On May 2nd, 2024 Eric Lloyd Lewis, 40, passed peacefully yet unexpectedly in his hometown of Boise, Idaho. He was born in Emmett, Idaho on May 20, 1983 at Walter Knox Memorial Hospital to parents Ray and Brenda Lewis, number 9 of 15 living children. He is survived by both of his parents as well as his siblings and their spouses: Janina Dowdy (Scott), Shana Fakkel (Doug), Chad Lewis (Emma), Laura Watson, Trent Lewis (Trudi), Krista Blume (Barry), Shiree Christensen, Nikki Jones (Zach), Shaelyn Johnson (Mark), Jared Lewis (Anna), Kara Penrod (Keith), Misti Camden (Marcus), Daren Lewis, Kirk Lewis (Kyndra) and 46 nieces/nephews and 8 great nieces/nephews. He was preceded in death by his nephew, Trenton Jared Lewis (TJ).
Eric attended elementary and middle school in Eagle and graduated from Eagle High School in 2001. He loved PE as a favorite subject in school and indicated his least favorite was geometry, although he described himself as the “best at math times tables” in grades 1-3. One of his greatest achievements was earning his Eagle Scout Award in December 2000. His Eagle Scout project included painting benches and trash cans at Municipal Park in Boise. He also earned 23 merit badges. He worked several part-time jobs after high school at pizza and other fast-food restaurants, Eckhardt Oil Co., The Salvation Army, and Deseret Industries. He completed an Associate’s Degree in Applied Technology from BYU Idaho in 2020. As a part of his degree, he created several websites for businesses.
Eric “presented us with a different perspective” of looking at the world. He showed curiosity early on and did not make hasty decisions. Rather, he observed his school surroundings and activities before proceeding. He showed concern for those who were facing challenges and continued expressing compassion for family members and others throughout his life. He took the initiative to complete chores around his home and concentrated on making specific areas neat and organized. He loved basketball, exercise, computers, music, and reading on a variety of subjects which helped to develop a powerful memory as he grew older. His interests included pro sports and natural healing/alternative medicine. He prided himself on being self-disciplined as evidenced in his choice to follow strict dietary regimens but he always savored the sweetness of mangoes. Eric enjoyed many hours playing the guitar, learning new techniques and songs, as music was a highlight of his life.
He possessed a childlike innocence and faith. When he was about five-years-old and was waiting for church to begin one Sunday morning, he was reminded to “be reverent because this is Jesus’s house.” He slowly turned, looked around, and asked, “Is Jesus going to be here?” He would often take things literally when they were meant figuratively. When he came to understand double meanings, he appreciated the puns and developed a witty sense of humor. He would occasionally surprise others with small gifts and was mindful of family members, inquiring about the ones he did not see very often. He would sometimes donate his share of Christmas funds to others.
As a young child Eric loved to haul around a hefty stack of scrap papers that he could write and draw on at any given moment. This paper stack was unique to him and perhaps brought him some sense of comfort in that he always had something to carry around. It’s possible his childhood papers were meant to inspire greater published works of his own. In recent years he encouraged one of his younger sisters to compile and eventually publish a family history and memory book complete with sections for each of the siblings, special memories, creative works, gospel thoughts, and grandchildren as well as family photos taken throughout the years.
Eric described his Eagle Scout journey as an experience that “gave me the confidence and self-discipline to accomplish goals. The Boy Scout program helped me develop a strong, healthy character that is highly valued in society.” Eric endured 10 to 20-mile hikes in diverse weather conditions, all contributing to the building of his character and endurance. He described scouting as doing “cool things” like snowmobiling, waterskiing, and jet skiing as well as white water rafting. “It was tiring and a little dangerous, yet fun. It reminds me of a game of life; sometimes it’s easy paddling, other times it’s hard and adventurous.” He took the Boy Scout motto to heart and tried to live it. His scout leaders were paramount to his character development and have remained as some of his closest mentors and friends.
Many others in Eric’s life noticed that he was extremely detail-oriented and would often perform acts of service anonymously. As a child he was carefree and embraced life. As he grew older, he loved to travel and wanted to live life to the fullest. A perceptive goal setter who thrived on accomplishment, he had a memory for details and kept a journal for years. He enjoyed photography as well as nature and focused on self-improvement and faith in God.
Special tribute : In the tapestry of life, Eric’s thread was woven with resilience, kindness, and a relentless pursuit of light and healing. Though he faced the shadows of adversity, he emerged as a beacon of hope, refusing for so long to surrender to the darkness he endured. From the joyous Christmas memories of Gameboy adventures to the beckoning call that led him to Arizona, New York, and Hawaii, Eric traversed through volcanoes and explored distant beaches embracing life’s adventures with an insatiable curiosity.
Self-disciplined in body and spirit, Eric’s quest for better health and understanding extended beyond himself, as he generously shared recipes and insights, ever eager to uplift others. His boundless compassion manifested in anonymous acts of service, a testament to his heart’s depth and generosity. A master of detail and devoted to his passions, Eric’s love for reading, writing, and the vibrant melodies of the 80s and 90s music illuminated his path. His perceptive gaze saw beyond the surface, delving into the mysteries of dreams and the complexities of human connection.
With goals as ambitious as his spirit, Eric pursued milestones with unwavering determination, from earning his Eagle Scout badge to achieving an associate’s degree in applied technology. Yet amidst his aspirations, his greatest desire was rooted in the simplicity of love and family, a dream he cherished with unwavering faith. Though his journey was marked by challenges, Eric’s light shines on in the memories he leaves behind, a legacy of courage, compassion, and an indomitable spirit. As we bid farewell, may his spirit soar among the stars, forever a guiding light in the tapestry of our hearts.
A funeral service honoring Eric will be held at 11am on Monday, May 13, 2024 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 7200 Duncan Lane, Boise, ID 83714. Burial will follow at 1pm at Dry Creek Cemetery.