Eric West - RIP

Larry Bell · Post by **Larry Bell** » 3 Sep 2011 5:28 am

Sorry to hear of Eric's passing.
He was a unique individual. We had our heated discussions but there was always a mutual respect for the other's point of view.

Rest in peace, buddy

b0b · Post by **b0b** » 3 Sep 2011 5:39 am

I'm so sorry to read about Eric's passing. His invincible spirit will live on in these pages, with his many opinionated and heartfelt writings. We never met in person, but we were good friends nonetheless. God bless him.

Bill Moore · Post by **Bill Moore** » 3 Sep 2011 6:18 am

This is very sad news. I always enjoyed reading Eric's posts, he was a talented writer. He made this forum more interesting. About his tuning "discussions"; I think Eric knew that he played well and played in tune. I think that was his point, actually, if you are a good player, it doesn't matter how you tune. RIP Eric.

Dennis Lee · Post by **Dennis Lee** » 3 Sep 2011 7:02 am

I remember watching Eric several times at local jams of the NW Brotherhood of Steelers, but only once did I get to talk with him. He was a nice man, easy to talk with, and he gave me his home phone number without a second thought. Only wish I could have known him better and had the chance to listen to him live as a featured player. We'll meet again one day in the "Great Beyond" I'm sure. May his soul rest in Our Heavenly Father, Yahweh.

Doug Earnest · Post by **Doug Earnest** » 3 Sep 2011 7:22 am

My condolences go out to Eric's friends and family. It was very interesting to see his spiritual change of heart over the years. We never met in person but did exchange some delightful emails over the years.

Alan Brookes · Post by **Alan Brookes** » 3 Sep 2011 8:48 am

I knew Eric was sick, but he'd been playing down how serious it was. What a shame. I shall miss his contributions, and, of course, it goes without saying, I offer my condolences to his friends and family.

Ned McIntosh · Post by **Ned McIntosh** » 3 Sep 2011 1:42 pm

We have lost a character, someone a little larger than life. I never had cause to regret reading any of Eric's posts.

To his family, friends, and to all of those on the forum who valued Eric's contributions, I send my sincerest condolences. R. I. P.

Drew Howard · Post by **Drew Howard** » 4 Sep 2011 2:28 pm

RIP Eric. How sad!!

Dave Grafe · Post by **Dave Grafe** » 4 Sep 2011 8:13 pm

Eric had the rare ability to understand absolutely and respect completely the opinions of those with whom he disagreed, provided they could express themselves clearly and did not call him evil names in the process, in which case they were due for one of his patented time release paybacks....

Pat Goodbla · Post by **Pat Goodbla** » 5 Sep 2011 7:25 am

It is effortless to fondly remember our many and sometimes profound conversations over the last few years. Eric and I had the opportunity to share our thoughts and feelings about our recent journey, and even got to talk steel guitar. Imagine that! I will always remember and miss him.

Rest well my friend. You are truly missed.

Stu Schulman · Post by **Stu Schulman** » 5 Sep 2011 12:15 pm

I ran into Dave Grafe at The Alaska State fair a couple of days ago and he told me the bad news, I had the pleasure of meeting Eric at the Portland jam a while ago, he was the nicest funniest,coolest guy...so sad!

Dave Harmonson · Post by **Dave Harmonson** » 5 Sep 2011 3:28 pm

Just heard the bad news. I met Eric one time at The Portland Jam about 3 years back. Had a great chat with him and really enjoyed his playing. As stated by others I always enjoyed reading his posts as well. Very sad. RIP Eric

Ron Whitworth · Post by **Ron Whitworth** » 5 Sep 2011 8:35 pm

Just came in here & saw this sad post.
So very sad. He sure kept this forum lively -
he will be missed for sure.
RIP Eric .. Ron

Ron Page · Post by **Ron Page** » 6 Sep 2011 8:22 am

My condolences to Eric's friends and family. I'll miss reading his spirited posts here.

Brint Hannay · Post by **Brint Hannay** » 6 Sep 2011 2:42 pm

I am very sorry to hear this. I never met or spoke with him, but I always enjoyed his contributions here. I've been missing his unique voice on the Forum recently and fearing the worst.
Condolences to his family.
RIP.

Bobbe Seymour · Post by **Bobbe Seymour** » 6 Sep 2011 4:18 pm

A brilliant man has left us, a great friend,

Bobbe Seymour

Gary Preston · Post by **Gary Preston** » 6 Sep 2011 5:45 pm

Bobbe i here that you have been under the weather here lately . I hope you are feeling better my friend . God bless you . G.P.

Rick Schmidt · Post by **Rick Schmidt** » 7 Sep 2011 8:19 am

This one really gave me a lump in my throat. I'm very sad. God bless you brother Eric. Life is a mystery.

Twayn Williams · Post by **Twayn Williams** » 7 Sep 2011 1:04 pm

I only met him at the Portland Steel Jams, but he was a serious player and had a wicked sense of humor.

R.I.P Eric.

Scott Shipley · Post by **Scott Shipley** » 7 Sep 2011 6:22 pm

Just saw this. Sorry to hear of Eric's passing. RIP Eric.

Mark van Allen · Post by **Mark van Allen** » 8 Sep 2011 8:14 am

As is so obvious from this thread, Eric touched many folks on and off the forum. Thanks to b0b and the forum, we get to know steelers we sometimes never meet in person. It's tough to say goodbye. Hearty condolences to his friends and family.

Peter den Hartogh · Post by **Peter den Hartogh** » 8 Sep 2011 8:51 am

I always enjoyed Eric's posts...he did a lot to give this forum a feeling of community.
My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.

Duane Reese · Post by **Duane Reese** » 8 Sep 2011 9:40 am

Ah, crap!

I knew about his health issues, but it still seems so sudden. Unfortunately, I never got to meet "Happy Friendly Little Eric" in person, I did enjoy his friendship online, whether discussing steel on the forum here, co-terrorizing the "Off-Topic" board, or exchanging tidbits back and forth over e-mail. He had a real no-nonsense personality, and a writing style like none other I've seen...very keen and almost poetic, and supported by a wealth of knowledge and insight into the matters he discussed.

He was a good man and will be missed. He's someone I would love to converse with again.

Archie Nicol R.I.P. · Post by **Archie Nicol R.I.P.** » 8 Sep 2011 2:41 pm

Eric was in his element on the old Off Topic board. That's how we became friends. He didn't agree with my political pish and the feeling was mutual. I'm going to miss him.

Arch.

David Mason · Post by **David Mason** » 8 Sep 2011 4:05 pm

Wow! I just heard as a result of Bobbe's newsletter. I'm not sure of what his concept of "heaven" was - hmmm - but if it's the classic one those angels and harp players are going to get their tuning straightened OUT, that's for sure.