Eric Howard Schlect

Eric was a May Day baby, born on May 1, 1989, in Yakima, Washington, to Kurt and Sally Schlect, joining his older sister, Sarah, and older brother, Donny, at home on the ranch.

He grew up adventuring, playing, looking for rocks and other valuables and working on his family’s West Valley apple orchard. Nearly every holiday the entire extended Schlect Family would gather at grandparents Don and Betty Schlect’s home to celebrate. Eric loved these Schlect holiday parties which included playing hours of pool on the pool table with his loving father, Schlect cousins and Schlect uncles, and putting quarters into the family slot machine. His mother Sally and the Schlect aunts would always have a memorable meal prepared. Eric thoroughly enjoyed these gatherings and often reminisced about them as he got older.

Throughout Eric's childhood there were several trips taken every year down to his mom’s childhood home, the Bar M Ranch, in Eastern Oregon, a dude ranch that his grandparents Hope and Gene Baker owned. There, he would spend hours with his Baker cousins swimming in the warm springs pool and watching his Uncle Dan shoe horses and get all the guests ready for the daily trail rides. Looking for all the treasures the banks of the Umatilla River had to offer, exploring the healing woods of the Blue Mountains, and enjoying the expert baking and cooking of Hope, Gene, and his Uncle Jerry brought Eric so much joy.

Eric collected many things but rock collecting was something he truly loved, especially in his youth. This hobby began as a toddler, always with a rock in his hands as he mastered walking. What began as interesting looking rocks would expand to gems and fossils. He loved attending the Rock and Mineral Show when it came to Yakima, and when he was on family vacations he would look in shops for any rare or local rocks and then display them proudly.

He graduated from West Valley High School and attended Washington State University, Central Washington University, and Yakima Valley Community College. All those who knew Eric or encountered him were taken by his distinctive deep voice, and he was a DJ for KCWU (“The Burg”) during his time at CWU. He loved the stage, and acted in both radio and stage plays, including The War of the Worlds and The Book of Will.

Eric loved his friends and family, history, hiking, the beach, music, The Simpsons, the movie Sideways, nice clothes, watches, and a ring or two to tie the outfit together, trivia nights at many downtown Yakima establishments, and playing pool at friends’ houses. He was a man of specific food tastes; he loved his mom’s marinara sauce, fried rice, and chicken pot pie, yakisoba, and his brother-in-law’s chicken strips and fried chicken sandwiches, and he had an aversion to cheese, eggs, and cereal. Eric had many nicknames over his lifetime, including Tiny, Moose and Shrimp. His nickname Moose, given to him by his father Kurt, was a source of courage and confidence when delivered by his dad which he sorely missed after Kurt passed in 2017. Eric’s joyful laugh, curiosity, and deeply caring nature will never be forgotten.

Eric’s shy and introverted personality was simply a façade worn during initial introductions. His love of history, family, friends, and other interests that he held would wash away that façade and there would be a highly intelligent and loving person that left a special mark on all who got to know him. During conversations he would often pull his phone out to scour the internet to confirm or debate facts being presented. His curious nature would inspire him to do deep dives into topics to learn everything obscure and use these facts during work or dinner parties. This was especially true with his brother Donny, who he loved to debate history, recite favorite movie lines, and discuss general societal issues with.

Over the past seven years Eric worked for Gilbert Cellars Winery and loved interacting with all of the people who worked there and the customers who came to enjoy the wine and beautiful location. He always welcomed his customers with a warm smile, that smooth deep voice, and never ending kindness. He loved the entire Gilbert family and was very proud to work with them.

Eric was preceded in death by his grandparents, Don and Betty Schlect and Gene and Hope Baker, by his father, Kurt D. Schlect, and by his cousin, Jimmy Baker. He is survived by his mother, Sally Schlect; his sister Sarah Littleton (Luke); brother, Donny Schlect (Laura); and by his adored and adoring nephews and niece; Jack and Teddy Littleton, Kurt M. Schlect and Lucy-June Schlect, as well as his many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is also survived by his cat, Jane, the family dog, Toby, and dog nephews Ace and Josh. Uncle Eric always chose the perfect gifts for his nephews and niece, was the most fun wrestling partner, and did the best make-believe accents and voices.

A visitation was held at Keith and Keith on December 27, 2024, and a celebration of Eric’s life will be scheduled in the spring. Donations in Eric’s memory may be made to Cowiche Canyon Conservancy (PO Box 877 Yakima, WA 98907 or https://www.cowichecanyon.org/donate) and/or the Comprehensive Mental Health Foundation (402 S 4th Ave PO Box 959 Yakima, WA 98907).