Erik Marc Daly
December 28, 1975 - December 5, 2008

"Dear Daly Family,I apologize for this late tribute...but today, a friend asked if I knew of a good Veterinarian for their dog. I immediately thought of Dr. Daly but I was not sure if he still worked at Riverside Animal Hospital. After a Google search of his name I found out about his death. Erik helped my red Doberman Rachel pass over the Rainbow Bridge on March 17, 2005 after her long battle with bladder cancer. Erik's compassion and expertise helped make Rachel's last months the best they could be. It was so apparent he LOVED to heal and never stopped caring when the healing was no longer possible. Even though I hadn't seen Dr. Daly in over 10 years, I still remember his compassion and caring like it was yesterday. Losing my Rachel was like losing a family member, but I cannot even imagine the loss you and your family have experienced. Godspeed.Traceylee Colvin"

"My loving husband. It was eight years ago today that you walked into my life and asked me to dance. Unfortunately, the music stopped to soon, but there isn't a moment that goes by, that I don't think of you. You made our children and I, the people that we are today. I think of all the things we did together and regret that you are not here to share in those moments anymore. I can't think of a single time that you didn't have a huge grin on your face or a glint in your eye. You were always trying to help those around you, whether they were children, people, or animals. On our anniversery, please know that a day doesn't pass when I'm not loving you and feeling very lucky that I had your love in return. Instead of feeling sad, I will try to honor your thoughts and beliefs so that you can live on."

"To the family and friends of Erik, We are deeply saddened to hear about the loss of Erik. We had the pleasure of working with Erik during his veterinary internship at Pittsford Animal Hospital in 2001. Even though we have worked with hundreds of veterinary interns, there are only a very few that you really remember. Erik was one of those people. He had such a vibrant personality, he had a presence whenever he entered the room. He had such a hilarious sense of humor yet he was able to be professional and compassionate when the situation required it. We have so many wonderful memories of Erik, they are too numerous to mention here. We are sorry for your loss and will remember him in our hearts."

"i never knew eric except for what his stepdaughter kerina told me about him. From what she told me i can tell that he was a very amazing and wonderful man. He will be missed by all."

"Erik was an amazing person. I worked with his at Mass-RI. He came to talk to my prevet club at RWU and honestly was one of my favorite doctors to work with. He always talked about his new baby daughter, and accompanied it with many pictures. He would have been a great dad. I am so sorry about your loss. I know he has touched many hearts."

"Erik was my internmate in Rochester, NY. I remember best his loyalty, sense of teamwork, and how he made us laugh. He taught me to appreciate cannoli. He will be missed and my condolences go to his family during this time."

"I was an intern in Rochester NY with Erik the year after we all graduated from Vet School. He was absolutely a ball of energy, and he worked hard at everything he did. He was truly concerned about the people around him and the animals he treated. I never heard him speak ill of a single soul despite many grueling late night hours under a lot of stress. He was a credit to the profession, and I wish I had gotten to know him better when I had the chance. I remember his charity to people around him, and his enthusiasm towards life in general. May God bless his wife and children and protect them. My deepest sympathies to the entire Daly family"

