Eric Johnson
To Mrs. Johnson and family, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I'am Sheila Mershon the little girl that lived three houses down the street and used to play with Eric. We used to trade tricycles. Again I'm sorry for your loss and you're in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Sheila Mershon Halladay
Sheila Halladay
Marathon
FL
Mrs. Johnson & family: I am so terribly sorry for the loss of Eric and Emily. I am Beth's first cousin, but me and my family remained close with Eric after the divorce. He was a wonderful person, and he was an amazing father to Emily. My parents, Bill & Portia Chapman, loved Eric like a son, and are terribly grieved at this tragedy. Eric and Emily visited with them for several hours this past Sunday night, and my mother now cherishes the memory of that final visit. Eric & Emily had been out grocery shopping that night and Eric had bought Emily a new goldfish to replace one that had died. My mother said that Eric was excited about a new school in Chicago that he thought could test Emily for a learning disability. He was being Eric...constantly looking out for the welfare and happiness of Emily. My family knows that the only explanation to this tragedy is that this plane crash was an accident, I only hope and pray that this can be determined and Eric's good name can be cleared in this tragedy. Even if they can never determine this...I will always know in my heart that this act was not deliberate. He was a victim as well, and both he and Emily will be missed. Please know that I have had many of Eric's friends contact me and share along with me their belief that this had to be an accident...and their sorrow in the loss of Eric. He touched many lives and will be sadly missed. My favorite memory of Eric and Emily is the many many times I would drive by their house my sister lives just a few houses away on the same street, and Eric would be outside in his yard, mowing his lawn with a push-mower, with Emily riding on his back! He was such a great dad! My prayers are with you and your family. Please let us know if we can do anything for you. Misty Cummings Oolitic, IN
Misty Cummings
Oolitic
IN
Bob Hawkins
Vallonia
IA
Mrs.Johnson & Family, You probably don't remember me, but I am Gayland and Carol Ricklefs daughter and attended Trintiy Church and school, Cheryl would remember me as one or her cheerleaders. Even though Eric and I are 4 years apart in age, I remember him as a very kind, caring, quiet and friendly young man. I always felt that your family was a great example of a wonderful Christian family with wonderful values. I was shocked to see the story on the news and in the Gazette, and my heart went out to all of you. I truly believe this was a terrible accident and that the stories surrounding this will be put to rest and his name cleared. My deepest sympathies go out to you all and just know that God is always at your side. Michele Ricklefs Africa Po Box 340 Earlville, IA 52041
Michele Ricklefs Africa
Manchester
IA
Mrs. Johnson & family I am so sorry for your loss. Eric was a wonderful person and father. Me and my family, Chapman's enjoyed spending time with both him and Emily. We will all keep our memories of them both very close to us. It was very obvious that Emily was always his main focus in life, for they loved each other dearly. I believe that this was all an accident and someday his name will be cleared of all the unjustice that has developed. My prayers are with you and your family through this difficult time.
Wendy Keller
Bedford
IN
Cheryl Schrader
Vallonia
IN
Eric was my friend - I will miss him. Please accept my condolences on your loss in this terrible tragedy. You've chosen a good picture for the memorial page; I'll always remember that smile and his generous nature. Over the last couple years Eric asked me to graft several crabapple trees from the parent tree at his childhood home, so that he could give them away to his family members. I still have one remaining, and I will plant that in his honor at the property he used to manage.
Phil O'Connor
Vallonia
IN
Joyce and Family, Words alone can not express the sympathies that Helen and I have for you and your family. Nor can any words return to you what was untimely taken from you. But there will always be a place in our thoughts and our hearts for you.
