Eric Carl Botkin
4-11-68 to 12-27-2009
Fought a tough fight against cancer
Passes away peacefully surrounded by family and friends
10:30 pm
Widow's Voice has a New Home
8 years ago
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After being a firefighter/paramedic for over ten years, suddenly I became the patient. On October 22, 2007 was the day I was diagnosis with brain cancer (glioblastoma multiforme) and the prognosis was less than exciting. No longer was I seated on the fire engine to help all those that called 911, but now I was the one who needed the doctors help. On December 27, 2009 Eric passed away and I have taken over writing this blog. Thank you to those who follow and support Our Unknown Journey.
My Blog List
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5 Years Ago Today10 years ago
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Tree Trimming12 years ago
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A Holiday Outlook13 years ago
89 comments:
May he rest in peace and live happily in eternity.
I'm so sorry it was on your birthday. Some day, I pray you can look at it as Eric's birthday too.
I hope you found peacefulness in his last few breaths... I know it was a life-changing event for me.
I love you and I pray for your strength!
There really is nothing to say except that we love you and are sending you our love and prayers. We feel blessed that we had the opportunity to know Eric and that we will continue to have Hunter and you in our lives.
Much love,
-little buddy, tracie & gizmo
There are no easy words right now. Eric will be forever missed. The man who spent so much time out helping others is now at home with the Lord. We feel luck to have had Eric in our lives.
Hallie, we pray for your strength in the most difficult times. All our prayers are with you and Hunter!
The Delahunty's
R.I.P Brother your Fire Family has it from here. You are home now. Hallie you know if you need anything for you or Hunter your RFD Fmaily will be here for you. I am so sorry for your loss and you aare in my families prayers.
Chris and Michelle Adams
Hallie, sorry for your great loss, may God bless your family. Rest In Peace Eric!
Hallie, sorry for your great loss, may God bless your family. Rest In Peace Eric!
Tim and Shellie Pappas
I am so sorry for your loss.
RIP Eric.
Jesse Aronson
Eric,
I will miss you...I will miss your infectious, goofy smile, your kind heart and your generosity. You started out as Tom's friend, but I'm so glad that you became MY friend too. You and Hallie have been the best friends to us over the years. December 31st will never be the same for us but we will be wishing you Happy New Year anyway. I have no other words now, just tears...I hope you have found peace my friend.
Love,
Kim
May he rest in peace.Look up and the brightest star and you will see Eric and you will always look at the star and know its him.
Hallie, we are sorry for the loss of Eric! Eric is home with Jesus now. No pain, no scars, no cancer. I've enjoyed working with Eric and will miss him. My family will continue to pray for you and Hunter and if you need any thing you know that the RFD family is always here for you.
Jim & Julie Ryan
Oh Hallie! I am so sorry! Eric put up a good fight. He touched many hearts. I am glad I knew him, even if it was a long time ago. I am so sorry. As I sit here crying I wish I could hug you and be a bigger help to you. Rest in Peace Eric Botkin. You will be missed. My heart hurts for you and Hunter and your family. This just sucks. I am sorry it was on your birthday. If we have faith then we should celebrate Eric entering Eternal life, right? It still just sucks for us here. I am so sorry. Cindy Fojo
Hallie and Hunter, you are both in my prayers. Eric, Rest in Peace Brother. Jessi
Sending our love and prayers.
Troy and Heather
Rest my brother, rest.
Dear Hallie,
You don't know me but I have been following your and Eric's journey since the fall of 2007 when I saw the featured article in the Press Enterprise. My attention was drawn to the article because my husband of 53 years had passed away on March 26, 2007 of the same terrible brain cancer. We only had seven months after his diagnosis as his was inoperable. It affected him with paralysis of his right arm and leg.
My heart aches for you and Hunter and all your families and especially since Eric passed on your birthday. You have difficult days ahead but you seem to be a strong person and if you keep your faith and turn to God, you will get through this.
It helped me a great deal to have a grief support group and maybe that would be of help to you also.
God bless you and keep you.
Rest in peace Eric.
May he rest in peace and may God give you the strength to get you through this.
Rest in Peace Eric! Thanks for all the great memories at FS25! -Johnny
To the Botkin Family,
Words cannot express my deep sadness for the loss of a great friend and brother in the fire service.
My thoughts will be with you always.
May Eric now rest in peace.
T. Clemo
Rest In Peace Eric! Thank You for all the great memories at FS25.
