In Memory of Eric Reeder: Support Elizabeth & Kyvon

This fund is a memorial fund tribute to the life, love, and living of Eric Reeder, who passed away peacefully on February 6th, 2025. We are starting this account to help support Elizabeth and Kyvon with the memorial and this period of unexpected transition. While we cannot decrease the impact of losing a father or partner, we can provide some support we know Eric would provide if he could. Every donation, whatever the amount, will make a significant impact.

Eric was born living life to its fullest. From a young age, his immense energy was channeled towards sports, where he excelled individually and on teams, and ultimately ended similarly, finally finding professional fulfillment as a passionate and dynamic Special Education teacher at Aliso School in Carpinteria.

In his 20s, he faced his first battle with melanoma. After a year of treatment, with Elizabeth (his girlfriend at the time) by his side, they beat it. For someone who already had a passionate approach to life, that year shaped everything Elizabeth and Eric did for the next 30 years: joining the Peace Corps, backpacking, dancing, moving to Morocco, changing careers, and finally deciding to have a child, Kyvon.

Eric loved Kyvon as vigorously as he loved life. Eric was Kyvon’s fiercest supporter: Life is short, do what makes you happy. Elizabeth and Kyvon will do their best to embody Eric's legacy.

Since September, when Eric’s melanoma returned with an energy and vengeance that only he had, many were incredibly generous with donations, meal trains, calls, and hugs. Elizabeth and Kyvon thank you from the bottom of their hearts.

If you feel inclined, please include your thoughts, memories, and experiences by clicking this link Online-Tribute. The stories shared on this memorial have already supported family through this tragedy and will continue to forever. You will also find information there about the planned memorial.

In his final two years, even before his diagnosis, Eric listened to the song below every day ... on his commute to and from work, in the golf cart he and Elizabeth drove in Belize, at home while writing work reports, in the shower, and ultimately in the hospital and during his final moments. Enjoy livin'

Click this link to see the video ... Just Livin' Sensi Trails and KBong

I love this life

I give thanks for this life that we're living, 'Cause it could be gone in an instant

The days go by with the blink of an eye, So don't take anything for granted

And I really want to know where we go when we die, But I don't want to keep asking

'Cause I know the day will come around when I'm no longer alive but for now we just living

For now we just living

Oh

Taking it day by day don't really know what I'm doing

No, But I know where I'm going to be so I'm a keep on pushing

Pushing to the victory

Paying my dues and

I'm learning my lessons

This life's such a blessing, yeah hey

This life's such a blessing, yeah hey

This life's such a blessing

We're not here for a long time so we make the most of every day of this life

Sometimes the world be getting me down but I know I'll be alright with my friends and family around

Stay close to the ones you love this could be the last time that you see 'em

Because tomorrow is not guaranteed but for right now we're just living

I give thanks for this life that we're living, 'Cause it could be gone in an instant

Days go by with the blink of an eye, So don't take anything for granted

And I really want to know where we go when we die but I don't want to keep asking

'Cause I know the day you'll come around when I'm no longer alive but for now we're just living

For now we just living

Oh

Taking it day by day don't really know what I'm doing

No, But I know where I want to be so I'm a keep on pushing

Pushing to the victory

Paying my dues and I'm learning my lessons

This life's such a blessing

Yeah yeah

(I want a life that's such a good blessing)

Step out my house and I'm ready to fight with the people of this world and the people of this life

Take in the air and all that I see, The sun is shining down and sets upon the sea

Forget the struggles of everyday living, Giving more thanks and praising every minute

So many places and smiles on faces, Keeps me on a steady course 'cause lovin' yeah I need some more

Surround me now with the sweet sound and melody, Brings me to a higher peace

Fill up my cup until I've got enough, Takes me where I want to be

And I can feel it and feel it in any minute

So much possibility (so much possibility)

Fill up my cup till I've got enough, Takes me where I want to be

Loving yeah that's all we need

Paying my dues and I'm learning my lessons

This life's such a blessing (yeah hey)

All we need this life we just living

This life's such a blessing (yeah hey)

All we need this life we just living

This life's such a blessing

All we need this life we just living

This life's such a blessing

Paying my dues and

I'm learning my lessons

This life's such a blessing

Songwriters: Kevin Bong / Ian Allan Young / Kyle Austin Rising