Helen Davis and Deb Dawson
Cedar Rapids and Anamosa
IA
To the Family of Eric and Emily Johnson. I am Emily's great-aunt and Eric's friend. I am so very, very sorry for the tragic accident because I know that was what it was in spite of all is said in the new media. He would never, never do something like that. He loved his daugher very much and he was a good Christian man - never would he have done what has been accused. May God in His mercy and judgements be prevailed for the truth to come out to exonerate this very kind and wonderful father of Emily.
portia chapman
bedfor
IN
To the Johnson Family - I worked with Eric on Forest Inventory during the mid-1980's, and we remained in contact during the past 20 odd years. He was a very generous person and always willing to help anyone. A special memory is when he helped us put shingles on our roof! I know how much he loved his daughter and his family and friends. You are in my prayers.
Kelly Weigel
Bedford
IN
Please accept my condolences for your tragic loss. I worked with Eric in the Division of Forestry for nearly 20 years. I always found him gentle, giving and extremely dedicated. I know he loved his family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Doug Brown
Birdseye
IN
Please accept my deepest sympathy at the loss of Eric. I was a friend and workout partner of his in Bedford and will miss him dearly. He inspired me to be healthy and encouraged me to keep going as we worked out. I will always remember Eric's kindness, quiet sense of humor and athletic charisma. He was such a pleasure to be around and it was very sad to watch his divorce steal his joy. I will keep him and Emily in my prayers. I pray for understanding and I pray that you will be comforted. I pray that some good can eventually come from this tragedy. Eric was a thoughtful person and kind friend and I will remember him fondly. I am a better person for having known him.
Tammy Dillon
Bedford
IN
I knew Eric in his professional life, here in Indiana, for the past 20 years. Eric was dedicated to the property he managed and it showed to the rest of us. I will remember his creative thinking and his helpful, friendly ways. He received the Property Manager of the Year award last year and as I told him then, he deserved it and it was long overdue. To his family, please accept my wife's and my sympathies, and may Eric and his precious daughter rest in peace.
Dwayne Sieg
Corydon
IN
To Mrs Johnson, Family and Friends, I knew Eric when I lived in Indiana and played many volleyball tournaments with him. Sadly, I didn't keep in contact with him the past ten years but the picture of him is exactly how I remember him. Eric was not only a gifted physical player but always seemed to have an easy going nature. I will always have fond memories of our volleyball team playing against the infamous "Hardees" team and the doubles tournaments I played with Eric. Eric also organized and ran many tournaments, which I know can be a thankless job but Eric didn't seem to mind. My condolences and prayers go out to his family and friends. I will always regret not getting the chance to catch up with him but will never forget the good memories of him.
Andrew Walck
Wilmington
DE
To the Family and Friends of Eric, I have known Eric for almost 12 years thru the volleyball community in Bloomington, IN. This has been a terrible loss to everyone who has known him. Many people are deeply saddened. Eric has always been regarded as one of the nicest and most respected persons. He recently started getting back into Bloomington volleyball and it was good to see him back...Not only a great player, but just a great guy to have around. He brought Emily sometimes. It was very evident that he loved Emily and she loved her daddy! My husband and I, along with another couple of friends went to dinner with Eric and Emily about 2 months ago. Emily sat on her dad's lap most of the time. She was very special. It was a nice time. That same night Eric was playing vball and fell after twisting his ankle. Emily was sitting by me when she saw him fall but immediately ran to her dad in much concern. She wanted to help her dad get back on his feet. Unfortunately, Eric had to sit out the rest of the game. But little Emily continued to sit with her daddy, she wiping his sweat from his face and asking him if he was okay. This was a sweet moment I'll never forget. This is how I'll remember Emily. Eric was kind, gentle,and warm-hearted. This is how he will be remembered. Please know that there are many people here that cared for him. He will be missed. May the good memories of Eric help soothe your spirits.
Sunny Slater
Bloomington
IN
God Bless you and help you through this sad time.
