time before he separated from the Army. He was a damn good Soldier. He taught me to be proud of 3rd Ammo. I spent a lot of time in his room watching movies and learning to spit shine my boots. I am very saddened to hear of his passing. Please accept my sincerest condolences. Rod Merfeld (Merf)

Mrs. Blackwell,

  It is with great sadness that I learned of Eric's death. Please accept my deepest and sincerest condolences. He and I not only served together in 3rd Ammo, Charlie Battery, 4/27 at Peden Barracks in Germany, but we were roommates and good friends as well. I have many fond memories of the days when Eric was a part of my life. Eric, Doug Havemann and I were quit the trio. 

 

 

With a heavy heart,

Mike Lafferty

 

Kim,

 

I am so very sorry for your loss. While I do not know you, I served in 4/27 with Eric in Germany. He was a great friend and someone I enjoyed spending time with. I sent the link from this site to another friend of Eric's that lives here in San Antonio, Texas. Mike Lafferty was in C btry with Eric. Eric, Mike, and I spent a lot of time together in Europe. I will search through my pictures and see if I have any with Eric in them. Again, I am so sorry for your loss.

 

Sincerely,

Doug Havemann

Kim,

I stumbled upon this memorial by accident while searching for an old school friend with the same name.  I knew instantly that this was not him but I looked at all the pictures, read everything here and want you to know that through this wonderful site I got a glimpse of your Eric that I regretfully never got to know.

It may be strange but I had to comment and tell you how sorry I am for your loss. 



 

Kim,

 

You may not know me, but Eric and I were very close friends while stationed in Wertheim, Germany.  I'm truly sorry for your loss.  You have given the world a place to know Eric by giving him this tribute.  Not only the world, but I get to see and read about the young man that I once led and see how much he was changing the world.  Thank you for giving that to us.

  Kim, I'm Glad I Finally Found Your Memorial To Eric, Don't Know What Took Long..........I'm Sure You Know Who I Am.....I Am So Sorry About Eric. He Was The Perfect Match For You. And I Know You'll Never Get Over Him. I Know I Worked With You Guys A Long Long Time Ago But I Still Remember You And I Do Remember Eric Too, One Memory I Have Of Him (Of Many At Work) Is When He Came Up To Me At My House On His Graduation Night And Ask Me To Help Him Buy Beer....I Tought that Was Cool, Only One Problem, I Was 1 Month Shy From Being  20 But I Still Believe I Found Him Something To Drink.....

  He Will Be Missed By Many And Especially By You. Even Though I Don't Work With You Anymore, I Still Remember You And As Long I Remeber You I Will Remember Eric.......God Bless You Kim.....Stay Strong For Eric..........