Eric S. Braun
November 01, 1976 - May 24, 2014
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Eric S. Braun
November 01, 1976 - May 24, 2014
Obituary
Bellingham, WA
On May 24, 2014, Eric S. Braun went to teach the angels how to ski. Born on November 1, 1976 in Bellingham, Eric was raised in the loving embrace of parents Rick and Maureen Braun along with his sister Ilse. He was adored far and wide for his warmth, strength, generosity, infectious sense of fun, and ability to make people feel good about them selves. Eric was a loving and devoted father, husband, son, brother, and friend who placed great value in spending time with those he loved, including the dogs he considered family too. Whether raising his family, teaching his kids to ski, playing on the water sailing and kayaking, putting his contractor skills to work helping a friend build or repair their house, or simply hanging out around a fire, Eric was always there when needed. “Braunie,” as friends called him, was true and loyal, with a ready smile, a twinkle in his eye, and warm hugs for all. Year round Eric spent most of his life outdoors, but winter was by far his favorite. Every winter found him with a season’s pass to Mt. Baker and he was well known on “the mountain.” Eric’s unique style of skiing without poles, so smooth it was like butter melting on toast, was officially dubbed “Braundoggin.” Eric spent 18 wonderful years (half of their young lifetime) with the love of his life, Nichole Morelli Braun. Their two beautiful children Malleck (10) and Zakara (7) were and will continue to be the light of his life. We are blessed to see his beautiful traits continue on in them. Malleck is an awesome skier and hard worker just like his Papa. Zakara has his love of dogs, music, and sense of fun. In life we are lucky if we meet someone who touches our heart. Our own life can be changed just by knowing this person. Eric’s spirit of caring reached many people and that legacy will continue in the hearts of all who knew him. Memorial donations may made to Cedar Tree Montessori School; memo line “Braun Scholarship Fund.” 2114 Broadway, Bellingham, WA 98225, or any WECU branch
Farewell Tribute Information
A Celebration of Eric’s Life will be held on Sunday June 22 at 2:00pm at the Deming Logging Show Museum Building. Donations Information
Memorial donations may made to Cedar Tree Montessori School; memo line “Braun Scholarship Fund.” 2114 Broadway, Bellingham, WA 98225, or any WECU branch
23 responses to Eric S. Braun
James burke says:
May 24, 2014
I’m proud to say Eric was a friend of mine. We weren’t the closest of friends, but he was a guy who just seeing him made my day better. We met through my kids school, but it wasn’t until we had a massive failure in architecture and we hired him to take care of it that I really got to know him. As he did work around the house we’d talk and discuss everything from music to politics and kids and how our lives came to involve the fantastic people we know in them.
When I ranted on the social injustices that frustrate me he’s listen politely and if he disagreed he just let it go. He was accepting that way.
When I’d go to pick up my kids from school if he was talking to someone else he’d make a point to come say ‘hey’. Especially if I had my ‘don’t mess with Texas’ face on. If I hadn’t seen him for a few days, or the weekend he would greet me with a hug-no one else does that ’cause I tent to put out the grouchy guy barrier. He didn’t care. I think he just was one of those dudes who didn’t hide his affection for folks, it just wasn’t in him.
He loved skiing, he loved it like your lungs love air. I’ve never met anyone who was so completely into a sport. He’d drop his kids at school then race up to the slopes until it was time to head back and pick them up. He didn’t just do that once in a while, he did it several times a week if he wasn’t working or had other obligations.
He loves his kids and put them first in his life. He would bring them to our game days and then hang to play as well. He participated in their lives You can measure a person as a parent I believe by their kids. It’s not always an accurate reflection but in his case I think it is. His kids are clever, sweet, confident. friendly, and have strong character. They are very much like their parents.
He would go on about how amazing his wife was out of the blue. He talked about how he loves her in a way that was tangible. You could see it in the light in his eyes when he spoke of Nichole. He admires and respects her in a way most women just wish for.
He was a kind and forgiving man. In ways that most people would never consider. His acts of forgiveness weren’t just admirable, they were inspiring.
When he was in the hospital I really wanted to go see him. He was often the first person I would think about when I woke and would visit my thoughts often through the days. He was in no shape for visitors and I’m grateful now that my last time to see him is as I want to remember him. Smiling and telling me about his new job. The man hug of a greeting. And a heartfelt take care upon departure.
I still look for him at Cedar Tree, expecting to see him smiling or laughing and talking with the other parents.The world feels like a lesser place without him.
I miss ya Eric.
Karla Moody says:
May 24, 2014
Braun Family, I also knew Eric from Camp Lutherwood and Christ the Servant where I was a member many years ago. Your Eric was one of a kind. Even though I haven’t seen him in years , I feel his loss profoundly. I can’t imagine what you all are going through. He was silly, generous, kind, dependable and his spirit knew joy. He loved life, dogs, the outdoors and mostly his family. Please accept my condolences. Love and Light form an old friend.
Karen Silvernale says:
May 24, 2014
Your heart will always hurt… But at least the memories will make you smile and keep you calm, to carry on! You are a beautiful family!
Ginny says:
May 24, 2014
Eric and I were cousins. We were different age s so I remember as a very little boy coming up to me with little things we wanted to share with me as well as sharing his room with him when I first came here as an adult to Bham. Given we were ages apart from that there was a love even though he probably didn’t know it.. I just told his mom and dad the other day that he always made me feel important and cared about and always exchanged a mighty big hug… Eric had a good heart and soul. When I was older I got a boat and Eric worked at the camp out on lake Samish. I was always excited when I saw Eric was working there when I was out there, as I felt we could do something together that we both liked. I felt lucky to go waterskiing with him on Lake Samish and it was nice to know we were family and had that connection and he went out of his way to help in anyway he could. As he grew older and he became married and kids it was harder to get together as life was busy but always had a smile on his face and love to give… we were blessed to have known him! His goodness and his heart will continue to spur us on to become better people….. we will love his family and continue to show love to his wife and kids to let them know who there Papa was….a man of who loved nature, enjoyed life and gave goodness to others…. Eric was loved and will be greatly missed.
Jessica Renkert says:
May 24, 2014
I am so sorry for everyone’s loss. I haven’t seen Eric for years, but have many fun memories. He was definitely one of a kind!