In Loving Memory

Eric Vane Pillen

Eric Vane Pillen, a 20-year area resident, passed away peacefully on April 12, 2022 in Spokane Valley, WA.  He was born on February 3, 1964 in Flint, MI to Raymond and Sharon (Covell) Pillen.

Eric began his life not without challenges as he was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at an early age.  His father, Raymond worked for aerospace companies such a s McDonald-Douglass and Boeing during the 1960's into the early 1970's.  In 1971 they moved to Ketchikan, AK where his father then began working for Coast Air where he worked as a sheet metal fabricator for bush planes.  The family would go fishing together on weekends and eventually began the path to a full-time fishing career.  Eric enjoyed being out on the water with his family from an early age. Tragically he lost his little brother, Duke who had drowned, and the family decided on a move to Kasaan Bay, and then Port Alexander and away from those sad memories.  The BLM had a land claim going on at the time to promote growth in Port Alexander, so the family staked a claim and built a home there.  Eric stayed with Tom and Joanne Tucker in Enumclaw, WA from 1974-78 while going through multiple corrective spinal surgeries and they lovingly cared for him as though he was their own son. Eric would once more make his way north, this time moving to Sitka, AK.  While living in Sitka, Eric finished high school and attended community college there, then moved back with the Tuckers where he attended Green River community College and worked at the Tacoma Good Will for awhile. After living in Valdez and Eagle River, Alaska for a while Eric's parents would divorce and eventually, he made his way to Sequim. WA where his older brother Norm and his family where living.  Eric spent time in Port Angeles, WA until 2003 where he moved to the Summit Valley area.

Eric moved around quite a bit in his earlier years, and where ever he went, he would meet a new friend.  He had a positive outlook on life even with his own difficulties, he never complained.  Eric loved spending time outdoors, bowling, going to the mall and socializing.  Later as an adult he took up photography.  He adopted the Green Bay Packers as his favorite football team despite now living in the Inland Northwest, but that played right into his dry sense of humor.  Eric was a huge Star Wars fan and had quite a nice action figure collection. He had a beaming smile that would light up a room. His struggles on earth are now over and he is now soaring with the Angels in Heaven.

Eric was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Sharon, and one brother, Duke.  He is survived by his older brother, Norm (Bea) Pillen; sisters, Louise (Robert) Gainor, Suzanne Pillen, Mistelle (Michael) Lewis, Karina Pillen, Marnie Young; numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service for Mr. Eric V. Pillen will take place on Saturday, May 21, 2022 at 11:00am at the Summit Valley Community Church.  Please visit the online memorial page and sign his guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com .  Danekas Funeral Chapel & Crematory have been entrusted in his care.