You will live in my heart forever and one day we will go places

Patti, I was so sorry to hear of Eric's passing, He is in a better
place though and I know that gives you comfort. You and your
family are in my heart and prayers.
Love, Chloe'

Eric was the best General Manager at Crossroads Ford of Sanford that I have ever had, nice, kind, always smiling and easy to work for. Always made a point to go around the whole Dealership and speak to everyone before he started his day. He will be greatly missed!!!
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Patty and the girls. I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Eric. He was the best manager I ever had. Even when I would be so mad at him sometimes he would always find a way to make me feel better. He refuse to let me be mad. I really missed him when I left Crossroads. If there was ever a man that loved his kids that was him. He always had something to tell me about them. It really sadden me when I found out about his sickness, but he was a trooper and determined not to give up. Even on days he didn't feel his best he would still squeeze out a smile. I would always call back to see how he was doing. I will miss him. But it gives me pleasure to know heaven has gained another angel. He was the best. May God bless him and May God give you and your family strength to endure the pain. He will always ha a special place in my heart. R.I.P. ERIC. Love you my friend.

Our family has fond memories of yours through our days with soccer. What fun times we all had together traveling and being with our girls. We always remember Eric as such a kind and fun person, always with a smile. Meghan, Jo Anne, and I have been praying for Eric and your family for many months and are sad to hear of his passing. We will continue to hold you up in prayers during this difficult time.

Larry, Jo Anne, and Meghan Phillips

Kapan Family,

We all have mental images of those we meet and pass along the way burned into or minds and memories and as I just sat here watching the slide show with tears in my eyes I also had a great warmth in my heart because my mind memory of Eric is of his amazing smile the radiated a warmth and friendliness that was so natural and kind. As I have shared with you already - I was amazed at the courage and grace with which Eric faced his recent illness that I believe he willed from within because of exactly what he radiated in that smile - a need to give us all peace to follow him in this journey - he was a great husband, father and to us - FRIEND and I will always remember - How he made me FEEL. As the great poet Mya Angelou (who we also recently lost) once said in one of my favorite poems - 

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

With warmest memories

Anita
____________

Full Poem which I believe is how Eric lived his life and inspired others as well -

“I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it
seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things:
a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life. I've learned that making a living is not the same thing as making a life. I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back. I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I've
learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one. I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. I've learned that I still have a lot to learn. I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

I believe the hottest and most humid day of my life was spent with Eric shortly after he and his family moved into our neighborhood. Eric had made some connection that allowed us to play golf for free at a new Arnold Palmer golf course in the Sandhills. The catch was that we had to play in the middle of the day in the summer and the temperature that day was actually 103 degrees! We had a great time and an experience I will never forget.

More recently Eric and I were standing in my driveway when he told me that he had become a follower of Jesus Christ! We hugged each other for the longest time with tears in our eyes and unable to speak for the moment. We were both so happy! 

Eric always made you feel like he was so glad to be talking with you. I loved his sarcasm. He will be terribly missed by everyone.

I met Eric playing golf at MDCC and enjoyed many rounds with him, to the extent we became partners at the annual Member-Member. We all kidded Eric about what " the real price of a car is" and as he always did --he came right back at us with snappy answers. He was always passionate about his career and took great pride in doing a good job. More importantly, Eric took great pride in his family and always kept us up to date as to where his girls were and what they were doing. I have NEVER been around any parent that was more proud of his children. This is a very sad day. I have lost a golf partner, a guy with a great sense of humor, but more importantly a great friend.........

Eric was a friend for 13 years . Proud father and husband. The Crossroads family misses you

I had the privilege to work with Eric for many years at Crossroads Ford. He always had a smile & was happy go lucky. God has another angel. Sending prayers to his family & friends. You will be greatly missed:-(

Eric was a friend to all those who knew him. I knew him for several years while I worked for Ford Motor Co as well as my time working for Crossroads Ford with him after my Ford retirement. We will miss him dearly. My condolences to his family.

I had the privilege as well of knowing Eric on many levels, professionally as we bought many vehicles from him over the years, living across the street and in the neighborhood and being there through this illness from the beginning. He was my friend before I was his physician, and while the tragedies that we see in our own lives and those around us take a huge emotional toll, I find inspiration in how some, like Eric, handle them in a way that serves as an example for all, a true tribute to his faith and to his family. He will certainly be missed, but for myself, the impact he had on me, can be summed up by his favorite word, "Wow". Thanks Eric.

Eric was our consistent, positive people person. He knew no strangers. He always had a positive approach to anything that happened. He knew he was blessed to be able to be healthy for his daughters weddings and enjoyed tremendously the outpouring of love and affection that those events brought to all. I will miss you my buddy.

Love you
Timbo

I had the pleasure of working with Eric for many years at Crossroads. He always kept spirits high and laughter close. He had a good way about making you want to strive to be better. If you were just not mentally ready for the day, he got you there fast with his cheery personality. He always greeted me with that big grin of his, and loved to pick with his crazy humor.

You were always one of my best friends at Crossroads and after. Thinking of you and your family during these difficult hours.

Always had a good time at work when Eric was around. Gonna miss you "Old Guy." RIP. God bless your family.

Eric was a great friend to everyone he met. I had the honor to work with Eric for many years at Crossroads Ford. He would always put a smile on your face every day. Our prayers go out to his family.

What a great honor it has been to be able to call Eric a friend. Truly a real genuine family man. I had the pleasure of working with Eric starting in the early 90's and learned many things not only professionally but personally. I enjoyed many rounds of golf and no matter how we were playing it was always a great round. As he would always say " a bad day on the course is better than a great day at work" God bless you my friend. May God Bless Patty and the family.
Ray Mabe

It was also my honor and privilege to work with Eric for many years at Crossroads Ford. Eric possessed the natural ability to make you feel like a old friend from the moment that you met. He did that for many many people. We all will miss him. My prayers go out to the family.

Eric hired me in the car business about 20 years ago. He would always say "I zigged when I should of zagged". All these years later I say the same thing to my sales guys... Along with several other of his sarcastic , funny comments. He was always upbeat with that big mischievous grin. He was truly one of a kind. He is and always will be missed.

What a wonderful person that I worked with at CrossRoads Ford! Treated everyone with such respect and kindness! Prayers for the Family with much sympathy!