Debbie
Bedford
IN
Joyce and Family, I cried when I heard the news about Eric and Emily. I have good memories of when Eric and Sheila would play together. One of them dressed for halloween, Eric, Batman and Sheila, Mary Poppins. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry for your loss. Marvel Mershon former Johnson Ave neighbor
Marvel Mershon
Cedar Rapids
IA
Mrs. Johnson and Family. I want to extend my sympathy to you and your family. There can be no nothing more painful than the loss of a child. I hope and pray that the wonderful memories you have of Eric and Emily will help ease some of the pain. As I am older than Sheila and did not play with Eric I have heard stories of the fun Sheila and Eric had riding trikes and the fun at Halloween. Please know that I pray for your pain to heal. Sharon Mershon
Sharon Mershon
Cedar Rapids
IA
Dear Joyce & family, I hope God has extra angles with you and your family at this time in your lives. We wonder how we will make it at times like this, I know I do. I am so very sorry about Eric and Emily. I saw them both on the Friday before they left for vacation here in the office. Emily was anxious to get to the playground. Eric promised her time to slide, swing and ride the spring riders as he always did when he brought her here to the forest. Eric was ready for vacation, he had his class ring on and I had never seen it before. Eric was the best boss that I have ever had. As we all know he was one of the best fathers, how many fathers have popcorn and movies on every Friday evening with their children? His family was his life. He was very organized, hard working, dedicated and most caring. Our property will never be the same!! I pray that our next boss is only half as good as Eric was. I have learned many things from him in the years that I have been here at Jackson Washington. I think of him not only as my boss, but as a very good friend. I miss him very much. Take Care and may God be with you and your family. Please call anytime. Brenda
Brenda Cooper
Brownstown
IN
Dear Mrs. Johnson and Family, Eric was a genuine friend. I knew him for more than 20 years. I played in hundreds of volleyball tournaments with him. I give him credit for getting me started playing volleyball after I moved to Bloomington, IN. I would have never met many of the people I know without this connection. Much of our activities centered around volleyball, and I also have many other great memories of time I spent with Eric. In 1990 or thereabouts, I took a vacation with Eric, and we drove to Florida, collecting acorns all along the way. I once went whitewater rafting with him in West Virginia. Another trip took us to Las Vegas. I already miss his playful spirit and big smile. In a strong circle of friends, every one of us thought the world of Eric. He was a very positive force in my life, and nothing will take away the great memories I have of him. My thoughts are with you as we all get through this difficult time.
Jeff Treece
Portland
OR
To the Johnson Family, Eric, Emily and their Friends; My name is Janett and I live in Bedford Indiana where this terrible tragedy happened. I didn't know Eric or Emily, but I wanted to offer my condolensences to the entire family and all the friends of this family. After reading the passages left on his memorial, I am deeply saddened by the fact that Eric's name has been marred, but the important thing is that God, you and Emily know the truth of what happened. That it was truly an accident. My prayers and thoughts are with you, and know that I've added you to my prayer list and will continue to pray for the truth of this situation to come out and that the family be able to heal from this tragic loss. May God Bless You All! Janett Foster
Janett Foster
Bedford
IN
Dear Roxanne, Mick and Family, Our hearts ache for you...we know the pain and suffering...and for you it is double...please know you are in our prayers daily and may God wrap his arms around your family and comfort you. Love... Jan and Bob
Jan and Bob Carney
Hutchinson
MN
Mrs. Johnson and family You probably don't remember me but my parents are Herbert and Amanda Mickey Beer and are still members of Trinity. I wanted you to know that your family is in my thoughts and prayers and even though I haven't seen Eric for many years possibly since High School I do remember that he always had a kind word. May your memories of Eric and Emily strengthen you during this difficult time.
Christine Beer Wadle
Peoria
IL
To Mrs. Johnson & Family, I first met Eric about 20 years ago playing volleyball. He was always so kind, considerate and patient on and off the court. We played in many volleyball tournaments together. He truly helped me to become a better player. I was fortunate enough to play volleyball with Eric in September when I was home for a visit. I am truly honored to call him my friend. The picture you have posted is exactly how I remember Eric with his wonderful smile. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Cherre Treece
Sherwoor
OR
Dear Mrs. Johnson and Family, We are so sorry for your loss during the difficult time. We knew Eric and Emily. We were their neighbors. They were really very kind,sweet,wonderful people. We want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. The Cecil Family.
