Eric McLees

April 6, 1968 – February 5, 2026

With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Eric, who left us on February 5, 2026, at the age of 57.

For 32 amazing years, he was a devoted husband, best friend, and steady partner in life. He was a loving father, a loyal son and brother, and a friend to many. His family was his pride and joy, and he made sure his wife and children never went a single day without being provided for.

He took pride in the home he shared with his family since 1994. Through the years, he worked determinedly to improve it, always building, fixing, and creating a place where his family could gather and feel secure. Some of his happiest days were the simplest ones. Music playing. Barbecue on the grill. Time in the pool with his wife. His kids nearby. The sun overhead.

He began every morning with coffee and ended most evenings with music. A lifelong lover of rock ‘n roll, he attended many of his favorite band’s concerts with family and friends. He also shared his passion through “McLees Jam,” an annual family tradition he helped build over the past fifteen years. Alongside his sister and three brothers, and often joined by his son, he sang and played in joyful house concerts that became treasured memories.

One song that deeply resonated with him was “Simple Kind of Man” by Lynyrd Skynyrd. He felt it captured who he was and who he wanted to be. Steady. Loving. Honest. Devoted to his family.

He worked at Alta Dena Dairy since the late 1980s, forming lasting friendships and earning the respect, admiration, and friendship of coworkers. He was dependable, generous, and always willing to help.

He lived life out loud. Charismatic, funny, and loving. He was known for his booming voice and his sense of humor. A true night owl, he loved gathering with friends, camping, attending rock concerts, and staying up late to watch scary movies. Whether it was a Miller Lite in hand or, in recent years, a carefully hunted-down Shiner Bock, he appreciated simple pleasures shared with people he loved.

In his younger years, he enjoyed playing tennis, running, skiing, snowboarding, and playing bass guitar. He loved throwing a ball with his kids and staying active outdoors. As life slowed down, he enjoyed reading, watching movies, and spending time with his wife watching their favorite sci-fi shows. He would research interesting films and find ones they could enjoy together on nights off work, always looking forward to sharing that time.

He loved being outdoors. Hiking local mountains with his wife, exploring nature on vacations anywhere near lakes, oceans, forests, deserts, or mountains. Sunny days were his favorite. He adored his dogs and could often be found walking with them or playing Frisbee in the park across the street. He enjoyed disc golf with friends and took pride in his yard and fruit trees, especially his favorite persimmon tree.

He was a lifelong, devoted Dodgers fan who watched or listened to nearly every game. Some of his most treasured memories were attending games with his father. He also cheered for the Steelers and the Kings, but the Dodgers held a special place in his heart. He laughed every time his dogs grew excited at each pitch on TV, searching for the ball as if it might roll into the living room. In recent years, he was so happy watching the Dodgers win the World Series multiple times, celebrating each championship like a lifelong promise fulfilled and thinking of his father.

He loved buying flowers for his wife, surprising his family with thoughtful gifts, going out to dinner, and sharing life with the people closest to him.

Above all, he loved deeply and lived fully. He was well loved by many and will be deeply missed. His laughter, his music, and his steady presence will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Celebration of Life

Sunday, February 22

3pm-7pm

King's Brewing Co

296 N 2nd Ave

Upland, CA 91786

Please RSVP to Eric Hokenson:

[email protected]