Dear Manikowski Family,

My husband, Michael, and I just heard this very sad news. We knew Eric many years ago and Eric was the best man in our wedding. Michael and Eric lost touch over the years but we spoke of him often, always with find memories. We are so very sorry for your loss! Michael & Sherrie Reimherr

I totally agree --- “He was elegant, kind and had the extraordinary innocence of living a life of believing the best of everyone. ” which is a rare breed in this current society.
A beloved Professor in my previous school (BeiHang University in China) just passed away on this February. He was a Jet Propulsion expert who survived WWII & and numerous Communist political movements. He and Eric have great differences in the prospective of age, race, religion, profession background. But surprisingly they share the same Characteristic ---- innocent  & warm-hearted but bears/carries too much more than they should share (????&????). I think the society owes these kinds of People a lot. At least I owe them a lot. I am now so regret ---- I should at least say “I love you” to them when they were alive.
My best wishes goto Eric's Family, his Mom, Brothers & Sisters. I know the pain of the loss of beloved ones will last for a long-long time especially for the Mothers.  One of my Uncle was “Mysterically” dead in 1967 in the period of “Cultural Revolution” in China. Even many years passed, my Grandma would still shed tears whenever we mentioned this Uncle … …
I don't know what I can do for Eric's Family, especially his Mom. I want them to know I am with them to keep Eric on mind. I hope they are truly fine and doing well.

Charlie, thank you for posting. I just got off the phone with Eric's sisters. We were also saying that we 'feel' Eric with us and 'around' so much. Another close friend of mine and Eric's just texted while I was on the phone and he had just quoted Eric for one of his famous lines from Monty Python - the 30 years ago today ..... skit. There simply will never be another one like Eric. He was elegant, kind and had the extraordinary innocence of living a life of believing the best of everyone.

I also still think of Eric, often. I still have the feeling he's still working in at&t. This feeling becomes especially strong whenever I receive an email from company HR about reorganizations & leadership changes --- feels like Eric is somewhere around in the company that can still be reached out to talk about ivr, idss, and calculus … …

I still think of Eric, often.  Sending blessings to his family.

Gosh. It seems that you never stop grieving. It just comes and goes less frequently. I have so many good memories about Eric that I couldn't choose between them. The funniest one was when Kaye brought him to Richmond to meet the family. He tried to explain imaginary numbers to me. I still think that is an oxymoron, but I giggle every time I think about it. What a man. I love him dearly and miss him. My heart continues to go out to the family and my dear Kaye (also family-mine and theirs).

I havent seen Eric since 1970 when we moved from CT, he was my next door neighbor and my best friend, we fished together and caught frogs in the pond across the street and put catfish in a kiddie pool in the backyard. I had my first fistfight with him, I dont remember who won but I remember us being even better friends after. He told me the first of many stories about CA that brought me to Marin many years ago. So sorry for your loss, Ben Williams, Fairfax, CA

Manikowski Family,
I'm so sorry to stumble upon this. Was thinking of my childhood friends and the wonderful memories from our Ridgefield Ct. neighborhood. My sincere condolences. Very fond memories with the Williams, Kreisher's and Kronewitter's, playing kick-the -can, kickball and riding bikes.
Sincerely, Linda(Lin) Dolen, Tampa Florida

I came back from my vacation in China and heard this sad news, I am in great state of shock and feel that I can't breathe. Eric brought great deal of knowledge to our project and AT&T. His dedication to the company was incredible and well-known. He spoke like a teacher, and he was always there to help. We will all miss him. R.I.P, Eric.

So upset to hear this.  Eric was a tax client of mine.  Besides being a pleasure to work with, he and I became friends.  I'll never forget the time I couldn't operate a bluetooth and he showed up the next day with a new one for me for free.  That's the kind of guy he was.   He had a huge heart and was a good, giving person.   He will be missed.

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief
Desiree R.

This news was quite a blow.  I always treasured Eric's terrific sense of humor, his insightful intelligence, his leadership, his genuine interest in helping others, his warm, open & friendly spirit.   He was quite a positive influence within AT&T and we will all miss him.

