Eric Easterday's Obituary
Jay Eric Easterday
March 11, 1985 – September 25, 2024
You are always on my mind and in my heart.
Eric Easterday was a deep well. Whether it was a painting, a movement, a person, or an idea, Eric considered it from many angles and sought to learn more about. Then he would discuss his opinion without judgment. No quick and easy answers. And then again, he was serendipitous and spontaneous.
Eric has a large, loving, and supportive family. Each family member holds a special and important part of who Eric became and he loved them all.
Eric graduated from University School, University of Tulsa, where he met his “oldest friend,” Kyle Nyquist and many more lifetime friends. Here, Eric developed a love of learning, especially for language and music.
Eric graduated from Tulsa’s Booker T. Washington High School (2003) with honors in Russian Language Studies, completing 3 years of Russian language studies in 2 years. Through AFS, we were thrilled to have Sasha Kukstal become apermanent member of our family.
Eric completed two Disciplines at Oklahoma Arts Institute at Quartz Mountain during high school summers: Music (oboe) and Photography. This experience cemented his life pursuits and goals.
Eric graduated with a B.A. in Fine Arts from Memphis College of Art in 2011. His major was Printmaking; he simultaneously completed a minor in Russian Language at Rhodes College in Memphis. Eric met his Memphis bestie, James Blair.
Eric was a life-long passionate and autodidactic learner in many fields: arts and languages, international culinary arts, gardening (succulants!), and people. He loved his friends through ups and downs and would support them emotionally during their ups and downs. He liked to try new things, experiment, and was always ready to have fun.
And one more thing: Bear, Eric’s lil buddy. Eric saw him on a dark, cold, rainy night in a Quick Trip parking lot. Eric coaxed this not-even-weaned puppy to him, fed him, and took him home. They were inseparable. Bear is now a lively 13-year old Pekingese-Dachshund who is such a comfort to us.
Eric supported several organizations: mental health and wellness, human and LGBTQ rights, animal welfare, and political activism.
Jill: Eric definitely had the courage to follow his convictions. When Bob and I were taking prenatal classes about 40 years ago, I recall the instructor advising us to think about the values we wanted to pass on to our children through our parenting. What I wanted most for our son was to know his own mind and have the conviction to carry it through. I love Eric and I’m so proud of him. Bob: Eric had a heart of gold and the most beautiful, kind, and good soul. He was was resilient in his own way. When Life would knock him down, he’d pick himself up and carry on. We had so many plans of what we’d do together and where we’d go. I wish we could. I’ll miss him for the rest of my life.
We welcome your additions to the Floral Haven Tribute wall. Be sure to look at the Photos section to see Eric and Bear and some of Eric’s artwork.
We will have a Celebration of Life in Eric’s honor. Check back on Eric’s or Jill’s social media or on the Floral Haven Tribute page.
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Share a story where Jay's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jay you’ll never forget.
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