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A life cut short - Eric B Schulthise
When Eric Baird Schulthise was born on September 19, 1969, in Virginia Beach, Virginia, his father, Larry, was 27 and his mother, Melodi, was 24. He lived in Chesapeake, Virginia, in 1986 and moved to Virginia Beach, Virginia, sometime between 1986 and 1993. He died on February 5, 2010, in San Diego, California, at the age of 40. _________________________________ I'm pretty sure my heart stopped beating the first time I saw him. It was a hot summer day on Oahu and he was watering his lawn. Waikiki beach was a block...
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A life cut short - Eric B Schulthise
When Eric Baird Schulthise was born on September 19, 1969, in Virginia Beach, Virginia, his father, Larry, was 27 and his mother, Melodi, was 24. He lived in Chesapeake, Virginia, in 1986 and moved to Virginia Beach, Virginia, sometime between 1986 and 1993. He died on February 5, 2010, in San Diego, California, at the age of 40. _________________________________ I'm pretty sure my heart stopped beating the first time I saw him. It was a hot summer day on Oahu and he was watering his lawn. Waikiki beach was a block away and I was trying to get to my spin class, but I just stood there on the sidewalk and stared in disbelief. He was the most gorgeous man I had ever seen wearing nothing but board shorts and a smile. He said hello in this rich, baritone voice that just sent me over the edge and I could barley speak. I don't know if it was him or the summer sun, but my forehead was covered in sweat. Still smiling he suggestively asked "Wanna drink?" God...I've been in love with that man ever since.
I'm sure most of you reading this can relate, right? Besides being "Hotness on a stick", Eric was also brilliant man of great integrity with the most gentle and giving heart. He was an exceptionally talented Marine Biologist. Eric created entire Eco systems for marine life in several luxury hotels in Las Vegas. At Sea World he designed unique life support units for transporting exhibit animals and he was even asked to help envision an entire habitat for the world's largest shark.
His passion for marine life was seen over and over again as he often argued for the rights of animals to be treated humanely. On Oahu, he demonstrated his unyielding integrity by reporting unacceptable conditions at his work place to local authorities. He told me that he didn't care if he lost his job over it. He would be happier knowing the company would have to take better care of the animals.
There was also a quieter side of Eric few people got a chance to see. On more than one occasion he gave up his lunch hour to host private guided tours of Sea World to underprivileged children. He frequently volunteered to help charities with fundraisers and anonymously donated a large portion of his inheritance to Auntie Helen's. When it came to the people he loved, he was always there for them. He drove hundreds of miles to help a friend move once and he never thought twice about flying to New Orleans to help out when Hurricane Katrina hit.
This was who Eric Schulthise was. I'm so grateful that I was allowed to be with him. He was the most beautiful man I've seen, the love of my life and the best friend I have ever had. But, I'm not going to say goodbye, I don't think any of us should. When our time comes, I have a feeling he'll be waiting. No doubt, leaning against a cloud with that sexy smile of his, he'll be there to help us just like he always has.
Eric Schulthise began brightening the world on Sept. 19, 1969. His life ended suddenly and unexpectedly in the early hours of Feb. 5, 2010. Eric was shot dead by former boyfriend Bob Agnew. Eric will be greatly missed by everyone who knew and loved him.
Eric's death and how we have felt since have only taken up a few days, while everything that happened before, took a lifetime. Our memories of Eric, whether old or new, will never fade. Everyone will always remember him vibrant and full of life.
Please join us in celebrating Eric's life and sharing your memories on Sunday, Feb. 28, 2010 from noon to 3 p.m. at the home of Marcelo Ruiz and Jasn Blare located at 2105 West California Street, San Diego, CA 92110.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Eric Schulthise Fund at any US Bank. (account number 153464578852). Any donations will go toward the memorial service. The remainder will be donated to charity in Eric's name. If you are out of town and would like to donate, please send a check made payable to Eric Schulthise Fund and send to the following address: Postal Place, ATTN: Steve Calenzo, 255 G St. San Diego, CA 92101
Written with love by, Eric Griffith Published Thursday, 25-Feb-2010 in issue 1157 GL Times |