In memory of Eric W. Searle Jr., beloved partner, brother, friend and godfather, who died at his Scottsdale, Ariz., home on June 11, 2008.
Born in Denver, Colo., to Eric Watson Searle and Emma Louise Rehbein, Eric spent most of his life in the San Francisco Bay Area where he graduated from Stanford University. Eric was a pilot during World War II. Upon his return to the Bay Area, he worked for First Interstate Bank, which has merged into Wells Fargo Bank. Until his retirement at age 65, Eric was vice president of the branch in the San Francisco Financial District.
Eric loved skiing, particularly in Sun Valley, Idaho and Squaw Valley, Calif., where he had a house, season pass, and numerous friends. He was one of the most graceful and best skiers around. He loved hiking the Sierras, fishing, windsurfing, and was even pictured in the book "Growing Old Is Not For Sissies" as an avid windsurfer at age 70. His sense of fun and humor opened the hearts of everyone he met.
In 1990, Eric met Alice Stanley and they spent the last 18 years happily together. They traveled extensively and enjoyed trips to Canada, Mexico, Hawaii, New Zealand, Australia and the east and west of the U.S. They made their home Sun Valley, Idaho.
Eric passed away peacefully after a short illness at their home at Carefree, Ariz. There will be a memorial service later this summer in Sun Valley, Idaho.
Eric is survived by his sister, Jane E. Jurges of Ione, Calif., and her two children, Eric John Jurges and Terri Lyn Vitek of San Jose, Calif.
