Eric, my companion of eight years and good friend for 18 years, died on June 14, 2015, of pneumonia and complications from stage IV non-Hodgkin’s disease. He died peacefully, full of gratitude for a life richly lived. His ashes were buried with military honors at the Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego on Friday, August 21st.

People who knew Eric will remember him for the love he showed to those he held dear, for his determination and independence, and for his wry sense of humor. He was al...