Eric Scott Lanktree

Eric Scott Lanktree passed away suddenly on November 3, 2014 at the age of 25 years. He was predeceased by his grandfathers, L. Percy Lanktree and Walter “Doc” Anderson. Eric was born on April 10, 1989 in Arcola, SK, the only child of Brian and Carrie Lanktree. He was raised in Weyburn, SK. As a child, Eric was curious, he always wanted to know how things worked and this usually involved taking those things apart. Sometimes this even involved putting them back together again. Eric always wanted to be a firefighter from a young age; he would see his dream come true by serving as a volunteer firefighter, as well as a brief tenure as a professional firefighter with the Weyburn Fire Brigade. Eric always wanted to help people, and he believed strongly in serving his community with whatever he could do. Eric's sense of humour, cool headedness, and charisma will never be forgotten by the other members of the Weyburn Fire Brigade. And I know for a fact that they will not forget everything that Eric has done for his community. From a very young age, Eric enjoyed skating and playing hockey. He went on to form lifelong friendships with many different people during his years playing in the Weyburn Minor Hockey system. Besides playing hockey, Eric became a member of the Weyburn Minor Hockey Officiating Team as a referee and linesman. He spent many hours a week refereeing hockey all over south east Saskatchewan, from initiation, all the way to the Big 6 hockey league. Eric also enjoyed playing soccer throughout his school year and continued to play after with the Weyburn Strikers Senior Men’s Team where he shared many laughs with the guys. In high school, Eric worked in the produce department at the Wholesale Club, and the Sports and Seasonal department at Canadian Tire before he found his forte at New Age Electronics, where his personable attitude interest in changing technology, and hard work ethic allowed him to succeed in a tough, competitive and ever changing industry. Eric would help anyone who needed it, which again made him a key player in the New Age Electronics organization. His position as a salesperson and later a custom installer was integral for success, and he took his job very seriously. He still did however enjoy the perks of working in such a revolutionary business and was always up to date with the most current electronic devices and services. The work ethic he displayed while working there led to many new clients and valued relationships with his coworkers who we know Eric loved dearly. The reason Eric was such a fantastic person is because of his parents, Brian and Carrie Lanktree. They taught him that having a good work ethic and being disciplined were the tools to success. I remember going to visit Eric at a younger age, and when he got tired, he just went to bed. At first I didn't know why, but as I got older I realized that he wanted to get up the next morning at a decent hour to start his day off right. For Eric, there was no time to sleep in, there were things to be done, and I think many of Eric's friends and family really respected that. As an only child, Eric could have been horribly spoiled, but Brian and Carrie held him accountable for his actions so therefore had to work for everything that he achieved. Eric and Brian spent many hours together motorcycling, camping, diving, and as well help building Eric and Vanessa's dream house. Carrie taught Eric to be sensitive to other's needs, as well as the power of love and loving others unconditionally. Both of them together taught Eric the importance of work-life balance, and the value of family, which was evident in his everyday life. Another role model for Eric was his uncle, Stacy Anderson. You could just see the sparkle in his eye every time he brought up his uncles name, and it gave him an immediate jump in his step. They were almost more like brothers, than an uncle and nephew. Eric was so very lucky to have an uncle who cared about him so dearly, and worked so hard to make him happy. Eric married his girlfriend of many years, Vanessa, on September 8, 2012. They were married in Weyburn, SK on the most beautiful and perfect day with all their loving family and friends to celebrate with. Eric and Vanessa are high school sweethearts and best friends; their love grew and grew over the past 8 years together. Eric and Vanessa were meant to be together for forever. They talked about their future together but not only about their future but about their yesterday and their tomorrow. Eric was always planning what our next project would be or the next thing we would do together. The love Eric and Vanessa have for one another is one of a kind. It was so true and passionate; they loved each