Eric James Olson, 52, lost his battle with addiction and died from an overdose on February 7, 2020. Eric's addiction started at an early age and, in spite of his efforts, stayed with him throughout his life. Even so, Eric was a fun loving person who lived life to the fullest. This was manifested by his many interests including reading, skiing, swimming, fixing cars, canoeing, motorcycle riding, camping out, Taekwondo (Third Degree black belt), family gatherings, cooking, and traveling.
Eric moved to Raleigh as a teenager and graduated from Broughton High School in 1985. After earning a degree in computer science from the NC State Engineering Department, he worked as a computer specialist at various enterprises, the last being the Duke Hospital system.
Eric's many friends came from all walks of life and he delighted in creating joy and laughter in their midst. He loved to travel and took numerous enjoyable trips to Europe. The latest was a trip last October to Italy where he explored the Tuscan hills, villages, and vineyards with his three siblings and other family members and friends. For years, Eric organized/participated in a Memorial Day weekend canoe trip with a large number of friends. This was always a highlight of his year.
Eric loved dogs, especially his beautiful Akita named Oso and his wonderful German Shepherd puppy named Zoe. Zoe has grown into an energetic dog that Eric adored. Zoe will miss him.
Even though Eric did not profess a belief in the hereafter, his spiritual self came through in the way he lived his life with honesty and integrity. He was genuine, and often self-deprecating, in his relationships with friends and family. He will be dearly missed but now is in a better place.
Eric is survived by his parents, Mickey Kilpatrick (Bruce Beaudin), Durham NC; and Jim Olson, Raleigh NC; sisters Terrilyn Olson (Christof Stork), Golden, CO; and Heidi Sloan (Bill) Raleigh, NC; brother Douglas Olson (Stacey) San Jose, CA; five nieces and nephews, and two stepbrothers.
A memorial service will be held in Raleigh at Saint Giles Presbyterian Church, 5101 Oak Park Road, Saturday, February 15, at 11 am.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wake SPCA (200 Petfinder Lane, Raleigh, NC 27603) or to Boulevard Animal Hospital (3900 Western Blvd, Raleigh, NC 27606) for the future care of Eric's dog Zoe. Please put Zoe Olson on memo line of your contribution.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Eric James Olson, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.
Eric Olson
May 21, 1967 – February 7, 2020
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Condolences & memories
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Well said obituary, just a shame that it was needed. Captures the highlights of such a fun-loving and easily likeable friend. I had to smile at the 'fixing cars' part...he was much more talented at breaking them than fixing them ) Love and Miss You brother...way to soon.
Beautifully written. His voice, and especially his laugh, will never leave me. For thirty years I was so lucky. Thanks E.
Though I didn't have the privilege of knowing this young man, my heart goes out to you and your entire family. I too have lost family members and close friends due to addiction. Thank you for sharing the fact that addiction is real. It can happen to anyone. God Bless You All ud83dude4fud83dude4fud83dude4f
Eric has been a neighbor for 10 years. We first met when my dog ran away and went directly to him and Zoe. He always had a smile and a wave, a laugh and a positive comment. He will truly be missed in our community as a positive and uplifting, caring, and understanding person.
Eric will be missed. I was one of his Taekwondo brothers and will miss him greatly. Eric worked hard at anything he dedicated himself to and I participated any many of those hard workouts in TKD. May God embarrass you my brother.
What a nice tribute and I did not know this young man but my heart goes out to you as the family -- we also lost a son to addiction but it was so long ago (2006) that people did not talk about addiction and I was so touched by your honesty and love -- you all are in my prayers and thoughts and I really appreciate you sharing...his life has touched mine.
A special message to Heidi Sloan I am sad for you and your family in the loss of your dear brother. I am sorry also that we have lost touch. My memory is vivid of your wonderful personality and smartness. Blessings to all, Dorothy Petty.
Dear Olson Family, We donu2019t know each other, but we have in common having lost a very special family member to the horrible disease of addiction. Iu2019m sending prayers and good wishes for your comfort and peace as you move forward through your grief. The main reason Iu2019m writing is to thank you for your honesty and openness about how Eric lost his life. I think itu2019s so important and valuable for us to talk about addiction honestly so people can become educated and help remove the stigma which has accompanied it for far too long. Thank you for sharing so beautifully what Ericu2019s life was like. It sounds as thou2019 he had a lot in common with our son Mark, and itu2019s obvious they were both truly wonderful young men. If you desire to be in touch you can reach me at ebarber@nc.rr.com. May you be blessed by your good memories. Sincerely, with love & caring, Evelyn Barber
Spent a magical week in Tuscany last year with Eric, his family & friends. We connected on moon-filled terrace with great wine, food, company and music that Eric provided, including Little Feat and Van Morrison. I think Eric is dancing Pain free right now in heaven to it's a marvelous night for a moondance, with the stars all bright in your eyes. Keep on dancing Eric!!
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