
Part II of II
To Eric -the music man

Really very sad for their young sons who are still in school with promising careers ahead of them. 

To Perla, I don’t have words to console you. Here’s what I know- you have a strong supportive family and community of relatives who love you and your kids.  Your dad, Manong Arturo showed this community spirit and until now, he is still remembered.

To Evan and Jonas, continue your studies and work hard to reach your goals like that of your parents and grandparents. Don’t give up on your dreams, make your parents proud of you. Love your mom as she needs your support too. 

Eric- thank you for taking good care of my cousin and nephews. Thank you for sharing your travels and adventures.  I bought a “kalimba” too. 
Rest In Peace-

Sent from my iPhone

Part I of II 

To Eric- the music man

I first met him when he and my cousin Perla were still dating and probably still students, way back in the late 1990s.

I asked him what course he was enrolled in, he said something about music. In my mind, OK, he’ll make my cousin happy with daily serenades. 

He told me about his travels to Africa, finding unique musical instruments-he showed the “kalimba.”
If you’ve seen the one he had from Zimbabwe, you’ll wonder -how could that be a musical instrument?  He showed how it’s played and he explained that it was more on the rhythm and how the tiny metals like xylophone, except that the thumbs are the ones tapping them.

Fast forward, they got married but I wasn’t in California anymore.  They had two boys.  I remember the gift I sent was an aquarium. I don’t know if Evan and Jonas liked it but I guess it was Eric or Perla who maintained it.

I’d see him once in a while when I visited them-the Soliven side of the family.  

Eric was a gentle soul. A humble and loving person. How else would my cousin be attracted to him if he didn’t have such many good qualities.  He’s also smart and understanding. They wouldn’t have intelligent kids if they didn’t guide or discipline them.

When I got the news of his sudden and unexpected death, it broke my heart-mostly for his family. He’s so young to die, he seemed fit and athletic, how could that be? That was a terrible news- I don’t know what to say to Perla. So I reached out to her brother instead. 

Dear Abutin Family, 
Sending you my deepest condolences during this difficult time. I had the honor to know Eric, since 2004, when I joined the PIER group of San Diego. Eric was one of the first to welcome me to PIER, at my first PIER meeting at NU. Then from 2016-2017, I worked with him at NU's, Int'l Student Affairs Division. Working at NU was a memorable experience-that I will forever hold dear to my heart. All because of those I worked with. Our team not only worked in the spirit of unity to serve the international student populations-but we also shared good times of fun and laughter + good eating. I was surrounded by amazing staff and caring leadership. Such as, Eric. He was a great leader to our team and IPO. He was kind, inclusive, and patient. Eric was pleasant to be around. He was always there to lend a helping hand, was a good listener, and was respected by all. Not to mention that he had an impeccable work ethic. His leadership at NU and his service to students from around the world was on point, and consistently professional. I will miss him dearly as my friend and colleague. May our Lord bless you and comfort you during this time of grief. You are in my thoughts and prayers. 

All my Love, 
Lilia Davis 🙏


The National University community has extremely fond memories and deep appreciation for the tremendous contributions that Eric provided to our students. He was a role model in his commitment and dedication to students and was beloved by all who knew him. He will be deeply missed by all colleagues. 
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Abutin family as you cherish those special memories for a lifetime. Our deepest condolences are extended to all of you from the staff, faculty and the thousands of students he supported over the years. 

Dear Abutin Family,

I met Eric through the PIER organization and he was always so kind, dedicated and positive.   His smile lit up the room and I will miss him very much.  Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you.  

Eric was a colleague of mine in our work with international students going back many years.  He was a kind and gentle soul, always ready with a smile and willingness to help.  I am very saddened to hear of his passing and will not forget him.  My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends.

Eric was the kindest human being I ever met. 
To his two sons, honor your father by being kind humans too and give your best in this lifetime. Your dad's love and spirit is ever present.

To Perla, to another kind person. It was not coincidental you and Eric met. The bond and love you two have will never diminish.
Trust in your intuition and continue to guide your kids through all of this. Your spirit is strong and most of all Eric's love and spirit will forever be with you.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers🙏

Eric was one of the kindest people I have had the privilege to work with during my career. He was always there to listen to students and staff members and would go out of his way to make everyone feel heard. He had amazing knowledge of his field and it was always a pleasure to learn more from him during my many office visits. I will always remember him teaching me and the international team about his music and performing with him in front of the students and staff.  Thank you for being a shoulder to lean on and for the many words of encouragement these last years .  My heart goes out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time. 

     I've known Eric for about 12 years at National University and every time I got to work with him, it was a privilege.  He knew international rules and laws inside and out and he was a wonderful public speaker.  The International Students department at NU will miss him terribly but so will many other departments since he affected so many in such a positive way.  
     He was so talented as well; I remember him playing the drums and being wearing the beautiful costume that represented the Philippines.    I remember that I asked him about his musical talent and how he acquired his skills and he was so modest and humble about it.  
     Above all, I could tell that family was #1 with him.  My daughter and his son were starting college at the same time and we sat together at a meeting in East County about  student scholarships.  We talked often about our hopes, fears, and dreams about college life for our kids.   
      I will be thinking of Eric and his family during this very sad time.  Blessings to all.              

My sincere condolences to the family of a great neighbor and a  friend Eric  Abutin.  Your kindness will forever be remembered by all the people that you've shared your friendship with.  Praying for the repose of Eric Abutin's soul.  May you now rest in peace with our Creator.

Dear Abutin family, 
My deepest condolences for your tragic loss.  Please know that Eric was loved and respected for his ethics and professionalism by all colleagues at National University.  Even more than to be an outstanding professional, he was most proud of his family. He always had a smile when he spoke about his boys and his wife.   Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.  

Such a kind-hearted individual. He was easily one of my favorite people at National University. He was always smiling and had such a positive attitude. He always made international students feel welcomed and would participate in the international student week each year, by showcasing his musical talents playing traditional Philipino music. My heart goes out to his family and friends. Thank you for everything you did Eric.



Easily one of my favorite managers, at National University and in general. Always willing to listen and had great patience and encouragement in helping our students and his staff. I will always remember his kindness, his laugh and his love for his family. He will be deeply missed. 

We worked together at NU for a few years, Eric was always calm kind and present.  His diligence to his work was clear but more than anything I remember his calm and kindness.

OBITUARY

Eric Ochosa Abutin

February 15, 1972 – September 6, 2021

Glen Abbey Memorial Park & Mortuary

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Services