Like everyone else's comments reflect, Eric was always a bright spot in my day.  I will truly miss the conversations, good humor and his positive outlook on life.

He was a great friend of mine I will miss him greatly             Carter Potts Highlands NC

Ray and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss of Eric.  You will be in my thoughts in the days and weeks to come.

I met Eric working on his and Kay's cabin "The Big Pine" in Highlands, NC.  He was bright and wonderful to work for and became a good and generous friend for the last several years.  My wife Michelle and I especially appreciated his and Kay's generous  donations that helped us go on the Highlands Bolivian Mission trip each year.  He will be missed.  Steve and Michelle Hott, Highlands, NC

Whenever Eric entered the smoking area the IQ went up a few levels, maybe not the conversations and I will miss those pastel shirts, he always was a wealth of information from solar panels to how not to blow yourself up on the fourth of July (all his own personal experiences). He will be sorely missed as my wind shield in the smoking area during our humorous breaks.

God Bless you Eric (You touched my Life) and my dearest sympathies to the family.

I had the pleasure to know Eric and he is truly someone who I will alway remember.  Eric was always the person I would go to when critical projects had to be done and he was as concerned with our millions of customers as I was.  For that reason, he won the Customer Rules for providing so much of his time and energy to deliver results.  I will never forget when he came by to thank my team and he said that it was not about the trip but because we took the time to nominate him.  I will never forget that moment as he had tears in his eyes as I did!  That was Eric, someone that gave so freely of himself and I just want all of you to know that I will never forget him and what a HUGE Contribution he made for Cingular, AT&T Mobility and to ME personally!
Kathy Dowling(Atlanta, GA)

Eric you will never be forgotton.  My AT@T co-worker.

Will never forget Eric and the strength and kindness he showed. After 9/11, I still remember sending us all home to be with our families. We will miss you Eric..

Eric was our uncle. I haven't seen him since my high school graduation but I will never forget his sense of humor and his wedding to my aunt Kaye. Our Cahill family is missing him now.

May you have peace in the arms of the Lord!

My thoughts and prayers are with Eric's family.  Eric and I were in high school together and even though we weren't close friends, we did share an honor's math class.  He was smart.......very, very smart......and I wasn't!  He and some of the other guys kept the class "lively."  Eric is the reason my children were never allowed to skateboard.  I remember him shattering his elbow in a skateboarding accident.  I've told his story to my students, my own kids and their friends in an effort to get them to wear protective gear to avoid injury.  
Though I never saw Eric again after high school, from reading the comments here, he seems to have remained the same nice, caring, funny person I knew those many years ago.  My sympathies go to his family and friends.

Eric,  I will miss your silly British accent and how you were so picky about your sweet tea and how you could send your nieces into hysterics with a few words and a look and how when you and your brothers broke out your guitars and it was beautiful.  And I will miss so much more.  May you rest in peace.

Eric was a great guy to work with. He was passionate and focused and always ready to help out. I worked on interesting projects with him and always walked away with respect for him. He will surely be missed.

Eric will be missed.  I worked with him only a little at AT&T but that short time was all I needed to know he was a great man.  Heaven has a brand new ANGEL.  May God bless and keep you in his arms and guide you through this hard time.

The world is a dimmer place without Eric, but his humor, intelligence and gentleness will always be with me. Over the years that he was married to my best friend Kaye--and even since they separated--I have looked forward to seeing him when I was in Atlanta or he was in Richmond.  Manikowskis--I love you all and Terry I will be praying for all of you, but especially you.  You are my hero--take a licking and keep on ticking!  Eric will always be deep in my heart.  Much love to Paula and Kathleen and the rest of the gang.  

Les-I am praying for you too.  You were Eric's brother like I am Kaye's sister.  Be good to yourself.  You deserve it.

Much love--

Eric was great to work with and always made you laugh.  He will be missed!!

Eric will be greatly missed. He is a great boss and really a great mentor. He is wealth of insights and experiences in life. He always had a different view of things and a funny story behind them. He used to make things simple for others, recognize strenghts and encourage people on strenghts to overcome weaknesses. He is one of the wonderful people I worked with and cannot believe that he is no more. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

My thoughts and prayers are with Eric's family and friends. He will be missed by so many people.