"A Eulogy for, and a celebration of the life of, my beloved son, Erik Marc Daly, on the sad occasion of his death on 05 December 2008. It is comforting to see how many people Erik touched in this life. Erik was a wonderful son, friend, husband, and father. Your presence here today bears testimony to his warmth and to his humanity. Several decades ago, Aldo Leonard wrote a book called The Sand County Almanac. One chapter tells of a large oak tree, felled by lightning, which Mr. Leonard decided God meant him to harvest to warm his home. As he cut the fallen tree, Leonard noted how each growth ring signified a year, and a story, from the treeâ??s history. The tree becomes a trip through time, first, backwards, as the blade approaches the treeâ??s center, and then forward, until the blade passes through the final outer ring at the bottom of the log, returning us to the present. As I searched for appropriate words with which to say farewell to my beloved son Erik, the thought occurred to me I might employ Erikâ??s love of life and laughter, together with Mr. Leonardâ??s technique, to share with you a letter. Dear Erik, It is difficult, Son, to understand how it can be that your are gone from this life, while our thoughts hold so many memories of the things you did â?¦ and were â?¦ and still are, in the hearts of all your loved ones. Your wife, Kathy told me, not long ago, how your heroic quest to help Godâ??s creatures caused you to wake her, very early one morning, to announce a medical breakthrough â?¦ after which you raced downstairs to get to work. I am SURE, despite the fact it was the middle of the night, on a work day, Kathy was delighted you would wake her to share such glorious news. I remember a few Octobers ago, when you were admitted to the Lake Winnipesauke Society for the Golfing Impaired, and how it took Bob Lamb and me â?¦ TOGETHER â?¦ to throw you into the icy lake so you could, like all of us, be properly â?¦ and "hypothermic-ly" â?¦ initiated into that august body. In 2000, when you graduated from the University of Floridaâ??s College of Veterinary Medicine, I recall how proud I was to watch your brother, with a doctorate in law, present you with your doctoral credentials, in veterinary medicine. You should know, Son, your mother, your step-mother, and I have all recovered from the towering feelings of inferiority incumbent upon being the only remaining family black sheep possessing mere masters degrees. In 1994, there came a day when you, your brother, and I were all finally and simultaneously old enough to play a soccer game on the same menâ??s league team. Jason was a forward, you were the goalie, and I was a fullback. If memory serves, despite YOUR best efforts, we lost that game, one to nothing, because a certain fullback unintentionally deflected the one shot which got by you. We always were the Bad News Bears, so I am proud to have personally helped you not break that honored family sports tradition. I remember in 1993, sitting so proudly in the audience, with your mother, as you accepted your high school diploma. Just after that, you found us in the crowd, had the paparazzi get a few shots of you shaking hands with your aged parents, and then disappeared into a flock of friends, to go off and celebrate you newfound freedom. Of course, I never did that to MY father â?¦ And in 1991 when we celebrated your Uncle Johnâ??s wedding. You were bunked in the same room with ex-Army Ranger and close family friend, Leo Cyr. I was surprised at how closely you stuck to Uncle John that day ... at least until I later learned Leo had informed you, if John escaped before he tied the knot, Leo was going to take it out on YOU. You carried out your mission effectively, because Leo didnâ??t have to make good on that threat, and John is, today, a happily married husband and father. Two years before, in 1989, I learned how athletic you were, as we tracked a wounded deer in the woods of my dear friend Harryâ??s farm. You were too young for a hunting license that year, but"

"I met Erik in College, and he was an integral part of the founding of the Kappa Tau chapter of the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity at UMaine. He invited me to join the fraternity and he was someone I looked up to. His drive to build this organization had a profound effect on my life. He stood out among a group of men who where themselves leaders. I have fond memories of Erik, and am very saddened by his passing."

"God Bless you Erik. I have many fond memories of you from the University of Maine. As a fellow founding father and better friend, you will always be missed. PHI PHI, let your blood flow garnet and gold. Aaron Athearn"

"To the Daly Family, I was very sorry to learn of Erik's passing. I was one of Erik's fraternity brothers at the University of Maine. We were one of the first brothers to found the Fraternity Pi Kappa Alpha on campus. I have many great memories of Erik from our time there and emailed back and forth over the years since. Again my condolences to his entire family we will all miss him very much."

"Mrs.Daly & Family, I just found out yesterday about Dr. Daly's passing. I broke down in tears on the phone with the animal hospital receptionist. I just had a visit with Dr.Daly on the week before Thanksgiving. My dog Lacey loved being treated by Dr.Daly. He was the most kind and gentel person/Dr. that I personally have met. We need more people like him in the world!!! I would call him the "Gental Giant". Both Lacey and I will miss him terribly. I know you are in a better place Dr. Daly. May the good lord keep you and I know someday both Lacey and I will meet you in heaven....god bless the Daly family."

"I just learned today of Dr. Daly's passing. I am stunned. He was a great person. We would always have many laughs when I would bring my cats in for their check-ups. He will be missed. May he rest in the eternal peace of heaven."

"Dear Kathy and Family, We were so saddened to hear of Erik's sudden death. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We can't possibly put into words the sadness we feel for you. He was a "gentle" bear. Take care of each other and know that we will continue to remember Erik in our prayers."