-Johnny
Hallie and Hunter - My family and I wish you any peace you can find in this great time of sorrow. I haven't seen you in many years, but have been following your blog since 2007, and have thought of you all often. The time will come when you will be able to celebrate Eric's life and all that he was to you and others he touched during his short time here. Until then, spend your time any way you need to make it through this part of your and Hunter's life. You are one of the strongest women I have ever known, and I'm sure you will continue to be strong for Hunter. Just remember to take care of yourself, too. Very important and many times overlooked by those going through this type of tragedy. May peace be with you somehow in this time of mourning. Take care. Karen Lombardi (friend of Cindy Fojo)
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Hunter.
The O'Neal Family
Cliff, Debbie, Tim & Chris
Some people say firefighters are "America's bravest" for their unselfish acts of courage and bravery...Eric fought an amazing battle and will forever be in my heart as a hero. I am so sorry for your loss, but may you be comforted in knowing that he is with Jesus now. Rest in peace brother.
Tony
I'm so sorry Hallie.
Eric is at peace, but I know that sometimes you just rather have him back with you, but he will always be in your heart and always just a prayer away and remember you and Hunter are always are in our prayers.
We love you.
Kelly & Jeremy
May he rest in peace...now without pain! May you and Hunter have strength as peace as well. You both are in our prayers!
The Abadie Family
Your tears of sorrow of today will soon be filled with tears of joy and laughter or remembering all the great times that were had by all.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family over this time of the loss of a great man, Friendly, Stong and Brave he was.
May God bless you in the days ahead.
Bob Borra
Hallie,
I am so sorry about Eric's passing, especially on your 40th birthday. You have been so strong and did everything you could. I pray you and Hunter will find peace in your memories.
Eric, may you rest in peace. Fond memories of you and Hallie and good times we had many years ago will forever be with me. Please continue to watch over Hallie and Hunter help them continue to be healthy and forever remember what a wonderful individual you were.
Rest in peace,
Chrissy Nigrelli
Hallie,
I am so sorry for your loss! I am very thankful that I was able to see you yesterday. For me your birthday is now even more special as you and Eric share a special day; the day you were born and the day he left. For me that is a special gift that Eric created just for you to keep you forever together! May he rest in peace and may you find peace as well. You are a special special lady! My family prays for you and your family.
Chrissy Nigrelli
Our prayers are with all of you.
The Niffen's
Dear Hallie and Hunter,
Our family sends our love and prayers to you. You will both serve as comfort to each other and Eric will be your guardian angel forever. Wish we could take some of your pain away. God Bless.
Sincerely,
The Pina Family
Hallie,
You are in my evermost thoughts. I am happy that we can be there for you for whatever you need.
I'll be in touch,
Grace
Hallie,
I am so sorry for your loss. Please find peace in knowing that each day will get a little easier and a little less painful for you and Hunter. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Love,
Diana Donaldson (from The Broadway)
Karen Schue
Hallie, I feel your pain. You have our deepest sympathy.
When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.
May God shine on you and Hunter and your entire family this day and the days to come.
Dear Hallie,
So sorry to hear that Eric passed last night. I pray for strength for you, your family and, of course, Hunter. I know that Eric is already with God today and he will look over in the days to come. You and your family are an inspriation for all of us.
Halle, I am so sorry and I know words can not do justice to what you must need right now. Even though we live far away now and I haven't seen either of you in so long, I am so glad that I got to know Eric through Mike and that I have the memories with you guys that I have. You are an amazing, strong woman and just know so many thoughts are with you right now.
Though I know Eric is in a better place with no pain I don't imagine that is much comfort to you now.. so, I will just leave you with my love and thoughts and know I am thinking of you so much.
Julianna Seldon
This is a sad day. Eric is a good man. I enjoyed working with and for him. I am sorry for your loss. May God bless You and Hunter you are both in my prayers. Eric it is a blessing to know you.
Oh Haliee
Nikki has been telling how wonderful your blog is and today I opened it for the first time, and to my greatest sadness it was at the end of your journey. I am sitting here with tears in my eyes from all of the love you and Eric shared, you are always in my heart and in our family.
Love Always,
Lori and Daniel Beath
I'm so sorry he passed on your birthday Hallie. My thoughts and prayers are with you & Hunter in this most difficult time. Eric is at peace now in the loving arms of our Lord. May he rest in eternal peace.
Eric will always bring a smile to my face when I think of him. His quirkyness, his sense of humor, his compassion and his inspiration he has given others. He will be greatly missed. He has touched so many lives.
God Bless and continue to give you strength.