My condolances to your family at this difficult time.

I've only worked with Eric in a work environment, but I still feel a loss with his passing.  My sincerest condolences on his passing.  May you find peace and perhaps a serene joy in memories of his presence while he was with us here on earth.

Paula, Kathleen, and Manikowski Family:  I am so sorry to have learned of your loss. I am sending peaceful thoughts..... Gary

Eric was a good man and work associate that I respected.  He will be missed!!!

Sending heartfelt condolences to the entire Manikowski family and friends. Eric was a gentle giant and a wealth of knowledge to so many and his presence will surely be missed.

Dear Kay
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Please convey our condolences to the family. You are missed.
Susan Perkins Kessler, Coldwell Banker

I was very sorry to hear of the loss of Eric.  He was a friend and co-worker that everyone enjoyed being around.  We'll miss him greatly and mourn his sudden loss.  We pray for his family and friends that will miss him.

Dear Paula & Kathleen,

My heart goes out to you during this incredibly sad time. I know that Eric was a much beloved brother and am keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. 

Love, Susan

To Eric's Family:  Eric was such an intelligent, kind and considerate person. His smile was contagious, and we will all miss him.   In this difficult time, may the comfort of God's loving arms carry you through the quiet moments and bring you peace.

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I'd like to share this prayer that was read to my family when we lost someone near and dear to us. I find it comforting and am very proud to share it with your family.
Always, Nick Rafello (friends/colleague of Paula and Kathleen)

DEATH IS NOTHING AT ALL

Death is nothing at all
I have only slipped from your view
I am I, and you are you.
Whatever we were to each other, we still are.

Call me by my old familiar name.
Speak to me in the easy way which we always used.
Put no difference in your tones; wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.
Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes together.
Play, smile, think of me.

Let my name be ever the household word that it always was.
Let it be spoken without an effeort, without a trace of shadow in it.

Life means all that it ever meant.
It is the same as it ever was.
There is absolutely unbroken continuity.

What is death but God's call to glory?
Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?
I am but waiting for you, for an interval - somewhere very near, just around the corner.

All is well.

To Paula, Kathleen and the entire Manikowski family,

Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family on the loss of your dear brother, Eric.

Mitchell Speer & Stanley Shelmire

My heartfelt condolences and prayers are with Eric's family in moments like this. May the good Lord provide you all with comfort, peace, hope and strength. Eric was a great leader and I learn what it really means to be a ambassador of a company we represent. Eric will be truly missed!

Paula and Kathleen and your family:
My thoughts are with you during these difficult days.  Peter Gordenstein/Corcoran

Eric was a brilliant man and an excellent mentor. He always had an opinion and made his presence known. I'll never forget the following quote from him "Sometimes in life you just need to roll the dice". My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this time.

We are so sorry for your loss and extend our deepest condolences to the entire Manikowski family and universe.

Sincerely, 

Reid Drescher and the Spencer Clarke team

Eric was my mentor and helped me shape up who I am as a manager. The brain behind the service manager app which has saved lot of outages in the company. He will be sorely missed. 

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Lisa and I would like to express our sincere thoughts, hopes and prayers to the entire Manikowski family in this time of their personal loss of Eric. We both grew up spending a lot of time, creating great memories with Eric, Ray (who i still believed coined the phrase "bro man"), Chris, and Kathy. I personally will never forget sitting in one of their bedrooms and listening to the Rolling Stones "Exile on Main Street" over and over again while everyone attempted to duplicate the rifts on the record....great times! Eric, rest in peace our friend and to the entire Manikowski family we were honored to know and spend time with your son, brother, husband and friend!
D- and Lisa Cherry Keeler
Jer 29:11

I will never forget Eric's rendition of "Secret Agent Man."  Best karaoke ever. My thoughts and prayers are with your family... God Bless.