Cecil Family
Bedford
IN
My condolences to the entire Johnson family. I know that Eric loved God and we will all be reunited in heaven. My wife and I will be praying for healing and comfort. I always enjoyed having Eric as a friend when we were growing up. Even though we hadn't talked for a number of years I often thought about him and how he was doing. Eric was a special friend and he will be missed. In our Prayers, Jim Beck and family
Jim Beck
Glendale
AZ
Dear Mrs. Johnson and family. I am very sorry to hear the sad news about Eric and Emily. I first met Eric when we both worked for the Forest Service Inventory Crew in Bedford in 1985. Eric was kind enough to let me room with him a couple of days a week to avoid a long daily commute back and forth to Indianapolis, where my wife Shelley lived. I worked with Eric with the Indiana Division of Forestry until about 1999 when our family moved to New Hampshire. Eric went out of his way to visit us a few years ago when he was out this way for some training. Eric was well thought of by the people who worked with him. I remember going on a fire crew with him to a spot near Glacier National Park one year. The temperature would drop to the 20’s at night. Eric was a master at foraging around the fire camp and using discarded boxes, extra equipment and whatever he could find to make things a little more comfortable for the crew. As many other people have commented, I will always remember Eric just as his picture shows – always smiling, kind and friendly - a good person to have known as a friend. I hope the good memories of Eric and Emily comfort you in your loss. Sincerely, John Parry
John Parry
Durham
NH
Dear Mrs. Johnson and Family, We would like to convey our deepest condolences to you and your family. Also, thank you for providing us with the gift to join others in expressing our heartfelt messages and memories of Eric and Emily. Eric was a good friend to my husband, John Parry and I. We all started off in new careers in Indiana. John and Eric worked together with the U.S. Forest Service on Survey Crew. Eventually both joined the Indiana DNR, where I was working as well. Eric’s boundless enthusiasm and youthful determination always impressed me. Above all he was a kind, thoughtful person, who was always generous with his time. I remember planting trees with Eric for a day on Jackson–Washington. I could barely keep up with him and eventually he was rows ahead of me. Several years later Eric sent me photos of the plots of trees we had planted, they were so tall and impressive. Eric took a lot of pride in his work and I’m glad I had a chance to share in a small part of it. Eric was a loyal person; in fact a few years ago he called to get together while he was attending a conference in Portland, Maine near to where we live. John and I spent the late afternoon with him and we had dinner together. It was a fun reunion, just like old times. We reminisced and talked about our lives. You could tell how much his family meant to Eric and what a dedicated father he was to Emily. It means so much to be able to smile, even through the tears when I’m thinking of Eric. I’ll always be grateful for knowing your son and that we were friends. Sincerely, Shelley Mitchell
Shelley Mitchell
Durham
NH
Dear Mrs. Johnson & Family, Our hearts go out to you at this most difficult time. As we think about all that you must be experiencing, we want you to know and be comforted by the life that Eric lived. Though our experience is limited to his time in southern Indiana over the last 20 years, we were very close with Eric through volleyball and as friends, especially in the last six months when we had many opportunities to spend time with Eric and Emily, even attending Emily's birthday party in February. We know that his heart was always close to Cedar Rapids and his family roots. He spoke affectionately of his family back in Iowa and treasured your love, especially appreciating your love for Emily. He was constantly seeking opportunities for Emily to get to see you and to experience your expressions of love. We also want you to know that the love that you gave Eric in raising him, he forwarded on to those of us who were a part of his life. As part of his volleyball family, he not only made us better athletes, but more significantly better citizens. He accomplished this by example, living and playing with enthusiasm and passion for what is good, never brash or profane. His spirit was contagious and made us aware of how we needed to make ourselves better and focus on that which is truly important in life. As we have read other comments from his friends, these endearing stories and relationships are how we remember Eric as well. He was one to encourage and not criticize, patient with those around him. We all benefited greatly from the values that you instilled in Eric as a young man, values which continued to mature into his adult life. We miss our friend!!! As difficult as this situation is to understand, there is also comfort knowing that our hope is not in ourselves and what we accomplish, but in God and what he has accomplished in Christ. This hope leads to peace that transcends all understanding, peace that we hope returns to you soon. Though we didn't know you personally, you will remain in our prayers because of our fond memories of Eric and Emily.
