Eric William Baldwin

In the course of a lifetime, we are blessed with the presence of many individuals with whom we have the opportunity of making an acquaintance, developing a relationship, and maintaining and fostering a friendship. In the course of a lifetime- throughout the many occasions to do any of the above- we become attached; we learn to empathize with one another; we learn how to treat one another respectfully and with caring; and ultimately, we grow to love one another. In the course of his lifetime, Eric participated in the types of relationships that permitted others to fall into a love for him.

Eric was born September 17 1949 to Donovan and Harryette Baldwin in Modesto, California. Eric exhibited challenging behaviors early in life and was admitted to Stockton Developmental Center in 1962, as a result. Eric remained there for nearly twenty years before being transferred to Camarillo State Hospital for a very short period of time, and then to Lanterman State Developmental Center in 1981 where he would reside for nearly 30 years.

At Lanterman Developmental Center, under the care of many devoted and caring staff, Eric would begin to forge meaningful, substantial, long-lasting, and successful relationships that would prepare him for his eventual transition into suitable residential care. Eric participated in frequent trips to the on-site canteen where he would develop the necessary purchasing skills to enjoy various community outings to local restaurants and eateries with his peers. Eric also was an annual member of the Disney Land Amusement Park as a season-pass holder, allowing him to visit "the happiest place on Earth" frequently and at his leisure.

Due to the frequency of the occurrence of- and the severity of- Eric's most challenging behaviors, it would prove difficult to find him appropriate residential placement during his stay at Lanterman Developmental Center. However, beginning in December of 2010, the Lanterman Regional Project- in concert with Lanterman Developmental Center support and direct care staff and representatives of PeoplesCare, Inc. - would initiate a lengthy transition process that would culminate on January 20 2012 with his placement into the care of Kaiser Specialized Residential- Ivanpah.

Eric adjusted quickly to life in our residential community as it afforded him a level of independence which accommodated his lifestyle. Eric readily adapted to his increased responsibilities, learning to prepare his own breakfasts and taking an active part in the maintenance of the garden at the home. He grew to socialize with his peers and staff independent of prompts, and even went so far as to share the space of others in common areas.

For those that had the privilege of working with Eric and having him in their care, it is well known that he was a man of solitude. He valued his space, appreciably modest noise levels, privacy, as well as the independence at empowerment of his choice. Eric enjoyed the more than occasional generous helping of "cookies and Coke" nearly as much as he desired "a hamburger, fries, a Coke, and Ice Cream". Disturbances to, or ignorance of, any of the aforementioned valued preferences were not suffered lightly and were generally cause for a cantankerous response. This was Eric...B-A-L-D-W-I-N.

Usually, after the accomplishment of an identified goal or task Eric would remark, "I am a good boy". To which his staff would coach, "No Eric, you are a man, you are a grown man." I can recall the first time that Eric completed such a task, smiled, and said "I am a good man." That was substantial progress. That, in our eyes, was part of the growth he had experienced since arriving at KSR- Ivanpah. We are most proud to say that, "Yes, Eric, you are a good man. You are a very good man."