Eric Reeder: A Life Lived Fully
From the very beginning, Eric lived life with energy and purpose. Born in Portland, Maine, and raised in Santa Rosa, California, he threw himself into sports and adventure with the same boundless energy that would define him for the rest of his life.
After high school, Eric ventured to Goleta where he earned a bachelor of arts in environmental studies at UCSB, meeting Elizabeth on a bike ride in Mexico and launching the life they would build.
Within months, Eric faced his first battle with melanoma. After a year of treatment — he beat it!
For someone who already approached life with intensity and joy, that year changed everything. From then on, Eric and Elizabeth lived intentionally and passionately.
In his 40s, Eric made the bold decision to change careers and become a teacher. And as a teacher, Eric’s spirit impacted thousands of students.
Alongside Elizabeth, he served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Batanes, Philippines, and they later taught together at the Rabat American School in Morocco.
Back in California, Eric dedicated himself to teaching, and found his true calling in special education at Carpinteria’s Aliso Elementary School.
Each morning, he arrived before dawn, pouring his heart into the work of supporting students and uplifting the community he cherished.
Of all that life brought Eric, being a father meant the most to him. He loved Kyvon with the same devoted energy he gave to everything else. He was Kyvon’s biggest supporter — teaching him to surf, coaching his sports teams, volunteering in his classroom, and leading countless family camping adventures.
Eric always reminded Kyvon that life is short, and encouraged him to pursue what brings joy.
Elizabeth and Kyvon will honor Eric’s legacy by embracing life with the same love, laughter, sense of adventure, and courage that he brought to every day.
In September 2024, Eric’s melanoma returned with an energy that matched his — and he met it with remarkable optimism. Whether in the hospital or at home, he kept smiling and laughing, and focusing only on life and the future.
On Jan. 4, 2025 — just a month before he passed — Eric woke up, smiled, and said, “It’s going to be a gorgeous day.”
In his final year — even before his diagnosis — Eric listened to “Just Livin’” by KBong and Sensi Trails every single day. It played on his commute to and from work; in the golf cart he and Elizabeth drove through Belize; while writing reports; cleaning the house; and, finally, in the hospital during his last moments.
He couldn’t have predicted he would be leaving us so soon, but he deeply believed that life is a gift — a blessing to be embraced every single day — and he wanted the same for all of us.
Eric is survived by his wife Elizabeth Blair; son Kyvon Cole Blair Reeder; mother Diana Reeder; sister Megan Greene; niece and nephew Sierra and Cole Greene; Connie Reeder; Peggy Blair and Jerry Beckett; Sacramento Beckett family.
We are grateful to the compassionate and dedicated medical staff at Compton, Cottage Hospital, and Ridley-Tree, as well as an incredible support group of friends and family. We couldn’t have survived this journey without you.
A memorial will be held on May 3. Everyone is welcome. Please email friendsoferic1@gmail.com for details.