Eric was an incredible husband, beloved father, cherished papa, dear brother, and treasured friend. He departed this world while embracing one of his greatest joys, spending a day on the beach in Hawaii, surrounded by the beauty of the ocean that he so adored.
Eric, born on May 16, 1958, in Mesa, Arizona, was raised by exceptional parents who instilled in him the values of service and love for others from an early age. His deep affection for his parents resonated in his conversations, expressing admiration for the lessons they imparted. Eric attended Lowell Elementary School, Mesa Junior High School, and proudly graduated as a Jackrabbit from Mesa High School in 1976.
He answered the call to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Belgium Brussels mission during the years 1977-1979. He had a deep love for the French culture and language and he returned to France multiple times throughout his life.
Upon completion of his mission, Eric initially pursued a business education at Mesa Community College and Arizona State University but discovered a profound love for Real Estate. Joining Blanford Homes in 1988, he dedicated his professional journey to the company until his passing. Immersed in the real estate world, he not only loved the work but also formed strong bonds with his colleagues, whom he considered his Blanford Family.
In 1982, Eric met Monya Heath at a Stake Dance, leading to their eventual union in marriage and sealing at the Mesa Arizona Temple. They loved to travel together and spent most of their free time together exploring new places around the world. The couple was blessed with four wonderful children, whom Eric cherished, fostering deep friendships with each of them. Eric was a dedicated husband, father, and papa. His family was everything to him!
Eric appreciated the small things in life, like the start of a new day, a beautiful sunrise or sunset, walking along the shore of the ocean, a phone call from a friend or family member. He had so much gratitude for his life and the beauty of the world. He traveled so much of the world, but of all the places he loved, his heart found solace on the beaches of Mexico. Eric never met a stranger he didn’t turn into his friend. He was a friend to all. It was his gift to make people feel seen and loved, and so many people feel as if they are his best friend with his famous hugs and the trademark twinkle in his eyes!
Eric is survived by his wife, Monya Williams, and their four children and their spouses: Kayla Roussel (Jeremy), Blake Williams (Chloe), Kaitlyn Wright (Brian), and Haleigh Bigelow (Scott) and his ten grandchildren : Recker (14), Ezra (11), Phoenix (9), Weslie (8), Teddy (7), Archie (7), Ellis (6), Zeek (3), Sena (3), and Florence (2).
Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
God bless! Eric sold us our home and we stopped in and talked with him a lot. We enjoyed our conversations and considered him a friend.
Monya, I was so deeply saddened by the news of Eric’s passing. Oh the grief you all must feel with his all too early departure. Eric was the kindest friend. He made it possible for us to purchase our first home. He exhibited his care for us then and many other times. When I was going through the worst of my cancer treatment, he reached out a few times to check on me. I now cherish those texts. His empathy and charity are the things I will never forget and because of his example, I aspire to be more like Eric. May the Lord watch over you all. Encompass you in his loving arms and allow you to feel Eric near, often.
All my love,
Patti