I smile when I think about the scrawny kid (Erik) that started working at Bicycle Castle... then fast forward to working at Westgate Resorts after Erik got more heavily into working out and was a full-on BEAST.  Someday we'll have that arm wrestling match, Erik :-). Miss you, my friend.

Today marks 2 years since our son, Erik, left us for his eternal home. Today we are remembering him and his signature smile with love and gratitude for the times we shared together. — with Erik Visser

Today would have been Erik's 43rd birthday. Today we give thanks for the simple innocence, the boyish curiosity, and the unshakeable belief in himself that made him the man we loved.

Loving Sister Heather Lighting a Candle in Memory of Erik — with Heather Whitehead

Prayer for Perpetual Peace

Memorial Slideshow

Erik was a curious and adventurous boy, a loving teddy bear of a man, and a valiant fighter to the end. He was most at home when chasing a lizard or with grease on his hands.

As a boy, Erik was always trying to figure out how things worked. Often his toys ended up in piles around the house after he disassembled them. Cleaning up meant bagging up the parts in ziplock bags.

Erik was naturally unafraid of critters and bugs. His hands would instinctively reach out and grab things that most people wouldn't touch with a 10-foot pole. Aquariums and terrariums were the featured items in his bedroom decor.

Erik was a collector of ball cards, coins, and even TV Guides. He was sure they would be worth big money someday. His biggest sports hero was Barry Sanders.

Erik was self-taught and self-determined. He never cared much for school or impressing teachers. But he spent hours reading encyclopedia articles and other reference books about things that fascinated him. From his extensive collection of National Audubon Society field guides, he learned the proper names, traits, and habits of many reptiles, bugs, and other creatures. Erik was not intimidated by subjects that were unfamiliar to him. As a man, he made a successful career in software quality assurance with no formal training.

Erik never cared much for playing sports, but he was a natural with tools. As a teen, he learned complex auto mechanic skills in our garage. As an adult, he was a DIY whiz. Erik built scary fast Honda and Toyota tuner cars for himself and installed turbo kits for his friends. He became an excellent diagnostician, a trait he inherited from his grandpa Visser. I remember the day he "graduated" from tinkerer to master. I came home from work to find him sprawled under his car stymied. I showed him how to put the pieces back together. After that he surpassed me as a mechanic and never needed my help again.

Erik lived each moment in the present. He attracted friends with ease, because he was always doing something interesting and at times slightly mischievous.

Erik was a big man with a big heart to match his big muscles. He was a loving son, brother, uncle, husband, father, and friend. He was a strong role model to Haley and Corey and faithful partner to Candice. He valued his peaceful family life over "chasing the big dream". He was dearly loved by family and friends alike. Erik never missed an "I love you" or a big hug when parting company.

Tragically, Erik's life came to an untimely end while still in his prime. He fought a monster of an illness for over six years, but he never let it define him. He wouldn't even want us to speak of it today. Erik, dear son, may you forever rest in God's arms and in the knowledge that we who are left behind love you with all that we have in us. Your mother and I are proud of the life you lived and blessed to be your parents.

We met the Visser family through our daughter-in-law, Heather. We immediately  felt close to them  and enjoyed extended family get-togethers, especially  the birthday parties. Erik was always involved and we enjoyed chatting with him about his latest car projects and work. He was a pleasure to be with.  Our hearts and prayers are with all the loved ones whose lives have been enriched knowing Erik. He will truly be missed. We will always treasure the good memories.