Eric Harold Read
It is with heavy hearts and eternal hopes that we say farewell to our husband, father, brother, and grandfather, Eric Harold Read.
Eric was born April 2nd, 1941, in Lincoln Nebraska, and crossed the bridge on November 17th, 2021. The first of eight children born to Harold and Mary Read, Eric would spend the first four years of life with his mother and grandparents while his father was serving his country in the Pacific Theater. From Nebraska, the small family moved to Pocatello and Harold and Mary got busy providing Eric plenty of siblings for him to look after.
Eric graduated from Pocatello High School in May of 1959, and then the next day joined the United States Army. He would spend the next 20 years serving his country in the United States, France, Germany, Italy, and two tours in Viet Nam. He retired from the Army in 1979 as a Sergeant First Class and spent the next 21 years working for the United States Postal Service.
Eric married Carolyn Chase in 1969. They wasted no time bringing five boys into their family: Stephen, Christopher, Adam, Jared, and Daniel. Carolyn passed away in 1998. Eric found the second love of his life in Grace McClellan, and they were married in March of 2000, at which point he moved to Brigham City Utah.
Eric and Grace spent several years working with the Box Elder School District to administer reading assessments to students K-5 and to second language learners. He was a true lover of books and poetry and was a member of the Utah State Poetry Society for several years. He also was deeply devoted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and gladly accepted and fulfilled many callings in that regard.
Eric was preceeded in death by his brother Steven, his dad and mom, his first wife, Carolyn, his sisters Susan, and Kris, and his son Adam.
Eric is survived by his wife, Grace; sons, Stephen, Christopher (Shalayne), Jared (Wynter), & Daniel (Dawn). McClellan Step-sons: Brux (Emilee), Chad, Jeff (Becky), Scott (Caitlin). Sisters, Luana, Sandra, Erin, brother Jeff and seventeen grandchildren.
Click this link to view additional details about Eric's Services, including any available live streams: https://my.gather.app/remember/eric-harold-read
Tributes
Lurlene Frey Haag wrote on Nov 23, 2021:
"I was so saddened when I heard that my dear friend had left us. Eric and I were classmates, and both graduated in the class of 1959. We go clear back to jr. high school. We became Facebook friends and messaged one another almost every day.
I loved his poetry, and he sent me quite a few of them, then he would ask me to explain the meaning of the ones I read.
His poems are on top of my desk and have been sitting there for a few years now. I will cherish them always.
I was so happy when he and Grace came to Pocatello to have lunch with me. That was quite a treat for me.
My prayers go out to Grace and his family. Rest in peace, Eric, my friend.
Love, Lurlene "
Brent Hunt wrote on Nov 23, 2021:
"So sorry to see Eric pass so quickly. He was a great friend and a wonderful teacher. He was a man of courage and faith. Two tours of duty in Viet Nam - Wow! Many thanks Eric for your willing service to our country and our God."
Melissa wrote on Nov 22, 2021:
"My Dearest Uncle Rick, you're now in your beautiful paradise with all of our Family and more importantly your Son, Adam. Grace, Steve, Chris, Jared, and Dan, my heart is heavy as I know how much you will miss him. I love each and every one of you. My deepest condolences! I love you, Melissa"
Mary Phipps wrote on Nov 22, 2021:
"Dear Sweet Grace and family. I know Eric will be missed every minute. He is one of those men who deserve the label ?STEADY.? He was someone you could rely on and lean on and he would be there in your every need. Please know how much I care about all of you. With deepest Sympathy, Mary Phipps"