Erik was born in Marin County, California, on March 20, 1979, to Margaret (Munkkitrick) and Ulf Moren. Given his early arrival, his parents had not chosen a name. When Ulf stopped at a shop to pick up cigars for his coworkers, he noticed a brand called Erik and liked the sound of it—Erik Moren. Later, the family discovered that Ulf had a distant ancestor by the exact same name, Erik Wilhelm Moren, a Swedish sea captain, no less.

From the very beginning, Erik’s disposition was irresistibly cute, curious, and full of charm. He strummed a tennis racquet as his “guitar,” sang into a pool thermometer as his “microphone,” and danced in his boxers and socks around his Farmor’s kitchen in Sweden, performing Billie Jean until she laughed to tears.

After the loss of his mother in a car accident when he was three, Erik began to spend summers in Sweden with his Farmor (Father’s Mother). His annual summer-long visits became a central part of his childhood where he played from morning till night with his friends and cousins and bonded with his Farmor and Swedish culture and traditions. Living summers along the edge of the southwestern fjords, he learned to swim, took sailing lessons, and played soccer, tennis, and Legos with comrades. He learned to speak his father’s native tongue with great proficiency and no accent — something that made Ulf immensely proud.

Erik attended Bacich Elementary and Kent Middle School and played Ross Valley Soccer as a kid. When Erik was seven, he and his dad met Carolyn and soon the three of them became a family. A few years later, Erik had two younger brothers, Anders and Mikael. Though separated by years, the three boys shared a deep bond—and an infectious sense of humor—as well as a shared pride and connection to their Swedish roots. Their identical middle names, Wilhelm, was another source of pride as they carried the same name as the five generations of Moren men before them. 

Erik’s early working years were spent in the food service industry before he discovered a calling as a firefighter. He proudly graduated from the fire academy and was a volunteer at Ross Fire Dept. Although he ended up perusing other professional endeavors, he always cherished the camaraderie of friends in the days he worked at RFD. Eventually, Erik’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to build a thriving business in Ventura County that took him around the world handling sales and business growth. Wherever he went, he was recognized for his warm personality, sharp style, and generous heart. Beneath the confident exterior was a man of deep intelligence, creativity, spirituality, and sensitivity.

Erik’s greatest joy in life came from being a father to his two beautiful children, Odin (8) and Everly (6). He often said, with a smile and heartfelt pride, “They’re just great, aren’t they?” His love for them was boundless and we pray that will remain with them forever. Odin is a miniature Erik in so many ways!

We honor our dear Erik who lived a life with graciousness, selflessness, and joy. He was deeply loved and will always be remembered. May Erik rest peacefully in heaven with his mother, Margaret; his father, Ulf; his farmor, Britt Moren; grandparents Bob and Alice Munkkitrick; cousin Josh; Mimi and Pipi Gignac; and his best friend, Braulio.

Erik is survived by his mom, Carolyn; brothers Anders (Jenny) and Mikael (Leah); his cherished children, Odin and Everly; and a large extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins spanning California, Michigan, Ohio, and Sweden.

Hej då, lille gubben.

If you would like to make a direct cash contribution for a savings account for Erik's two children, please Venmo @Carolyn-Moren (last 4 of phone = 3013), or mail a check to: Carolyn Moren 41 Cushing Ave, San Rafael, CA 94903 memo: Erik's kids.Other donations are welcome to either of the two listed on this site: Autism Science Foundation or Unicef, or contribute to wherever you'd like to make a difference in Erik's name.

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