Erik Fischer

Erik L. Fischer left this world on Monday, November 30, 2020. His breathing slowed as he listened to his favorite Jim Croce Pandora channel and with me holding his hand. 43 days earlier, he was diagnosed with a recurrence of melanoma, a cancer he beat in 2009 but that returned unexpectedly and with further spreading to his brain. Always a fighter, Erik never gave up but his body gave in and he passed away with me by his side.

A hoarder by nature and practice, Erik left behind a hell of a lot of stuff. Truth be told, I have no idea what half of it is even for. Anyone looking for a mounted moose, goat or buffalo head that Erik did not hunt but rather “rescued” from a man who wasn’t taking care of them? Let me know. Erik would have wanted you to have them. Or how about the 1995 Formula race boat straight from the central cast of Miami Vice? He bought it the day after we purchased our home four years ago and it still has yet to float anywhere but on the trailer in our driveway. In need of a 1970’s vacuum cleaner? We have seven, ranging from olive green to harvest gold, all carefully procured by Erik over the years from the estates of aunts and grandparents who no longer needed them. He didn’t need them either, by the way, but that was beside the point. He just always had the biggest basement in the family.

Beyond the stuff, Erik collected family and friendships and memories and this obituary is testament to one of the most incredible men I will ever know. A committed husband, a doting father, a loving brother and uncle, and an all-around great friend to all, Erik will be remembered for his sarcastic but loving nature, his supportive parenting, and the millions of ideas that came out of his incredible brain on a daily basis exhausting his family and friends along the way. To all who knew him, be forewarned, we are bringing a few of those ideas to life in his honor.

Erik was the best kind of father who cheered his girls during soccer games in a rub-some-dirt-on-it love. These “there’s no crying in baseball!” moments were interlaced with my tactful reminders the girls were playing recreational soccer and not competing in the Olympic trials, but it was all the same to Erik; he just wanted the best for his kids. What the girls miss most right now is “practicing” out in the field with Daddy.

Erik had a heart of gold and loved us deeply. He started every morning with kisses and snuggles and there is nothing he wouldn’t do to see us smile. He loved the holidays more than any other time of year and we miss him so very much.

Born in Wichita, Kansas, the son of the late Papa (Kurt J. Fischer) and Nancy Fischer, Erik is preceded in death by his father and he is survived by his wife Rebekah, three children Rylie (7), Mackenzie (5), Cole (2), and his three “other children” Bubba, Emma and Chloe, the family dogs. He’s also survived by his mother Nancy, siblings Kurt Jr, Rudy, Tony and Kristin.

Memorial services will be held at St. Francis of Assisi in Castle Rock, Colorado on Wednesday, December 23rd at 11:00am. Due to COVID-19 capacity restrictions, attendance is invitation only but any groupies are invited to wait outside with painted signs and red Solo cups with your party beverages ready to send him off in style. Donations may be made in Erik’s honor to the children’s hospital of your choice or we ask that you perform an act of kindness for the healthcare workers in your area. The team of surgeons, doctors, nurses, CNAs, PTs, OTs all the way to the kitchen and housekeeping staffs took incredible care of Erik during each of his stays. Their kindness in the darkest moments will never be forgotten.