Eric Burley
January 1, 1970 ~ May 19, 2012
Eric Paul Burley, age 36, from Grafton, ND passed away on May 19, 2012 surrounded by family and friends at Sanford Palliative Care in Fargo, ND.
Eric was born at the Heart of America Hospital in Rugby, ND on April 29, 1976. Eric’s parents are Ardys Burley of East Grand Forks, MN and Bernie Burley of West Fargo, ND. Eric graduated in 1994 from Grafton High School. He married Melissa Stenerson in Grafton on April 9, 2005 and they lived at 1489 Edgewood Avenue in Grafton for the past several years.
Eric’s passions included his three children, his music, his friends and anything to do with computers, which was his field of employment over the years.
Eric is survived by his wife, Melissa and his three children, Greyston (11), Navie (5), and Azure (22 months). He is also survived by his parents; his sister, Heather of Coon Rapids, MN; and his grandmother, Barbara Burley of Fargo.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents – Gale R. Burley and Mae and Melvin Miller.
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Buffalo MN
I’m a graduate of Grafton High School with Eric. He had a locker right near mine all through high school. I also enjoyed being his lab partner in biology. I remember sharing quite a few laughs with him! I cant say I ever had a cross word with him. He was an easy guy to enjoy being with. Eric may have been one of the most talented people in the class of 1994 in my opinion, though I’m quite certain he would never say that about himself. I’m proud to say I knew him. My sympathy to your entire family.
East Grand Forks MN
Bernie, and family
So sorry to read about Eric. I can’t imagine the loss you are feeling. Eric’s children will be a great reminder of him for you to hold. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Grand Forks ND
Melissa, Ur husband was 1 of a kind. When i worked with him at Ekatta’s he always had a big smile on his face,i will always remember him that way. And man was he a jokester..He will be misses by many,many people..gone way too young but never forgotten..R.I.P Eric..God Bless
Fargo ND
Dear Melissa and family,
I would like to extend my Deepest Sympathy and prayers to you. Jackie(Campbell) Rheault
Leonard ND
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the family. Lorraine Burley Herold and Valerie{Burley} Steinhaus daughter of Lanny Burley and Lorraine Burley Herold
ND Eric worked for us for quite a few years back in his teen days… He was happy go lucky and full of spirit… Our prayers for his family…. Keep all those good fun loving memories alive…
Moorhead MN
I feel bad that I never had the chance to meet you but knowing Bernie you could have been nothing less than a great guy. Please take care of yourself Bernie. You and your family will be in our prayers.
West Fargo ND
Bernie,
I was saddened to read about the passing of your son, Eric. I can only pray that time, good memories, and the love of your family will help heal the pain of this loss. Please know that you, your family, and your grandchildren are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. Take care!!
Louise Dardis
Park River ND
All of my prayers will remain with you in the next life Eric. I am praying that god will watch over your children and your wife and also your family. You will be missed by all but forgotten by none.
Ardys and Bernie:
I am so sorry for your tragic loss! Please know that you are in my prayers and I pray for God to help you and Eric’s family through this loss.
Melda Young
Eric was an adorable teen who lived down the street when we lived in Grafton many years ago. He had a great smile and was full of charisma!
Our deepest sympathy to all of Eric’s family.
Bernie and Ardys I am sorry to hear about the passing of your son. My thoughts are with you and the rest of Eric’s family. You may not remember me but I worked at the vocational center as a welding instructor in Grafton may years ago. I remember going to the trap range with Bernie and the kids and shooting clay pigeons.
Take care,
Jim
Wichita KSThe first time I met Eric was at his and my son’s (Erick Soltvedt) place of business in Grafton, ND
. Eric immediately made me smile, smile again, and smile some more. He had that way about him. That is what I will remember … always. Know that he will live on in people’s memories that way. A kind, loving, caring, fun-loving man …
My sympathy to you, Melissa, to your children, and to the entire family … as well as those friends who cherished Eric so much.
Debra Conley
(Erick Soltvedt’s Mom)
Grand Forks ND
Rembering the best of times i spent with Eric and not once was there a bad or sad moment i knew him till now. We will meet again in a better place.
San Antonio Texas”We never touch others so lightly, that we do not leave a trace”
We cannot imagine the depth of pain and loss you all are suffering.
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.
Manvel ND
To Eric’s Family:
I only had the opportunity to meet Eric once. The first impression I had was that he was fun, kind and sweet. I know many people who loved him dearly and was more like family than a friend to them. I know that he has made a lasting impression on those around him and Eric will be forever in their hearts. I am truly sorry that you had to say goodbye so soon.
Diane Kinney
(Aunt of Erick S.)
Fargo` ND
Eric will be missed by everyone that had the pleasure to meet him!!!! My prayers and thoughts to all his family through this very tough time!!!! He is at piece now and still making everyone laugh as he moves on into the next chapter and is not alone!!!!!
Thomas j
Grafton ND
Eric, this world has alot less smiles in it since you have gone. You were a free spirit and deep down, awful hard not to like. You were a inspiration to those people who were down and grounding for those who thought a bit to much of themselves. You will be missed by many, many people. I was proud to call you my “friend”…
Grafton ND
Eric my friend, I will forever remember you with a smile. I will miss you very much. My heart goes out to Melissa and the children, as well as the rest of the family. You are in my thoughts and prayers always
Jena LouisianaI will truly miss Eric, who was always able to put a smile on my face with his unique character and humor. It was an honor to have know Eric and even though I am deeply saddened that he has left this earth so soon, I will look forward to the day we meet again. Rest in peace dear friend.
Argusville ND
Eric we will miss your handsome smile and just know we will help take care of your beautiful children. They are so very special.
Naples FLSo long for now, friend.. Take care and keep the faith.. You are missed.. Still hard to believe you are gone..
Tucson AzRest in peace dear cousin, you will not be forgotten.
It’s hard to be so far away. We send our love to Bernie, Ardis, Melissa, and the kids. Please know that we are with you in prayer and spirit.
Mandan ND
I will always remember and always miss you Eric.
hi i’m azure i’m his daughter i’m 11 now i used to cry randomly at recess but now i don’t i’m at school right now writing this.
Eric and I became very close friends the year my family moved to Grafton from Wyoming. Being my first year of high school and the first time I’d ever been the “new kid” in school, I was very nervous. I met Eric through my cousins and we hit it off straight away. That year spent with Eric holds some of my favorite memories. It was a year spent driving around back roads in his mom’s red Grand Prix listening to Pantera and binge drinking Pepsi, exploring old abandoned farm houses, playing guitar together and doing all night movie binges in his basement near the high school. As I’m up in Grafton and Grand Forks visiting family for the first time in years, I find myself wishing so much I could see him again. I know we would pick up right where we left off. Eric – if you’re out there, I miss you man – I think of you all the time. Thanks for some of the best memories of my life.