Eric Keala Chun

Eric Keala Chun

Eric Chun died on May 22, 2022, at age 50, in Honolulu, Hawaii. His time on earth came to an end after a heroic struggle with ALS, due to complications with the disease. Eric was born on September 30th, 1971, to Elroy Chun (Labor Union Advocate) and Peggy Chun (Artist).

Eric displayed exceptional talent through his diverse professional background as a waterman, model, athletic coach, artist, and as a successful business owner. He was a skilled filmmaker, a farmer, and his athletic capabilities were vast. During his 24 years as a businessman, Eric applied his great love and care of nature into his tree trimming company, 1-2-Tree. As an artist, Eric's preferred modalities were sculpture and woodworking. He created a beautiful body of work in digital, experimental, and mixed mediums. Eric wrote of himself: "In my work I seek to reveal what is hidden. To find the spark of energy that gathers as form and concept come together. I work in wood, metal, clay, glass, and found objects."

Eric inspired many with his profound spiritual wisdom and took great comfort in his practices of meditation and Buddhism. Eric's spirituality and love of nature converged into his art and sculpture, one of the many gifts he left behind as his legacy.

Eric was an adventurous spirit, but his truest passion was his family. Eric was a devoted husband and a deeply committed father, who loved his wife and children immensely. Eric radiated strength, beauty, and a gentle kindness, to which people from all walks of life gravitated. Each person who met Eric loved him, and in return, he loved us all unconditionally. Eric's impact on those around him was particularly great over the past 3 and a half years, as he struggled with the devastating disease ALS. Eric believed that ALS could be cured and he fought valiantly to share that message. His profound courage and unwavering commitment to finding a cure for ALS, inspired us all. Thank you to all those who supported Eric in that difficult journey.

Eric's spirit lives on in his loving wife Julia, in his beautiful children Indy and Sawyer, and in the many dear family and friends whose lives he touched in his short time on earth.

May the Force Be with You

September 30th, 1971 - May 22nd, 2022