Erik Willie Reyes (Diaz)

Erik Willie Reyes (Diaz), age 24, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, April 25th, 2018. Erik was a man loved by many, his lifelong pursuit was to build a successful Video Game empire and to be a notable figure in bodybuilding. His career began at the age of 7 years old when he started to learn programming, for the last four years of his life he focused on hands on experience mastering design, programming, and completing Cybersecurity certifications while pursuing a degree in Cybersecurity at Northern Virginia Community College. As he mastered the academics Erik held a full-time job and dedicated his little free time to the gym where he worked on transforming his body. Erik was focused on training for a local bodybuilding competition scheduled for June. And he was ready to complete his CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) certification this May 4th, while working a full-time job at Fortitude Systems.

Erik was born on Tuesday, April 12th, 1994 in Washington D.C. He was born a Diaz but grew up a Reyes; raised by Nuvia, a single mother and an absentee father since the age of 7 years old. However, Erik was loved and also supported by his uncle Ricardo, Walter and Jose; aunt Amelia, Silvia and grandmother Maria. His greatest love came from his older sister Leticia. Since they were kids they have been inseparable, always tied to the hip, relying on each as they face their greatest challenges on this life’s journey. His uncle Ricardo would always challenge Erik’s intellectual curiosity and support his academic ambitions, and Erik’s drive was unimaginable, fearless and dedicated to eventually conquering all small and large challenges.

Erik was energetic, he would light up the room and his presence would immediately be felt by his strong physical attributes and gentle personality. At every family function, he loved playing with his younger cousins Kimberly, Whitley, Zuri, Geo and Luca. He was a family man, always, and he would attend most (if not all) family functions where he would eat a lot food and ask for more. The extended family (uncles and aunts by marriage Mark, Nancy, Hector) would always welcome Erik with open arms because they knew his smile and laughter would light the family activity.

In 2016, Erik welcomed his baby, a puppy name Duke. For the past 1.8 months Duke was raised by Erik with the help of his girlfriend Termeh, and transformed a tiny and fragile little puppy into a healthy, loving and strong pet. Duke is a friendly and well behaved animal whose strength is without a doubt strong but carries himself with gentleness and charisma, exactly like that of his father Erik.

Erik was man of virtue, a man of character and caring personality. He formed long lasting friendships since his early infancy with current friends Derick, Kevin, Alex, Fahim, Ken, Sang and many more whom we are still learning about. All the friendships he formed at school, work, gym, or through family members will miss his loving and gentle personality.

Erik Willie Reyes (Diaz) turned 24 years old on Thursday, April 12th, 2018 and he unexpectedly passed aways on Wednesday, April 25th, 2018 due the cardiac arrest in the arms of his mother Nuvia.

Erik was loved by many, a kind spirited person with a bright future. His love for his dog Duke, family, fitness, technology and friends were some of his greatest passions. He has touched so many people’s lives during his 24 years with us, and will forever remain in our memory.