Lyn Sherman
Your PFS Sister
Dearest Hallie,
I am aching inside for you as I read about the loss of the man who was your rock, your world, your everything.
Eric was such an amazingly positive and unselfish person in life and such a such a strong role model for all as he fought to extend the life he loved so much.
I pray for strength and peace for you and for Hunter as you begin the new life you never expected and wanted even less.
You are so loved,
Lynne and Paul
I'm so sorry, Hallie.
Wendy
Hugs, prayers and tears. I wish I could make it all go away. But, his laet breath here was his first in heaven.
Jeremiah-29;11
I know the plans I have for you,
please for good and not for evil.
To give you a future and a hope.
lcs
Hallie,
My prayers are with you and your family. All though I'm a stranger your story is one that has been shared with me through Christina from day one. I admire your courage and your strenghth. I only met you and your husband once about a year ago, but your journey is one that i will cherish in my heart forever, may god bless you, hunter and eric always. -Cindy A.
Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free!
I follow the plan God laid for me.
I saw His face, I heard His call,
I took His hand and left it all...
I could not stay another day,
To love, to laugh, to work or play;
Tasks left undone must stay that way.
And if my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss...
Ah yes, these things I, too, shall miss.
My life's been full, I've savoured much:
Good times, good friends, a loved-one's touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief—
Don't shorten yours with undue grief.
Be not burdened with tears of sorrow,
Enjoy the sunshine of the morrow.
Our Brother is gone but Never Forgotten. We have lost a good man. Hallie, God bless you and Hunter during this difficult time. Your RFD family is here for you. You are in our prayers.
Bryan & Kellie Russell
Hallie & Hunter,
No words can say how sorry I am for your loss of such a great person. He is at peace and out of pain now. I only met him once at the summer reunion with my husband from 25's and I could already tell how special you and your family are.
I pray for you in these days for strength and understanding and peace.
The Sirois', Station 25
Hallie,
Our condolences to you and the rest of the family. May Eric rest in peace.
Love,
Yvette / Alex Uranza
I had no idea...such a sad day. Thoughts and prayers from a fellow FVHS Baron.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you and Hunter-indeed, all of Eric's family. Whatever you need, we are right around the corner.
Larry and Char
Hallie, Hunter & Family,
Heavan received a good man, no longer in pain but in peace. You are all surrounded by love.
All Our Love,
Bryan & Brandy
Hallie and Hunter, we are so very sorry for your loss, and are hurting for you right now. We realize that Eric is home with Jesus right now, but also feel your hurt and loss. Please know that we are praying that God would give his comfort to you and continue to wrap His arms around you and to give you the strength that you need each moment.
Love,
Rob and Sue Phillips and kids
My name is Trisha Ramos. I work with Kirk Cameron and Ray Comfort at Living Waters and The Way of the Master. Jaylene Daughtery told me aobut Eric.
Even though I don't know you my prayers go out to you today. I've been meditating on the words of Jonathan Edwards as of late and the Word of God too - perhaps you'll find comfort in these writings as well (see below).
Blessings to you and to all of you who mourn.
Trish
"Labour to obtain such a disposition of mind that you may choose heaven
for your inheritance and home; and may earnestly long for it, and be
willing to change this world, and all its enjoyments, for heaven.
Labor to have your heart taken up so much about heaven, and heavenly
enjoyments, as that you may rejoice when God calls you to leave your best earthly friends and comforts for heaven, there to enjoy God and Christ." The Christian Pilgrim, Jonathan Edwards, Sept 1733
Job 12:10..."In His hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind."
For the righteous will never be moved;
he will be remembered forever.
He is not afraid of bad news;
his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD.
His heart is steady;
he will not be afraid,
until he looks in triumph on his adversaries.
Psalm 112: 6 -8
"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away." Rev 21:4
Dear Hallie,
May our Lord wrap you and Hunter in His arms of love and peace. We are so very sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you and your families during this most difficult time. Remember Jesus is always there to listen and comfort and love you.
Hugs,
Judy & DeWayne
Hallie and Hunter,
We are so sorry to hear about Eric. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Stacey Vasquez and family
Hallie & Hunter,
Eric was an incredible man! We only knew him a short while when he came to our PFS office and became part of the team. But in that short while, he made a lasting impression on all of us.
He will truly be missed but he is now with the Lord & there is no pain. Should you ever need anything, please call us at 951-850-7525.