"I am so sorry for your loss. Dr Daly was a wonderful person and out favorite vet. We will miss him dearly. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Thanks Dr Daly for taking such great care of our pets. The DoSoito Family"

"To the Daly Family, I graduated from high school with Erik. Though we have not been in touch in a very long time, I was shocked and saddened by the news of his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. Sincerely, Michelle"

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. Erik is smilling down from heaven. I pray for strength and comfort for Frank and all his family. I pray for Erik's soul resting in God's loving embrace."

"I had the privilege of serving as Erik's research mentor while he was a veterinary student at the University of Florida. He was a gifted researcher-- asking insightful questions, working extra hours to complete a project, and engaging every person in the laboratory regardless of their background or level of experience. He thoroughly enjoyed reading scientific articles and being the expert on his specific area of research. It is very fitting, and humbling to me, that his memorial fund will support research in the area of Feline Immunodeficiency Virus FIV. I'm glad to know that his enthusiasm and passion for FIV research will be extended to the next generation of veterinarians. I want to express my deepest sympathy to Kathy, Kiera, Elizabeth, Karina and the entire Daly family."

"Cathy I,m so sorry to hear about Erik. May god bless you and your family and welcome him into heaven with open arms. Joe."

"To the Daly Family, Paula,Please accept my deepest and sincerest sympathy ."

"Dear Daly Family, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers."

"To the entire Daly Family, I am so sorry to hear of Erik's passing. Erik had a real joy for life and loved the outdoors. Erik is not done his work for I am sure he has moved on to a higher calling. With great sympathy,"

"I am so sorry to hear of Erik's passing. I went to vet school with Erik and remember his genuine passion for veterinary medicine as well as for his favorite hockey team, the Flyers. He always had a positive word to say about everyone, and his infectious smile brightened our days. He will be missed."

"Dear Daly Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Erik was an amazing person and will be sadly missed."

"Dear Daly family and friends, I first met Eric when right out of vet school he started to work for Cape Cod Veterinary Specialists. We both worked there as ER vets. One thing I can tell you is that he was passionate about everything. I remember 1 morning when I saw him in his Mazda convertable, he said he always wanted one. I since left Ma and not had contact with him. But the 1 and 1/2 years I known him I can tell that he loved veterinary medicine, and was passionate about his work, love, sports and friends. He will be missed."

"We had the great fortune of meeting Erik a few short years ago when he moved into the house next to ours. His wonderful personality made it easy to become friends. He brightened our world whenever we saw him or talked to him. Soon Erik was joined by Kathy, Elizabeth, Karena and baby Kiera . We felt blessed to have such a wonderful family living next door. When the reality of Erikâ??s passing finally set it, we have felt a profound sense of loss. He will be missed for his sense of humor, wit and commitment to helping others. He has left a lasting legacy in all those lives that he had an impact on. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers."

"By The grace of God we will all someday meet all our Loved ones Again Rest in the fact that Erik is doing the Lords work up in heaven"

"I'm really sorry I never got to meet Erik.I talked to him on the phone before.He was the husband of my dear sweet friend Kathy.Kathy and I have known each other since she was just turning 17 and shes 40 now.She just called me today Fri 12/12 to tell me the awful news.Here I was crying for a man I never met.But he made Kathy very happy and they were deeply in love.That was her soul mate.My heart goes out to her and the girls and of course Eriks family and friends.With deepest regret and sadness Bill Askin"

"It is so sad to see someone we love, and so young, die. We are all going to join them soon enough and we are so lucky to have known them. They are at peace and we will meet again."

"TO THE DALY FAMILY~ IT IS VERY OBVIOUS HOW MUCH ERIK WAS LOVED AND ADMIRED. I WORKED WITH HIM AT CCVS AND EVERY SHIFT WE SHARED HE ALWAYS BROUGHT A SMILE TO MY FACE. HIS LOVE FOR KATHY AND THE GIRLS WAS AMAZING. HE SPOKE OF THEM CONSTANTLY. I CANNOT IMAGINE THE HEARTBREAK YOU ARE ALL FEELING. TAKE COMFORT IN KNOWING HOW MUCH FUN, LOVE AND HAPPINESS ERIK BROUGHT TO SO MANY LIVES...OF PEOPLE AND ANIMALS. I WILL FOREVER REMEMBER HIM WITH A SMILE."

"Frank, Ruth and all; I wish we could have been there to be with you during this time. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Call on us anytime if you need anything."

