Eric Geisreiter

Eric Geisreiters dedication: It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Eric Eugene Geisreiter. After a valiant fight against cancer, Eric found peace on the evening of February 9, 2015 in his home, surrounded by his family who he laughed with, lived for, and loved. Although his journey in this world was sadly too brief, his compassion towards his family and friends, genuine kindness, and, above all, quirky sense of humour will live on forever in the hearts and minds of those that loved him. He is survived by his wife Suzan, daughters Jennifer Duke (Derek) and Christine Geisreiter (fianc Ben Lobb), granddaughter Naia Duke, father Richard Geisreiter (Bette), mother Patricia Duncan (Sam), brother Kurt Geisreiter (Shelley), and the many friends that enriched his life. Eric was born in Sacramento, California and spent his early childhood creating many memories with his parents and beloved grandparents Elsa and Burt Geisreiter and Vi and Russ Klein. In his teenage years, Eric moved with his father to Mendocino, California where he began to develop what would become his lifelong passion for music, experimenting with guitar and drums. After his family relocated to Sointula, BC, Eric decided to embark on his own journey that led him to settle in Lethbridge, Alberta in the early 1970s. It was here that he began his career as a successful realtor, became a talented drummer in several local bands (including Tamarax, Moses, Boogaloo, and Anything Goes), met some of his dearest lifetime friends, and most importantly, was introduced to the love of his life, Suzan Frier. After a whirlwind courtship, Suzan and Eric married on August 14, 1976 and welcomed daughters Jennifer in 1980 and Christine in 1983. While Lethbridge provided the growing Geisreiter clan with ample fond memories and laughter, a family decision was made to relocate and therefore, in early 1990, Eric and his family moved to beautiful Victoria, BC. It was during his years in Victoria that Eric truly flourished. He cultivated a passion for art through his stained glass work and developed an interest in the history and nurturing of bonsai trees, a hobby that he enjoyed sharing with his father. Musically, Eric continued his career as a drummer in Victorias rich music scene (bands Big Time and Soul Station) and was happiest spending his evenings discussing and listening to his favorite bands with his close friends. Being a motorcycle enthusiast, Eric also spent time exploring the West Coast and always came home with at least one incredible story from his adventures. Although travel was always a part of Eric and his familys life, the colourful culture and artistic ambience of San Miguel de Allende in Mexico became an outlet for his creative talents and therefore, following retirement from the real estate profession, Eric was able to immerse himself in this life for months on at a time. Regardless of where Eric was, however, his main priority in life was his family. Although life in a house full of women could be daunting at times (even our pets were female!), he was able to resolve even the most delicate of situations with kind words and his light hearted humour. The addition of his first and (thus far) only grandchild, Naia Sophia Duke, in January 2012 brought a new found joy to Erics life and allowed him to settle comfortably in the role of the overly proud and attentive Papa. He was a man that exemplified integrity and honesty and, although his passing leaves a large void in all of our lives, we take comfort in knowing that we continue to represent his memory by living lives that embrace what he stood for. We love you for always At Erics request, a private family service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Erics name to either Cystic Fibrosis Canada or the Canadian Cancer Society. Without the dedicated support of the members of the BC Hospice and Palliative Care Association, Erics wish to pass at home could not have been accommodated and therefore we would like to thank all the members of this service for their tireless work.