Mike & Sherry Rager
I am truly at a loss for words. Unusal for me. Sorry to hear about the loss of your husband, father and best friend. Eric is waiting for all of us who hope in the gift of Christ (eternal life). Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. (Heb 11:1) Eric sees clearly now and on Sunday Night, he was with Him in paradise. (Luke 23:43).
My thoughts and prayers will be with you and Hunter.
I will miss Eric and his wonderful humor. He truly was a great husband, father and friend.
Tony Braun
You are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless You and Eric is in God's arms.
The Plaza Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Hunter . . . Eric will be truly missed by all that knew him.
Those we love don't go away,
They walk beside us every day,
Unseen, unheard, but always near,
Still loved, still missed and very dear.
Author Unknown
The Brnovich's
Hallie and Hunter...we are all very sad about your loss...Eric was a wonderful person...and will continue to be your guardian angel...our thoughts and prayers are with you..Rod & Cindy Brewer
Many prayers to you and your family from the Corona Firefighters.
hallie and hunter, I am very sorry for your loss, eric will be greatly missed but am so greatful for the memories that we have of him which will live on forever. You will see him again.
Aimee (rfd dispatch)
On January 13, 2000, Eric assisted in rescucitating a non-responsive female who had been rescued from a burning condominium. To this day, she still maintains contact with members of the RFD. While Eric was taken from us, his legacy of assisting and extending the lives of others will live on for generations.
God Bless you Eric, Hallie and Hunter.
"Leave your passport with your new accountability officer"
Dave and Roberta Peurifoy
N-Side6C
With our prayers and heartfelt thoughts, know that Eric is forever with us as
E - energy and enthusiasm for living both on earth and through eternity
R - renewal and refocus on the importance of faith, family and friends
I - intelligence and wisdom spiced with humor and wit
C - courage and dedication to do and be your best in whatever you do
Sending peace that passes all understanding and love to you and yours!
You had an unhappy birthday, great sadness, heavy load. We pray that you will find peace knowing that he no longer experiences physical agony and comfort knowing that you will not be alone in this journey. Please have a paypal account for those who want to support you through this.
Sending love peace strength hugs to you and Hunter.
-Anthony's family
Hallie,
I love you.
Camilla
Hallie & Hunter, you are in our thoughts and prayers. May Eric rest in peace ... let us know if there's anything we can do for you.
The Bogans
i am so sorry that such a wonderful family has had to endure such pain. we raise eric up to the loard and pray for your families strength.
Dear Halle and Hunter,
Take great comfort in Faith that Eric is in Heaven in the presence of God. Made whole, to never feel pain or discomfort again. His smile and laughter returned to him brand new as if it had never left. And here on earth we are thankful that God gave him to us in our lives to make it a little bit brighter.
Our prayers are with you,
Doug and Kathy
Hallie,
Working with u and meeting Hunter and Eric brought so much joy to me. That man loves u and hunter so much, and fought and stayed so long, pushed and pushed because of the love he had fo
r u and his son. That same love will comfort u in the days to come. Love never leaves it only grows stronger. Eric will live forever in u and in Hunter. U are in my heart and prayers
Love
Shayla and Brooke
Hallie,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and Hunter.
God Bless
Amy L.
Your husband,your father, my Hero! On Jan. 13 2000 After Cpt. Puerifoy pulled my lifeless body out of a fire, Eric brought me back to life! I am deeply saddened to hear that his life has ended. I will be eternally grateful for his courage.My prayers are with you and your family. Rest in peace Eric and I Thank you. Rhonda Morrison
I am sorry for your loss. Rest in Peace Eric.
Inna and Jason Peart
Dear Hallie and Hunter,
May you know how much you are loved in this time of sadness. Although we are friends from afar, we offer you our prayers of support in this difficult time.
Peace be with you today and always.
The Church Family
Dear Sweet Hallie, when Eric's heart beat for the last time on earth, his next heartbeat was in heaven! His very next breath and heartbeat were in eternity where he instantly found himself seated on the lap of his Savior, resting his head on the strong chest of Jesus, and listening to His Heavenly heartbeat!
Then, in an instant, Eric's heart beat in sync with the Creator of the Universe! The One True God who loves you and Eric and Hunter so much!
Now you and Eric share a birthday! We know that someday, you will celebrate your birthday along with Eric's eternal birthday, and rejoice with Eric and the Angels in heaven in Eric's Homecoming!
We continue to lift you and Hunter in prayer before our Father, who is enjoying the company of his son, Eric!
Love you - The Giovannetti family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, our hearts are very sad. You are a strong woman with a Wonderful son....What an inspiration you are to many!