other with their full heart and soul and knew they were in it for forever. People could see the way they loved each other, but when they were together it is something that is indescribable. Eric loved Vanessa so much, she could see it in his actions, the way he kissed her so meaningful, the way he talked to her, but most of all, she could see the true love in his beautiful, brown eyes. Eric was also a loved son in the Paslawski family. He enjoyed helping them with anything they asked, as Eric always wanted to help everyone. Eric started to really get involved with the different things the Paslawski family did, he fell in love with hunting and had even started helping with different farming operations. When he found something new that he liked, he worked at it to succeed, no matter what it was as he always wanted to learn. Eric also enjoyed riding his quad and shooting clay targets with Levi and Vanessa. Eric spent countless hours spending time with his nephew Dominick Loos, from teaching him new things to just playing with toys, Eric was going to make an amazing father one day as we could see it with Dominick and all the other children apart of his life. After talking to lots of people about Eric, their stories usually revolve around what kind of a person he really was. Eric was always ready to assist in emergency situations where he had no problem putting his life in harm's way to save the life of another. That is just the way he was. He was always willing to help anyone, friend, stranger, customer, and ensure that things were better than when he first started. Eric was funny, joyful, and always loved having a good time. He never got jealous, or greedy and he was always willing to spend time with "the guys," or his many other brothers. This included bike trips across Canada, trips to Brandon, hot holidays with his mom and dad as well as Vanessa and her family. If we can learn anything from Eric's passing it's how to live your life with humility, and without prejudice. The importance of being involved in the community such as joining the Young Fellows, to laugh and laugh often, to experience the world but plan for the future. To be compassionate, love unconditionally and not be afraid to tell those you love that you care. To be a devoted husband, to make time for family and friends and to always help those in need, these were the principals Eric lived by. As the playwright Robert Anderson once wrote, 'Death ends a life, not a relationship,' we will all treasure our time spent with Eric and keep him in our hearts always. As time goes hopefully we can all let go of the pain and allow the memories of Eric to remain. Eric, you were nothing short of an outstanding citizen, and you served your community with class and grace. You were always the life of the party. Your infectious laugh always brightened everyone's day. There was nothing you wouldn't do to make someone's day better. Weyburn has truly lost its favoured son, but you and your legacy will never be forgotten. People always talk about life, and measure it with the number of breaths taken, but sometimes we forget, that a life should be measured by the amount of times we have our breaths taken away. Although your life was cut short, you still lived a fulfilling life, which impacted everyone around you. Eric will be lovingly remembered by his wife & best friend, Vanessa Lanktree of Weyburn, SK;parents, Brian & Carrie Lanktree of Weyburn, SK and Dale & MaryAnne Paslawski of Weyburn, SK;sister, Julie-Anne (Tyson) Loos and baby, Dominick of Weyburn, SK; brother, Levi Paslawski of Weyburn, SK; special uncles, Stacy (Susan) Anderson & son, Nate of Edmonton, AB; Dave (Terry) Lanktree of Vulcan, AB and, children, Clarke (Katie Carew), Owen and Kellie; grandmothers, Marg Lanktree, Pat Anderson (Alex Szilagyi) and Nellie Skiba; grandparents, Fred and Evelyn Paslawski; the Irwin and VanRoon families as well as numerous friends and relatives. The Funeral Service was held on Monday November 17, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. from Grace United Church, Weyburn, SK with Reverend M. Barnabas officiating. Active Pallbearers were, Luk Bell, Adam Ziegler, Jeremy VanRoon, Jeff Davies, Adrian Miller and Rylan Trithart. Honourary Pallbearers were the members of the Weyburn Fire Department. Donations in memory of Eric may be made to Stars Air Ambulance or the Weyburn Fire Department. Interment took place at Hillcrest Cemetery, Weyburn, SK.

At the request of Vanessa: For those who may have picture or video memories of Eric, please bring them to the service (a memorabilia box will be provided) or email to: [email protected]. Donations in memory of Eric may be made to Stars Air Ambulance or Weyburn Fire Department.