Eric Alan Fernley

On September 4th 2023, we lost Eric Alan Fernley, a beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, coworker, friend, and avid Seattle sports fan. He died as he’d wished, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by family. For nearly 2 years he fought against a rare and aggressive kidney cancer; doing it like only he could: with resolve, humor, and compassion. We are grateful that he is finally resting and pain free.

Eric was born on July 18, 1978, to Mary and Ron Fernley in Rock Springs, Wyoming. He was the oldest of 5 children and was an amazing big brother to Eva, Ross, Lauren, and Jared. Whenever asked, each one of them is happy to share stories of all the shenanigans they got into together as kids. As a natural born leader, Eric was often heavily involved in the siblings’ antics. His fierce loyalty and love for family also meant he was one of their biggest protectors.

After graduating from John F Kennedy Catholic High School in Burien, WA, he moved up to Seattle and attended classes at the University of Washington (Go Dawgs!). Post college, he followed the sun and moved down to Huntington Beach, CA, but he missed his home and came back to Seattle, where he spent the rest of his years. Eric was always a hard worker, starting early in childhood managing a newspaper route, and ultimately developing a long and successful career at BECU. While his work provided a means to an end, Eric held a strong, unwavering belief that what was most important in life was the relationships you held. To that end, he cultivated an enormous and close-knit group of friends who loved him like family.

One of the most important relationships in Eric’s life began when he met Heather Anderson while they were both at UW. From the moment Eric met Heather, his life was full. Heather instantly became Eric’s rock, giving him the foundation he needed to become the man he wanted to be and pursue his dreams. On September 5th, 2010, his ultimate dream came true when he and Heather were married in Seattle in front of all their friends and family. They were blessed to spend 22 years together - they grew together from kids into adults, learning how to navigate life through all of its ebbs and flows; in sickness and in health.

A few years after marrying, Eric and Heather welcomed the arrival of 2 beautiful boys: first Gage in 2014 and later Dash in 2017. Eric was beyond excited to become a father and that excitement was only surpassed by the joy he experienced being one. He was a natural at fatherhood and yet still put all he could into being the best father he could be. Eric told the boys often that the best day of his life was the day he learned he would be a dad. He instilled a love of life and those around you into his two young boys.

Eric was a beloved “uncle” to all the children of his siblings, cousins, and friends. Even before receiving his diagnosis, he understood that we have limited time with our loved ones and cherished that time above all. Every time he embraced any of his relatives or friends, he told them he loved them. He was the most compassionate person any of us have known, and would extend that compassion to anyone in need. This love for all those around him, and eagerness to be transparent about it, is what truly made Eric special.

By far, Eric’s favorite thing to do with those he loved was cheering on his favorite teams with them. Since he grew up in Seattle he was a life-long Seahawks, Mariners, Huskies, Sounders, and Sonics (BRING EM BACK!) fan. His passion and commitment for these teams and their fan-bases mirrored his love for his community and those in it.

While we are devastated to lose someone who was such a pillar to our community, we are also beyond grateful for the incredible time we had with him. Eric has left an indelible and doting imprint on all of us that we will proudly carry forward for the rest of our lives. Rest in peace, Eric. Rest in peace, Fern. We will love you always.