Obituary of Eric Heckendorn

Eric William Heckendorn, 24 years of age, passed away Sunday 27 January 2008. Born in Galliano, Louisiana September 6th 1983, Eric spent most of his life growing up in California. Eric was a loving person who enjoyed athletics, gaming, aggressive roller blading and most importantly his family and friends. Eric was a 2002 graduate of Antioch High School where he lettered in Water Polo. He was close to his teammates and was so very proud of the hard work they all put in which led to their competing in the North Coast State Finals. After high school, Eric attended three years of College at Humboldt State University where he majored in Industrial Technology and worked as a tutor at the Veterans Upward Bound Program. A caring person by nature, Eric felt a strong desire to give something back to his Country and chose to join the U.S. Army Reserve. Eric completed basic training in December of 2006 and was one of only 30 people to receive top honors out of a battalion of 250 soldiers. Upon graduation from basic training he attended Advanced Individual Training at Fort Gordon, Georgia where he received training certification in Satellite Communications. Assigned to Bravo Company, 319th Signal Battalion in Dublin California, Eric always spoke with pride about his unit and his service to our great nation. We love him so much and although he will be dearly missed by us all, he will always be in our hearts and minds each and every day. Eric is survived by his Father and Step-Mother Royce and Lisa Stilwell Heckendorn of Antioch Ca, his Mother Deborah Heckendorn of Antioch Ca, Sister Amy Heckendorn of Martinez Ca, Grandparents Barbara and Jessie Hernandez of Los Angeles Ca , Ann Schaenfield of Phoenix AZ , and Frances Stilwell of Randalman NC. Eric also had numerous Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and close personal friends throughout the country.