Erik Lorin Barnes, 39, of Helena, passed away due to complications caused by Multiple Sclerosis on September 29, 2011 at St. Peter’s Hospital. He was born to Douglas Barnes and Penny Schiefer on March 14, 1972 in Helena, MT.
Erik attended college at Montana State University and became a landscape architect.
Among his favorite hobbies were fishing, hiking, rock climbing, rafting, canoeing, snowboarding, skiing, landscaping, horticulture, and cooking.
He is survived by his mother, Penny Schiefer; step-mother, Susan Barnes; sisters, Ayrne (Holger) Meyer and Somer (Chet) Williams; brother, Jeffery (Heidi) Barnes; grandmother, Jane Barnes; uncle, Dennis (Susan) Barnes; niece, Enrya Meyer; and nephew, Lukas Meyer.
He was preceded in death by his father, Douglas Barnes and grandfather, Lorin Barnes.
A Celebration of Erik’s life will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 22, 2011 at Queen City, 2300 N. Roberts in Helena. Memorials in Erik’s name are suggested to the Montana Wilderness Association, 30 S. Ewing, Helena, MT 59601 or to the Hospice of St. Peter’s c/o St. Peter’s Hospital, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com.
Holger Meyer says
Miss you, brother.
JoAnn Saenz says
It’s hard to explain why I looked to Eric as a “brother” for my son Cole Filippone..Eric was only 12 or so when he met Cole and Cole was only a year old..but the instant connection was there along with his great smile, his strong laughter, his compassionate ways, and they went together like peas and carrots.. I always knew the two of them would have a great time what ever they did.Eric was a great painter and enjoyed showing them to Cole, and oh how he would light up when he talked about the landscape projects he worked on. Eric was a guiding force in supporting Cole’s decission to persue being a Chef, Eric loved the outdoors, loved being in nature, and one could see the peace and serenity he enjoyed being there. I’m sad that MS took him, but we know he is in a much better place…a place where Eric can laugh, run, and of course Fly fish..you will be missed very much Eric..All my love…JS
Julie (Van Dyke) Murray says
I had the pleasure of being Eric’s neighbor, In Boulder, from May to Nov 2005. He was a wonderful young man with a very loving heart and was like another son to me.
We would take turns having each other over for dinner, and yes, he was a wonderful cook. He took me fly fishing with him, using the flies that he tied himself, along the Boulder River. When he fished, he said that he was going to the “Church of the Trout” He said who needed to go inside to worship God when you could do it on the river.
I can still see him at his work area tying the flies that he loved making.
He made me laugh during a time when I was struggling. He taught me many things. The greatest one is having the strength to continue on even if your body or mind hates you and won’t let you rest.
I will miss him greatly.
Goodbye dear friend…..
Marilyn Lotvedt says
I am so sorry for your loss of Erik. I only met him once but, my thoughts have been with him alot, since my own son lost his life to MS in 2010. God Bless you all,
Penny’s neighbor and friend, Marilyn Lotvedt
Micki Mayer RN says
I am so sorry to hear about Erik’s passing. I took care of him in the hospital. I only knew him for a short time but he was so nice and knew there was a better place for him. I am so sorry for your loss.
Sharon Nelson says
Somer,I was so sorry to hear of Erik’s passing. Somer, I will always have great thoughts of him, he was a joy to know, and when I was in the Big Sky Nursing home he helped me adjust. I will say a special prayer for him and his family.