Obituary of Eric Garland

Eric John Garland, born May 21, 1973 in Pompton Plains, NJ, of Methodist faith, passed away Tuesday May 15th at the Hospice of Lehigh Valley Hospital. He was the son of Sharon Garland of Oxford, NJ and John Garland of Washington, NJ. He worked as a Machinist and Engine Builder. Eric was an avid Go-Kart Racer winning many races up and down the East Coast. Survivors: He is survived by a sister Michele Graf & her husband Aaron; his Godson and nephew Brandon and niece Madison Graf; his Godparents Charles & Kathryn O'Hea; Uncles, Aunts and cousins; a companion to John Garland, Irene Glosser. Services: A private cremation was held under the direction of DeVoe Funeral Services, Inc. Washington, NJ. A memorial Service will be held on Saturday May 26, 2007 at 11:00am at the Oxford Colonial United Methodist Church on the corner of Washington Avenue in Oxford, NJ. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Eric Garland's name to the Children's Brain Foundation, 274 Madison Avenue, Suite 1004, New York, NY 10016. Online condolences may be expressed at www.devoefuneral.com. Tributes: Tribute from: Jennifer Hogan All our love and thoughts are with you. Jenne and Graeme Tribute from: PACEY THANK YOU ERIC FOR ALL THE GOOD MEMORIES. YOU HAVE A HEART OF GOLD - THEY DON'T MAKE TOO MANY LIKE YOU. YOU WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN. My deepest condolences to the Garland Family. Words can not express how much Eric will be missed. He was a great friend, a great competitor, and a great mentor. I owe more to Eric the the words Thank You can cover. I will never for get Eric, or the things he has taught me. May he rest in peace. -Dan Miller My condolence to the Garland family any thing you need please contcat me Floyd Aspinall & Family To John Garland, and the Garland family. There are no words to express the loss of a child. Surely things are not easy for you right now and even though it may seem hard for you to believe, deep down you have what it takes to get though this difficult time. If you ever need the support of some friends, we are here for you. We shared so many great times with Eric and those memories are what's going to keep him alive for us forever. Hang in there, time will slowly heal your broken hearts and eventually everything will be okay. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. With loving thoughts from, Lisa & David Pace and family I have so many wonderful memories of Eric in his younger years. He was like a son to me. We always had fun especially when we went boating and then there was also, the go cart racing which I know was his passion in life. He will be missed very much. He has been in my thoughts and prayers and always will be. Love, Carla Higgins Miley and Donny Alpaugh Tribute from: Glenn and Luann Stewart Our deepest sympathy and thoughts are with you. Our deepest sympathy for your loss. You never plan to outlive your children, but God must have a special plan for Eric. It's hard to accept what his plan is and why. At a time like this, to help you though the tough times, you have to concentrate on all of the wonderful memories.Time will heal the worst of the heartache but it will never completely go away. Take care, if there's anything we can do let us know. Harry and Cindy Fox On behalf of the 'Boo Klenke' family andFleming family, we deeply regret the loss ofEric. He was a tremendous asset to the racing community and a wonderful mentor to'Boo' while building go-kart engines. Hewill be missed by many. I didn't personallyknow Eric, but my church and I have beenpraying for Eric for many months for hisrecovery. God didn't answer as we desired,but His plan is always greater than weunderstand. Our deepest sympathies, and prayers are with the family at this time. Barbara & Gary Fleming My Eric...Worlds BEST brother and Uncle!! Words can't even begin to describe how much I will miss you! You were and ALWAYS will be my other half. You will live in my heart, Brandon's heart, and Madison's heart forever...I LOVE you Your Sister, Michele and Your Godson and Niece, Brandon and Madison Not enough times on the track. Not enough green flags. Not enough checkered flags. Not enough pizza and spaghetti house pizzas. Not enough time here on earth. Eric, I will always look to as you being an older brother to me who taught me more about real life tha any book,tv show or movie could. I will miss you always. I still never forget who bought me my first beer on my 21st. birthday. Thank you for all of the wonderful memories. My heart got out to all of those who loved you so much. Andy Taylor Bethlehem PA John, We are so sorry for your loss. Eric was a great kid and will be missed. Can't imagine what you're feeling but hang in there. Will see you soon. Tom and Annette Berry John and family, So sorry to hear about Eric. Our thoughts and prays are with you in your time of sorrow. Love, Robin Fernandez and family You will never be forgotten Eric. You would give the shirt of your back for anyone.You were a great friend, and helped me many times. We will miss you dearly. Your great memories will always be in our hearts. RIP: Eric Jason Wolfe Tribute from: Melissa Our condolences, thoughts, and prayers. Eric you will be missed and never forgotten, Tsouhnikas family Tribute from: Bill King To the Garland Family and Friends Eric was a good frend and mentor to me and so many others, both on and off the track.He was always willing to help me or anyone out and with a smile on his face. I would ask him questions about going faster and his ansewrs were always, I don't know, you could try this or try that. He tought me to keep trying. For this and so much more, I say Thanks Eric. Tyson King Kart #21, a Legacy. To John and Sharon and all of Eric's family, Know that our thoughts and prayers will be with you for weeks and months to come. Eric will certainly be missed and his loss to all of us is tragic. But always know that he walks with Our Lord now, and all pain and suffering are no more. Your memories of him in your hearts and your faith in Our Lord will get you thru these times of sadness. Stay strong for each other and may God Bless you All. Jim & Debi Julia, from Broadway Auto Dearest Michele and Family: My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. I loved Eric like a little brother for so many years. Best go-cart racer I've ever known. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy for all of you. Lori (Dickinson) Tribute from: Miriam Linda Dear Sharon, John and Family, My deepest condolences to all of you. Eric was a bright and shining spirit and the best of young men. We will never forget him. I pray GOD gives you the strength to cope with this difficult time and the assurance that dear Eric is home with the Lord and at peace. May GOD bless all of you. Miriam & Matt John & Family, I am very sorry to hear about the loss of Eric, God Bless, Bob Hummer Sr.