"Reading all of the comments made by all the lives Erik touched, has really shown what a big loss the world has right now. I remember being 12 and 13, going over their house to play with elizabeth and seeing Erik, whether it was making him put on make-up or when we drove 6 hours together up to new york, he always had me laughing. Since my dad had a famous nickname, Spike, i came up with Uncle D for Erik. Now every-time i look at Keria, I see Uncle D in her eyes. His memory will never fade an because of him, people have come into my life that I will love forever. Thank you Uncle D, you will be forever missed."

"To the Daly family, I went to high school with Erik and even though we were only acquaintances I do remember his great personality and his ability to make anyone laugh. From the signatures on this guest book, it is apparent that he has touched many lives. My deepest condolences go out to the Daly family during this difficult time. Sincerely, Denise DeJesus Miller"

"To Aunt Kathy & family, My thoughts and prayers are with you. I am very sorry for your sudden loss. We are here for you if you need anything. Leon-Ryan Adams"

"Dear Daly Family, My thoughts and prayers are you with during this difficult time. Erik's infectious smile lit up the halls of PHS and his enthusiasm for life will always stay with me. Erik will be missed in this world. With deepest sympathy, Katherine"

"I am truly sorry for your loss. I knew Eric from high school and I remember him as a truly kind-hearted soul, always with a great attitude. My thoughts and prayers are with you."

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

"Dr.Daly has been treating our dog who is chronically ill. As a result,we were at Riverside on a regular basis and exchanged information about family and our views of life. Just the other day he showed me a photo of his beautiful young daughter and I delighted at the sparkle in his eyes as he spoke of her. Our dog seems to present unusual challenges and the Dr. was so helpful,compassionate and even funny when explaining all to us. He was a dedicated and talented vet and an extraordinary person. The world is a better place for his being here.However, today is such a sad day as we realize he is gone at such a young age. Our impression is that he loved life and the great joy of being with his family and friends. We are so sorry for your loss. Sarah and Matt Medeiros"

"To the entire Daly Family, My sincerest condolences to your family. I have great memories of growing up with both Jason and Erik playing soccer before high school, and running track with you through high school, and being at UMaine when Erik came to school there. Whenever Erik needed anything while in undergrad, I always tried to lend a hand, or an ear. Unfortunately, we had lost touch when I graduated and moved away. I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers through this difficult time."

"My thoughts, my prayers, my tears, my heart go out to the Daly family. May the love of those around you give you the strength you need now. With deepest sympathy, Laura"

"To the entire Daly Family, I am so sorry to hear of Erik's passing. I most remember the times playing soccer both in the summer and in high school. His positive ways of thinking and his energy would encourage all and are what I remember most of all. You are all in my thoughts and prayers, With Deepest Sympathy, Kristen"

"Erik, our wonderful years growing up together will never be forgotten. Our nights listening to comedy records, our adventures in europe, our first job endlessly cleaning a restaurant. You could always make me smile and make a mighty meal of mac & cheese. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and the Daly family."

"Dear Daly Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. I went to high school with Erik and spent countless hours with him on the soccer field. His kind heart and self-less personality is what I will treasure the most about him."

"Even though we had lost touch over the years, I will always think of Erik as being not only a great guy but truly a great friend, a friend that will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with both family and friends as they try to get through this difficult time."

"Frank, I was shocked and saddened to read of Erikâ??s passing. Growing up your boys were always cheerful, polite and real gentleman. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time"

"We can find no words to express the sorrow we feel for the loss of your son. We are here for you. Marshall and Carolyn"

"To Frank, Ruth and family...Linda and I were deeply grieved to hear of Erik's passing. Of course you have our deepest condolences and prayers. He was a fine young man, and long ago fishing buddy. He will be sorely missed. Bob & Linda"

"I never met or knew Erik but a dear friend told me about him and about how human beings and animals have suffered a very great loss. Hearing about him has inspired me. I am grateful that Erik lived in the world and I hope with all my heart that many people will look to his life as an example of how the world could be. For those who knew him I hope his beautiful spirit will comfort you."

"Our deepest sympathy goes out to all of Eric's family. My son, Michael, grew up with Eric and played soccer with him throughout the years. Mike also flew to Malmo, Sweden, with Eric to attend the World Cup Soccer matches. Mike, myself, and my husband John want to extend our deepest sorrow over Eric's passing. We are all in shock."