Marvin & Mary Wicker
Bloomington
IN
Dear Mrs. Johnson & family. Words are hard to express my feelings for your great loss. I have known Eric for some 20 years as he worked as a forester and property manager at one of Indiana's State Forests. Eric was always helpful, spirited and supportive whenever anyone needed any assistance or help. He was a devoted forester to the profession as well as to the responsibilities he was given. He will be sorely missed by his fellow professionals in Indiana. Your family and his many friends are in my family's thoughts and prayers.
David Vadas
Bloomington
IN
Dear Mrs. Johnson & Family, Words cannont express my sorrow for your loss. Please accept my condolances. I knew Eric for 14 years through working for the DNR. The one thing I will never forget about Eric was how he always had a smile. It was always warm and sincere. He endeavored one day to show me how they take tree inventories for Timber Sales. He took me down into the biggest gulley in Washington County he could find. I never thought I was coming out of there. Of course he just laughed at my comments and then bounded up the side of it like it was nothing. He was always willing to share his knowledge and to help out. He will be greatly missed. His legacy, written here in this guestbook, stands as a testimony to how much he genuinely cared about his family, friends and co-workers. May you find peace in knowing that one day you will be reunited with Eric and Emily in our Fathers house. Love and Prayers, Rebecca
Rebecca Fleetwood
Medora
IN
Although I did not know them, I pray God help you in this great loss.
Mary Ellen
Oolitic
IN
Dear Family&Loved ones of Eric Johnson, I have had the pleasure of working with Eric for the past 7 years. To say he will be missed is a huge understatement. I would like to let you know that Eric has left a legacy in his property and the many people he has come into contact with. Eric put his heart and soul into his work and it showed. We will continue on the work Eric started, but it will never be the same with out his smile and enthusiasm. God Bless You, as He has the people who have worked with Eric. With deep Sympathy, Bill Seegers
Bill Seegers
Nashville
IN
To the family of Eric and Emily Johnson . I am from Bedford ,we have never met but You are in my heart and prayers. God bless You.
debbi taylor
bedford
IN
Dear Mrs. Johnson & family: I was deeply saddened when I heard of the tragedy that took Eric and Emily's life. The person depicted in the media articles is not the person that I have known off and on for over twenty years. I met Eric shortly after I moved to Bloomington in 1985 and started playing volleyball in the city leagues, I.U. HPER and the YMCA. Quite often Eric and I would ride together as we travelled to various volleyball tournaments. Consequently, we got to know each other very well and became good friends. Even after I moved back to Indianapolis in 1987 and later to Florida in 1989 we have stayed in touch from time to time. In fact, a few years ago on a return visit to Indiana I took my wife and twin daughters by to visit with Eric at the State Forest in Brownstown. I will always remember Eric as kind, hard working, passionate about volleyball, very concerned about Emily's future and as someone that really seemed to enjoy life. I still recall the time he returned from the special reunion your family had in Hawaii and how much joy it brought to him. I last spoke to Eric around the beginning of October -- we were discussing Emily's college savings fund -- he was wanting to start adding more money to the fund in the near future. I sincerely hope the special memories you have of Eric and the knowledge that he was admired and respected by so many people will somehow soften your loss.
Kerry Luellen
Apopka
FL
I miss Eric and his cheery visits to the Washington County Surveyor's Office.