It's hard for me to even put into words the sadness I have been feeling the last several hours since I have learned of Eric's passing.

Sadness is not something new for me or other members of the club as we have lost a LOT of great people over the past several years. The passing of people like Greg Susong and Brian Cashman really hit me hard. But with Eric it's a little different as I would consider Eric one of my closest friends in the club.

Over the past 10 years I have probably spent more time with Eric than any other person at the convention.

The Steak Dinners at Circus Circus.
The many, many Mexican dinners at the South Point that Eric could eat 7 days a week.
Every morning at the bar having Bloody Mary's and playing VP before the day began.
The trips to Casa Fuente, his favorite Cigar Shop.
The endless discussions at the Splashbar while we both enjoyed our cigars.

These are among the many things I will miss about Eric.

It saddens me deeply to think of our last conversations where Eric shared with me his plans of retirement, his excitement about his sons engagement and so many other new experiences headed his way. Eric told me he was really starting to enjoy life and had been pain free since his surgery.

We spoke of so many things and thinking of those moments bring tears to my eyes. I can't even imagine the sadness Gale and his family feel.

Now some may be surprised by my post as to be honest, Eric could be be a very abrasive person at times. Those that know him the best know exactly what I mean.

However the Eric I knew would give you the shirt off his back if he thought you needed it and was the best of friends to those that really knew him.

This next convention is really going to be a hard one for me and I am sure many others.

Rest In Peace my friend,

Doug