For those of you who have been around this forum for a while, you may have interacted with Ventur514. Eric Shertz passed away last night. He was a key member of the early SOB, a driving force behind FC Bearfight and the Bearfight Brigade, and a regular member of this forum from the beginning. For those of us who actually knew Eric, he was also a beloved friend and family member. He will be greatly missed by all of the folks whose lives he touched. I am certain there are many who were much closer to Eric than I was, and am hoping that they will share their stories about him here and also relay any information about how we as a community might help out Eric's family in the future. God Bless you Eric!
Eric was the voice of 138. He carried us every week, relaying songs/chants from 137 to us. Besides that he was a genuinely nice guy.
The great number of Supporters Groups sending their condolences via twitter is truly touching. It is amazing how as a soccer community we can all come together in times of great loss. It makes me proud to be a soccer fan. It makes me even prouder to have known Eric, and to know how much he meant to so many.
I'm ********ing devastated by this. Eric was a class act. A great friend, father and human being. Life's not fair sometimes.
He was so young, and this was so sudden. I've only had the pleasure of interacting with him on BigSoccer and through social networks, but this is still so very gut wrenching. Anyone know how it happened? Godspeed, Eric.
Sad news, I only knew him in passing and had just a handful brief interactions with him, but my thoughts with his family and friends.
this is the second young father I've known who has passed away this week. I didnt know Eric as well as many of you did, but as a father myself, it is crushing. I sat on the floor staring at my son while he slept last night. so gut wrenching.
Not sure yet. We just know he died in his sleep. Great guy, though. He was young, seemed healthy (tall, skinny), and was always in good spirits. It destroys your brain. The Brigade are trying to get something in place where we buy his season tickets so nobody sits in his seats again.
I love when people do these types of things. It would be even more awesome if the team would allow a small nameplate to be attached to the seat, as well.
I didn't know him personally, only through some interaction here on BS. He really worked hard to spread the game. Maybe buying his seats, and then donating them to Make a Wish, or Big Brother/Big Sister? Or maybe the tickets go each match to a single dad to take his son to a Union Game from one of the local youth clubs in the Philly area? That way his legacy can be carried on, and his love for the game and the Union can be passed on to make new fans? Just an alternate thought. I really like the idea of buying his seats, and leaving them empty as well (maybe have them be a different color?). Another possibility, asking the FO if a permanent tribute could be painted at the top of 138?
He was absolutely one of the nicest and most radiant people I've ever met. He was a great friend and a great father.
Very sad news. I remember meeting him at the playoff game in Houston and some other away matches and was generally a really nice guy who helped make the trips some of the most fun experiences I've had. Sending my deep felt condolences to his family and friends.
Eric was one of the first people who approached me when I was milling around friendless at my first union game in 2010. I still can't believe this is real. It's like I don't have a place in my brain for this information. Thoughts to his son.
Eric was a great guy who I first met early in the 2010 season. I'm only just now getting over the shock and dealing with the sadness. I see many others are in the same state, and while the tailgates and post-game impromptu gatherings are always fun, they'll be bittersweet on the 10th.
Me too. Unbelievably sad and tragic. I didn't know him, but I saw him with his son in the River End the first two years. My thoughts and prayers go to him and his family. RIP Eric.
A memorial fund has been created to help his family. http://www.youcaring.com/memorial-fundraiser/in-memory-of-eric-shertz/167993