Eric C. Meade

On February 8, 1974, Eric arrived during a blustery Pennsylvania snowstorm. He came into our lives on a freezing cold day, but warmed our hearts right from the start. He was a beautiful baby with a loving bond to his Mom, Dad and big sister, Jen.

As a child everyday brought new adventures to Eric. The woods behind his home on Hopewell Road became a favorite playground. He loved playing outside with his friends; Cowboys & Indians, climbing trees and riding bicycles, He was also a Lego genius. He built elaborate creations including futuristic spaceships, skyscrapers and all sorts of imaginative designs.

As a teenager, Eric’s Hot Wheel turned into a four-wheeler and then he discovered fast cars. He honed his mechanical abilities as a teen. He loved taking apart engines, bicycles, anything mechanical and rebuilding them to make them faster, look fancier and perform beyond expectation. He also discovered music and enjoyed playing guitar and jamming with his uncles and friends.

Throughout his life the ocean was a source of pleasure for Eric. He always enjoyed spending time at the beach. Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, the Outer Banks of North Caroline and sailing with his Mom and Dad in the Caribbean were some of his favorite places. It was no surprise that when he moved to California that he found a home in Imperial Beach.

After he graduated from high school, Eric followed a diverse career path, and all seemed to lead to his job with the Border Patrol. He worked at a fitness club repairing equipment in Pennsylvania until a friend invited him to help manage a restaurant in Tampa Florida. Later he worked as an armed guard for Brookes Armored Cars followed by a move to Marathon Florida where he built and repaired bicycles. It was in Marathon when he made his decision to take the job with the Border Patrol.

His first assignment brought him to San Diego, away from his East Coast family and friends, but onto another new adventure. In Southern California his passion for cycling, fast cars and the mountains grew. On his days off from work, he enjoyed mountain biking, making fast cars faster and spending time with new friends.

Eric believed in the work he did for the Border Patrol. He was committed to carrying out his assigned duties and like everything he did; he did it with a sincere commitment and passion.

Eric especially enjoyed being ‘Uncle Eric’ to Maggie, Quinn and Noah. His nieces and nephews brought a new joy to his heart. He visited them last summer in Oregon. They shared a very special time together.

Eric, your warm heart and loving smile will always be with us. Thank you and we will always love you.