"We were very sad when we heard the news of Erik's passing. He was our vet and our hero. He was a kind man with a wonderful sense of humor and a big heart. We are so blessed that he touched our lives in such a profound way. Our thoughts are with you. Our best. Tamara Kaplan and Breck Petrillo"

"Erik was my brother and my friend. As children, we experienced all of the things that brothers should. As adults, we walked life's streets together. As fathers and husbands, we learned the true meaning of love from one another. My mother, my father, and I are all better people because of him, and our lives will be less complete without him. Someday, we will all meet Erik again through acts of Divine Providence. Together, we will laugh again, cry again, and share stories of days past. Until then, he will live fondly in our memories, in our thoughts, and in our prayers. Erik, I love you -- we love you. Your Brother, Jay"

"Erik was the only brother I had. He welcomed me into their family with open arms many years ago. His love for me, Jason and our kids never faltered. Erik was the second person to say Happy Mother's Day to me each year. I will never forget his nickname for me - "Boo" or his great, big bear hugs. I'll miss him forever. I love you, D. Deb"

"Daly Family i am very sorry to hear about Erik, it is hard to say something comforting at a time like this. What i do want to say is that even though i lost touch w/ Erik over the years, i will always remember playing summer soccer w/ him, he was always full of laughter & always positive, he made the game a lot of fun, thank you Erik."

"Erik was a loving son, husband, brother, and friend who always made his family his top priority. I will always remember how much he loved his "Gators". He would always call me during each game to give me updates on how they were doing. Erik was like brother to me. While he may be no longer with us I will always cherish the memories I have of him. Love Billy"

"We will always fondly remember Erik as a delightful and confident friend to Tom. His radiance was always welcome in our house. Our prayers are for him and for all of his loved ones."

"As I sit here reading everyone's thoughts and prayers for Erik and his family-I can't help but realize that Billy Joel's "Only the good die young" is playing on the radio. How true. We'll miss you Erik. Danielle, Jon and family"

"Erik Marc: The only thing bigger than your smile was your heart. You will be sorely missed and forever loved. Deepest condolences to your family."

"The world has lost a precious man. Always a teacher, a friend. I will miss you Erik."

"Uncle Frank, Aunt Paula, Jason, and all your families, Patti and I are simply stunned by this news. I know we all have not been in touch in several years, but I have many precious memories of us all getting together at the camp, at Grandma's house and at Paula's home. The last time we saw Erik was at our wedding and I could see that he had grown into exactly the outstanding person I had expected he would become. We have no doubt that he will be sorely missed not just by the family but by everyone who's life he touched. Kathy, although we never had the chance to meet, our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. Doug Pribis Erik's cousin and wife Patti."

"Frank, Ruth, Ben, Lizzie, Karina, & family, Our hearts, thoughts, & prayers go out to you all. With deepest sympathy on the loss of your loved one."

"There are no words to express how deeply sorry we are, so we'll just say "you have our deepest sympathy and love". Eric was a wonderful young man who loved his family, friends, and his chosen field as a veterinarian. There are so many fond memories of Eric. When he was little, he had a twinkle in his eye that had you wondering what he was thinking of now; is it good...or is it bad, or is it just the little angel in him giving that sparkle. He was so much fun. We will miss him with all our hearts."

"Frank, Ruth & Family, There are no words to say how sorry we are to hear about your sudden loss. We never had the opportunity to meet Erik, but he had to be a wonderful person, because he has a wonderful family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Our deepest condolences."

"Frank, My heart goes out to you, losing a child is the most heartbreaking event in life. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May loving and happy memories get you through the darkest hours."

"We are so sorry for your loss and the world's loss of Erik."

"I am so sad to hear about Erik's passing. He was a great guy and vet school wouldn't have been the same without him. My heart goes out to his family."

"Frank Our deepest condolences on the loss of your son, Erik. Please know that you and all of Erik's family are in our thoughts and prayers."

"I had only met Erik a few times. He was the goalkeeper for our indoor soccer team and played a terrific first game just last week. I was looking forward to getting to know him better. He was a fantastic sport and obviously a fantastic guy as well. My thoughts are with his family at this time."