From all of the comments it's evident that Eric was loved by many.  May the God of all comfort be with the Manikowski family at this time (2 Corinthians 1:3,4) C Crews (Georgia)

Eric was one of the brightest, hard working and kindest people I've ever met.  I was fortunate to work with him over the past 10 years and the world is not quite right without him.  My deepest sympathy and sorrow for his family; he will be sorely missed.

Even though I have not seen Eric since High School, I am very sad to hear of his passing.  Eric always greeted people with a smile and warm words. My thoughts and prayers are with the Manikowski family.

Kaye, Ray and Manikowski Family, 
My heart goes out to you all for the loss of this adorable, funny and caring man.  I have many happy 4th of July memories of him frolicking with the kids and cannon balling into the pool at Les and Laura's.  You will be in my prayers, as I remember him so fondly.

My condolences and prayers are with Eric's family during this difficult time.  Eric will be missed by so many.

Even in my short time working for Eric, I came to know him as a inspirational motivator,  a brilliant mind, and a patient mentor - all this with a great sense of humor. Eric will be sorely missed. My prayers are with his family.

Condolences to Eric's family. Enjoyed working with Eric. It was short but was memorable

I was not fortunate enough to meet Eric, but if he shared the same traits as Chris, then he and I would have been friends too!  My prayers go out to the whole family and Chis, I'm thinking of you buddy.

Eric was a wonderful person.  He was one of my favorite people in high school.  I have thought of him often over the years especially when I take a drive through the old neighborhood (Huntcliff). Kathy and Chris, please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless

Eric had a unique combination of talents. He was able to explain complex issues and solve difficult problems while making us laugh and smile.  

I am grateful to Eric for his assistance, guidance and kindness.

My deepest sympathy and peaceful prayers go out to his family.

I lived in Huntcliff and knew Eric well in high school.  We both worked at the Kentucky Fried Chicken on Roswell Road.  He was so much fun... I actually looked forward to going to work.  I am so glad that I saw him at our high school  reunion.  He will be missed.

Eric was a great guy.  He was one of my favorite people  in high school. Kathy and Chris, please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.  I have wonderful memories of all of you.

Eric,
You have been a great leader, a mentor and a friend. You will be missed!

Eric was a fine man, and I was priviledged to get to know him. He will be missed. Jane Furtner, Dunwoody.

Eric was a great leader who inspired many.  He not only understood technology at every level, but also understood our business.  He challenged us to apply advanced technology in creative and useful ways to solve real busines problems.  His leadership will be greatly missed.

I still cannot believe it. I talked with him just a few days ago.
Eric was my dear friend and mentor.
I will miss him every day.
And I am sure everybody who knew him will...

Words are often inadequate at a time like this.  Eric was a warm person with a great sense of humor.  My thoughts and prayers to his family.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Manikowski family at this time.  Eric will be missed.

Eric had a rare combination of talents. He was able to explain complex issues, and solve difficult problems while making all of us laugh and smile. My deepest sympathy and peaceful prayers go out to his family.

I'm so sorry to hear about this and for the family's loss.  I only just met Eric on his recent trip to Seattle, but he was clearly a great guy, and I enjoyed working with him for the short time that I knew him.  I'm praying for Eric's family and to those that worked with him so closely.

I plan to make a donation to Daytop Village in Eric's name.

I will always remember Eric's kindness to me, his larger than life personality, his brilliant mind, his passion for teaching, his love of laughter, and his truly beautiful spirit. 
To Eric's family, May the Lord bless you and keep you, and bring you peace during this difficult time.

Eric is a good friend and has always been very helpful to support.  Very detailed and through in analysis, pleasing to work with and always worked for what is best for the company and team.  Never in a million years would I have thought the call I had couple of weeks back as the last ever with Eric

Eric was an inspired and inspiring leader at AT&T who encouraged and nurtured talent and created leaders around him.... His brilliant mind, warm personality, genuine smile and inimicable sense of humor will be greatly missed!

My thoughts and prayers go out to Eric's family and close friends. I was only a workmate, but he was always friendly, helpful and most of all, professional. We will miss him greatly.

