Wendall Eric Peak

Wendall Eric Peak was known to most as Eric, but to the people who knew him best, he was Sparky - a nickname earned from his welding days and carried with pride ever since. He lived a life grounded in hard work, humor, and an unshakable instinct to lend a hand. If something needed fixing, Sparky showed up and usually had you laughing along the way.

Born in Battle Creek, Michigan, Eric moved to Spring Valley, San Diego, as a child and spent his life rooted in San Diego, mostly in East County, with time in the mountain town of Campo. He grew up working on for his dad’s landscape company and ranch in both places, where long days and hands-on work shaped who he was. He was a longtime diesel mechanic, a race car pit crew guy, and someone who could take apart and rebuild just about anything. But the thing he loved most was riding his Harley. Whether it was through the mountains in Julian or along the beaches in San Diego, that’s where he felt the most free.

In his 70 years, Sparky was a son, husband, dad, father-in-law, grandfather (Papa), brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. He was the neighbor who was always outside, offering help before you even had to ask, especially during his last few years. He didn’t do it for attention; he did it because it’s just who he was. He could fix nearly anything, and it made him feel good to do it for others.

Eric lived with type 1 diabetes for 40 years and faced some tough health issues in recent years. But through it all, he stayed sharp, sarcastic, and strong. A real highlight in his later years was connecting with his biological family and taking a trip to Tennessee to meet them. That reunion brought a new layer of meaning to his life, and the bond they built became truly special.

He loved his little dog, Willy, and his grandkids more than anything. They brought out his soft side, though he’d never admit it.

Sparky was never about appearances. He didn’t waste time with small talk. He cared about showing up, doing the work, telling the truth (even if it stung a little), and being there when it mattered. That’s how he lived, and that’s how he’ll be remembered.

He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.