Eric Arndt Simonson, 64, passed away on March 3, 2013, at his Carlsbad home with his loving son, Jeffery, by his side. Eric was born in La Jolla, Calif. on September 13, 1948 to Holly and Adeline Simonson, joining two older sisters, Lorrie and Cheryl.
Eric grew up in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, attended Cardiff Elementary School, Oak Crest Jr. High and San Dieguito High School in Encinitas, and graduated Class of 1967. Eric was drafted into the Army serving from March 27, 1968 to January 19, 1970, serving primarily in the Vietnam War. He was a decorated soldier receiving a Purple Heart, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/Palm, Vietnam Unit Citation, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/2 Bronze Service Stars, National Defense Service Medal, and a Bronze Star Medal. Upon his return from Vietnam, he reunited with his sweetheart, Donna Wagner of Escondido, soon married and son, Jeffery, was born. Eric pursued a career in carpentry and was employed by Solana Lumber Co. in Solana Beach, building trusses. Later, he started his own business, Cardiff Closet Company. Eric was a fun-loving, warm-hearted man whose generous spirit touched many.
He was an avid golfer, inventor, and his love of the ocean and surfing from a young age, lured him to Todos Santos, Baja, California. Eric obtained dual citizenship, purchased a home in Todos Santos, and established Todos Santos Surfboards, shaping and selling surfboards. His inventive imagination of aerial surfing maneuvers spurred his patent of Sector Deck, consisting of a three-part system of decking, booties, and Velcro pads, all specially designed for Simonson by 3M Co. and Velcro USA.
In the early 1990's Eric's exposure to the defoliant Agent Orange in Vietnam, had resulted in his kidney function beginning to fail. In September 1994, sister Cheryl Minshew lovingly donated a kidney to her brother. Regaining his health, Eric was excited to continue life to it's fullest. Still battling the Agent Orange exposure, another kidney transplant was needed, and in January 2005, he received a kidney from his good friend, Chris Ursich. As years progressed, Eric was challenged with additional health issues.
Eric is survived by his loving and devoted son, Jeffery Eric Simonson of Carlsbad, sisters, Lorrie Seiler (Bill) of Encinitas and Cheryl Minshew (John) of Lakeside, nephew, David De La Torre of Encinitas, nieces, Kristen Minshew of Santee and Staci Johnson of Ramona, and seven great nieces and nephews.
Services and final resting place will be held at MiraMar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Dr., San Diego, Calif. on Friday, March 22, 2013 at 12:30 p.m.
A paddle-out at Cardiff/North Pipes Beach will be held in Eric's honor at a later date.
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