Eric Ray Eidsness
Longtime Juneau resident Eric Ray Eidsness died March 8, 2008, in Wasilla, surrounded by his family, after a courageous battle with addiction. He was 37.
Born Feb. 27, 1971, in Sioux Falls, S.D., he moved to Juneau when he was 3 years old and returned to his birthplace as a teen to graduate from Washington High School.
He was married to his high school sweetheart, Jodi Tilden, and later married Jenifer Ellingson, the mother of his son, Tristin. He and his son shared an undeniable bond that inspired all who witnessed his unreserved love, his family said.
According to his family, he was a friendly redhead, with an infectious laugh and contagious smile. He worked for many years at Wings of Alaska. However, he is best known for playing bass guitar in several bands, including Bad Daddy and as the DJ Heavy E. Music was his passion in life.
In addition to making music, his gift to all who knew him was love and laughter, his family said. He enjoyed any activity the outdoors had to offer including camping, hiking and his sister's to-do list.
"He leaves behind many friends; a friend of Eric's was a friend for life," his family said. "Eric gave a piece of his heart to each life he touched."
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Roald and Selma Eidsness.
He is survived by his son, Tristin Eidsness; and Tristin's sister, Madeleina Van Sickle; mother, Denise Teal and her husband, Jeff; father, Tim Eidsness; sister, Solveig Eidsness; brother-in-law, Chris Hamilton; sister, Desiree McCurley and her husband, Shaun; sister, Raegan Eidsness; brother, Brock Eidsness; nephew, Michael Musielak; niece, Skylar Eidsness Hamilton; lifelong friend Chuck "Chewy" Kollin; and a large extended family and many friends.
A celebration of his life will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 15, at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 4212 Mendenhall Loop Road. A reception will follow at 2 p.m. The family would like friends to come for all or part of the day.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made c/o Solveig Eidsness at the Alaska USA Federal Credit Union, 800-525-9094.