In Loving Memory of Lorentz Eric Wigby: A Hero Whose Light Lives On

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Lorentz Eric Wigby on August 15, 2023. Eric, considered a superhero by many, was 43 years old. Born to Larry and Ginger Wigby on February 4th, 1980, his legacy lives on through his loving wife Kristen and their two cherished sons, Zeke, aged 11, and Bobby, aged 5, as well as his mother Ginger, and his sister Leslie. His loss has left a void that cannot be filled. Eric was an exceptional individual who lived his life with joy, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place for those he knew and those he didn’t, just like his favorite hero, Superman.

Known to many as “Wigs”, "Wigby," and as "Wigbeast" by some due to his champion-like physique, Eric was more than just a name; he was a symbol, that the innocence of our inner child need not fade with the passage of time. A lifelong passion for comic books, board games, video games, and cinema ignited during his youth continued to burn brightly throughout his adult life.

Eric's formative years were spent in Burlingame, a city adorned with Eucalyptus trees and the sweet aroma of chocolate wafting from the local factory. His educational journey began at St. Dunstan’s and Franklin Elementary School, where his vibrant smile and distinctive 80s-era bowl cut were matched only by his prowess with the saxophone, a skill he shared as a member of the school band.

His journey led him through Burlingame Intermediate School and Burlingame High School, culminating in his graduation in 1998. Eric's brilliance shone in every academic endeavor, with a particular affinity for mathematics and science. While his physical presence on the high school wrestling team earned him the moniker "Wigbeast," Eric's gentle nature remained his defining trait. During high school lunch breaks, instead of socializing with jocks, he played Magic the Gathering, a role-playing card game, with friends in the hallways.

Eric's life was a tapestry woven with threads of philanthropy, a deep connection to nature, and a fervent love for the great outdoors. From his earliest days, his spirit was ignited by the call of adventure, exemplified by his dedicated involvement in The Boy Scouts of America. His youthful years were marked by a series of remarkable journeys – from casting his line into the Florida waters and reeling in a Barracuda during deep-sea fishing on an island adventure trip, to fearlessly backpacking through the untamed landscapes of southern Alaska, where grizzly bears roamed. In 1997, his unwavering commitment and perseverance culminated in the prestigious achievement of the Eagle Scout rank.

Following his high school graduation, Eric's academic journey led him to the esteemed halls of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, nestled in the chilly embrace of upstate New York. Here, he discovered a new outlet for his boundless energy and strength – the world of cheerleading. With his remarkable might, he launched fellow cheerleaders into the heavens, all while forming friendships that would stand the test of time.

In 2003, Eric felt the call to serve his nation, leading him to the US Navy. After enrolling in the Naval Nuclear Power School in SC, he received advanced training in upstate New York at the Naval Nuclear Power Training Command. His dedication led to him becoming a staff instructor and earned him the title of Junior Sailor of the Quarter.

From 2007 to 2012, Eric served on the USS Asheville (SSN-758), a nuclear-powered fast attack submarine as a Nuclear Machinists’ Mate and an Engineering Watch Supervisor. Beyond machines, Eric was proud to be in charge of the scuba diving division as lead diver, where he maintained ship components underwater with a flawless safety record. He also served as the command fitness leader, ensuring the physical readiness of 130 crew members. He earned the Navy Achievement Medal for completing a rigorous training course.

In early 2008, Eric met the love of his life–first through a dinner with mutual friends James and Tiffany Sargent and later when they discovered they attended the same community group through Harbor Presbyterian Church. Their friendship grew, and Eric invited Kristen to the Navy Ball. Though Eric regarded the Navy Ball as their first date, Kristen claims that he did not make any moves until he took her to play pick-up basketball on base and eat Phil's BBQ ribs on the beach. Kristen was drawn to his gentle and fun-loving nature, steadfastness, integrity, and strength of character. He had a deep love for his family and friends and a desire to live out his faith with quiet, behind-the-scenes acts of service and generosity.

In December 2009, Eric proposed to Kristen in true Eric fashion by scaling her third-story balcony using a rope like a Hollywood stuntman while dressed as a cowboy. They married on April 17th in Vista, California surrounded by family and friends and a civil war re-enactment on the neighboring property. Eric unselfishly supported Kristen through the completion of her medical school training at UCSD followed by a pediatric residency in Denver and a medical genetics fellowship in San Diego. He took great joy in being a hands-on, devoted father to Zeke, Bobby, and the two furbabies, Buddy and Beastley. There were trips to the zoo and Legoland, riding with the toddler seat on the back of his bike, endless rounds of Dungeon Master with Zeke, board games, and video games. The house was filled with laughter from fun conversations, games of water or Nerf guns, or putting peanut butter on Kristen’s feet while she slept for the dogs to lick off. He was a source of steadfast strength as the Wigbys weathered an accident that left Zeke with a fractured leg and pelvis in the spring of 2023. He encouraged, carried, and walked with Zeke on the road to recovery.

Apart from his family, Eric was a committed donor to the San Diego Blood Bank and maintained a quarterly donation to the blood bank throughout his years of residence in San Diego. He was quietly proud of his gallon donor club status and negotiated quarterly trips to San Diego to continue his blood donations as a condition of moving to Folsom.

Following an honorable discharge from the Navy in 2012, Eric returned to his studies and earned an associate degree from the Community College of Aurora. He was selected to the Phi Beta Kappa honor society. Upon returning to San Diego, he served as a senior plant operator for Fluor Corporation. He recently transitioned from Fluor as the Wigbys relocated in July 2023 to Folsom, California. He was looking forward to a new adventure as a family including realizing a lifelong dream to live near a lake.

Eric's journey has woven a fabric of footsteps, each etched with the joyful rhythm of love and dedication to fostering a more wondrous world. He is a reminder for each of us to protect the treasures of our inner child that are often forgotten during adulthood. His vibrant legacy continues to live on through his sons' laughter, cherished memories shared with friends and family, and the echoes of his humble nature that continue to inspire us all. Eric's light shines brightly, urging us to dream big, take chances, and be the heroes of our own stories.

"There's Always A Way. When The Odds Are Impossible -- Do The Impossible."   - Superman

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