With Our Deepest Sympathy
Debbie Herbrandson and family
Rest In Peace Eric! Thanks for all the great memories at FS25! -Johnny
Oh sweet honey - I DO feel your terrible pain and sadness. I lost my beloved husband of 30 years on June 5th after two years of fighting congestive heart failure and he too suffered greatly - almost a relief to see him leave this earth. I am so very sorry you had to experience this at such a young age and on your birthday. My prayers and thoughts go out to you and your family. I met Eric through work and I remember how kind and funny he was. It is now a new journey for you and I suggest you use any hospice ongoing help they may offer. Remember Eric will always be with you and you will see him again, whole and happpy, someday. Until that time, treasure your memories. God bless you.
Linda Chadwick
Fire Officer Training
Santa Ana College
Oh sweet honey - I DO feel your terrible pain and sadness. I lost my beloved husband of 30 years on June 5th after two years of fighting congestive heart failure and he too suffered greatly - almost a relief to see him leave this earth. I am so very sorry you had to experience this at such a young age and on your birthday. My prayers and thoughts go out to you and your family. I met Eric through work and I remember how kind and funny he was. It is now a new journey for you and I suggest you use any hospice ongoing help they may offer. Remember Eric will always be with you and you will see him again, whole and happpy, someday. Until that time, treasure your memories. God bless you.
Linda Chadwick
Fire Officer Training
Santa Ana College
Hallie and Hunter;
This has been a truely spiritual Christmas. Although we are all sad and devistated that Eric is gone, I know that his pain is gone, but his love will be there for you forever.
The strength I saw from your family when I met you at Cypress PD left such a huge impression on me to be a better, stronger person for my family.
Please hug Hunter for Diane and me. Paul sends his love, too.
If there is anything you need, please call.
Love, Lew & Diane Stowers
Our deepest sympathies and respect to a fallen Brother. May you rest in peace!
The staff at Southern California FIRE & EMS
We are so terribly sorry to hear about Eric's passing. We have been following his blog since the beginning and have been so affected by the courage and dignity under fire that Eric displayed from the start. What a strong man he was, even when he felt his worse he was still able to find a way to laugh. Hallie, you are an extraordinary woman and the strength you showed as you stood at his side through his battle is the definition of true love. You were both incredibly lucky to have had each other. I think it was brave and smart of Eric to keep this blog, his words will live on to show the world what real grace is when you are handed things in life that are beyond your control. He seemed to have truly made the most of the time he had left.
Hallie, you and Hunter and all of Eric's family will be in our hearts and prayers. God bless Eric and all of you who loved him. We only wish we had the chance to have met him in person- what an amazing man.
Much love,
Amy, Larry and Kelli Gabrielson
Hallie,
I just heard aout your great loss and my prayers go out to you and your family.May your husband rest in peace. May god give you the strength to cope with this as time comes.Blessings your way.
Love Erika and Ariana.
And so his next great adventure begins, we will all join him soon. As Albert Einstein said at his friend's funeral, "Those of us who study physics know that the difference between yesterday, today and tomorrow is merely a stubbornly persistant illusion."
Out there in infinity, days are not counted and you are already together again :) we can't feel it now but we'll see it one day. And so to Eric's eternal spirit I say, "Happy Infinity! We'll see you soon!!"
~g
I'm so sorry...you're in my thoughts SO much lately and I pray each day for you...you are loved by so many people!
Love,
Jennifer Jaime (Sydney and Ian Jaime too)
May your pain be eased with the knowledge and comfort of your husband's eternal love. These are a few words shared in a similar time of grieving and loss I hope may be of some small comfort.
A brother firefighter.
In our sleep, pain which cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart until, in our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom through the awful grace of God.
Hallie & Hunter & to all of the Botkin family our prayers are with you. Eric's courage, smile, and character will always be a great example to all of us. We will see him again someday. God Bless. The Weaver's.
Hallie, We are so sorry for your loss! Eric left us with so many great memories! I still picture his smile and great sense of humor. It was clear that he had a love for life, his family, and making other people smile. He will truly be missed! We'll continue to pray for you, Hunter and the rest of your family.
Rob and Shelli Rappaport
Hallie,
You and Hunter are in our prayers.
Eric, "go rest high on that mountain", vince gill.
Hector, Patti, Delaina, Cade and Hudson.
http://popup.lala.com/popup/432627052148853903
"Go Rest High On That Mountain"
Our prayers are with you and your family in this tough time.
-Hemet Firefighters Association
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