"I am very sorry to hear of Erik's sudden passing. I remember him being so full of life when we were in veterinary school. He truly lived every moment to the fullest. My thought are with his family and friends during this difficult time."

"Frank, Paula and Jason... You gave us one of my favorite people in the world. As he grew he did nothing but put a smile on my face. His personality, love of life and sheer tenacity will warm my heart forever. I know that those memories that are so painful to remember today will be the memories that will warm your heart for the rest of your life. We are all lucky to have the immortal spirit of Erik watching over us every day. My love, UJ."

"Dear Family and Friends, EriK and I worked together at Cape Cod Veterinary Specialists. I remember a very difficult day with a little puppy who was very ill and eventually died. Erik knew how upset I was and that I blamed myself for the dog's death. He was the only one there to take the time to comfort me and help me through a terribly difficult time. He had a heart of gold, was a true gentleman, intelligent and a good friend. I wish I had known him longer than I did. I pray for him and you and know that he is with God."

"I would like to offer my deepest condolences to you and your family. I know how proud you are off all your children and you talked about Erik a great deal when away on long business trips. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family."

"Our thoughts go out to Frank, Ruth,Lizzie, Karina, Ben & family. From your militia member in Norway."

"Frank and family. No one should have to suffer the pain of out living their child! You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Frank if you need a shoulder; any time day or night."

"I hardly knew Erik, and was just beginnig to know him. He was a new member of my indoor soccer team, and we shared after game drinks the night before he passed at Chili's. We all hit it off pretty well from the start. We will miss him."

"To all of Erik's family, We cannot begin to express the sadness that we feel over the loss of Erik. Our memories of Erik begin 13 years ago, when we were entering vet school, full of hopes and dreams for the future. Erik stole our hearts early on with his sense of humor, kindness, but most of all with his undying loyalty as a friend. Over the years, he has become a brother to us, and we truly feel that a piece of each of our hearts went to heaven with him the day he passed. The memories we have with him are timeless, with each and every one putting a smile on our faces. To Erik, our friend and brother, your memory will be cherished and shared every chance we get. We miss you so much. May you rest in peace in the arms of our heavenly Father. With love, Liz and James Bailey"

"I am saddened to hear of Erik's passing. He was one of the nicest guys in middle & high school. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this time."

"Frank, I was so shocked to hear of Erik's passing. You were always so proud of your sons. I remember when Erik was a freshman at University of Maine and realized, once again, how quickly time goes by when I read that Erik was a husband and father. You are all in my thoughts and prayers."

"Kathy and the girls, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. He was a great guy and I will miss him. When he lived in Connecticut he always talked about his family and it was obvious how much you all meant to him. My prayers are with you. My condolences, Lindsey Lamb"

"I'm so sorry to hear of your loss...I remember the canoe trip in the 80's that Erik, I, Brian, and Frank did..my deepest sympathies... rIch russell"

"Paula & family, We were so shocked to hear of Erik's passing. Thinking of Erik brings back memories of my father pestering him with clothes pins on his pants. Please know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers."

"I am so shocked and sorry to hear about Erik's passing. I remember him so fondly. Not just from working with him, but also time spent while he showed us around Rhode Island. He will be greatly missed."

"My heart goes out to your family - I am so sorry to hear of Erik's passing. We will always remember him with fondness from vet school. Thanks to Erik, we always knew when the puck would be hitting the ice. He was a wonderful classmate and good friend to many. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers."

"Kathy you and your children are in my thoughts and prayers. It saddens me to know this happened to such a great husband and father. Erik will always be remembered may he rest in peace."

"I'm so sorry to hear of Erik's passing. Although I had not seen Erik since his graduation from UF, I remember him as a great guy, outgoing and full of life and fun. My thoughts are with his family and friends."

"It saddens me to learn that Erik, a bright young colleague and former student, has left us early. Erik and I shared European roots, he was born in Germany, I in Holland. My prayers are with his family and friends. Maarten Drost DVM, Dipl ACT Professor Emeritus College of Veterinary Medicine University of Florida"

"Erik was one of the kindest and funniest people I've ever met. Although I only met him the summer of 2008, he was one reason I looked forward to going to work every day. I admired him for his passion for knowledge, among other things. He was a very smart man, and what I'll remember most is that he was a great friend."