Eric wasnt just one of the best boss I've worked for, but also a good friend and a great mentor. A man with a kind heart, intelligent mind and exceptional leadership qualities. I've always been inspired by him and no doubt will continue to be inspired. Will miss you Eric.

By deepest sympathy to the entire family. I have very fond memories of all the Manikowski boys. May God bless each and every one of ya'll!!

No matter how far they go...They always remain close to our heart, because they leave behind them beautiful memories for us to cherish..

I am very disturbed to hear about Eric.  We were colleagues over the past 12 years between two different companies.  My thoughts are with his family.

You will be missed Eric..For your kind heart, wit and willingness to help others.

Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.  Clint Snee and Cathy Cerny

To Eric’s Family

My loss can not compare to yours.   
But I wanted you to know that I lost a real friend.
And real friends are few and far between.  
When I started at Cingular, Eric was first to help me understand the new job.
Since then together we have worked, traveled, drank, laughed, broke-bread and shared life experiences.
I am very fortunate since I am one of those people whose life was enriched by Eric. 
Eric is a good man; appreciated by his Senior Management, admired by his fellow workers and loved by his friends
This friend will really, really miss him.

I have such fond memories of Eric. He was always smiling! My prayers are with the Manikowski Family.

Eric was a brilliant mind and a confident leader, who's steady hand was a great comfort to those he worked with.  We will miss the comfort of his presence, and his gentle spirit.

I count myself fortunate to have been able to work with Eric.  He was always receptive and willing to help in times of need.  My condolences and prayers are with the Manikowski family during this time.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Manikowski family during this time.  Eric will be missed.

Eric was always there to not only support us professionally but also personally with a funny story, great one liner or word of encouragement.  I am honored to have known him.  Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Eric lived right around the corner from me in Huntcliff. He had such a pleasant demeanor and approachable personality. It was so good to see him last year at the reunion. I know your family will miss him dearly.

Garrett Wolters

We were so sorry to hear of your loss.  The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

As you can tell by the posts to the guest book, Eric was loved and respected by all. It is obvious that he touched the lives of people across the country and will be greatly missed. I pray that God will give you the peace that passes all understanding during this difficult time.

I am so shocked that Eric left this world since I thought he would be working with us in at&t forever.  Eric is one of the best bosses I have ever worked with. When I aksed questions to him, he patiently drew flowcharts to describe the positions/functionalites of billing system, IVR, ab initio in  at&t IT system. I saw/felt the passion and care he held for the employees & company. He encouraged me to be dedicated to my work and master the technologies & systems which really gave me strenth and lite up my way. I even felt he was talking to me like my big brother.

In my hometown there is a saying -- a person will never die when he lives in people's hearts.

May God bless Manikowski family.

Eric was a bright and capable person who always saw the best in people. He will be missed by many.

He is a great person, and surely he will me missed. He is always with positive energy, uplifting and encouraging. I was fortunate to work with him. Our prayers are with him and his family.

Rest in Peace Eric, Your thoughtful intellect and timely wit will be sorely missed.

I am so sorry for the loss of Eric.  I knew Eric during high school and he made an impression on me that has lasted all these years.  My thoughts and prayers are with his family and close friends during this time.

Sad news.  I worked with and knew Eric for several years.  Good guy and always reliable for a laugh when I bumped into him in the office.  He'll be missed.

Sorry for your loss. 
He was a wonderful person and we will miss him.

I had the good fortune to work with Eric over the years.  He will be missed by all who knew him.  Eric will be in my heart and prayers.

We will miss Eric greatly -- he was such a positive influence on everyone he worked with!

My deepest condolences to Eric"s family. May the love and light of God be with you!

My heart goes to your family. You are such a wonderful person with kind heart and with great sense of humour. We will miss you a lot. Rajesh, Richardson, Texas

Dear Terry, Kathleen and family,
 I am so sorry for your loss. Eric was always the guy who could bring a smile to any ones face. He will always be remembered as the jovial, sweet and humorous character that he was. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
With love, Joan Longenecker Smith

OBITUARY

Eric John Manikowski

H.M. Patterson & Son-Arlington Chapel

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