Eric was a great guy. He loved Macalester. I was blessed to know him. I sill miss him.

I am so so sorry to learn of Erick's passing.  Erick was a dear friend during my time at Macalester.  I knew him as a brilliant, funny, gentle, witty soul, with a seeking spirit, always learning and eager to discover life. I remember a night (my roommates were out of town, Erick was friends with them all) and he was staying in one of their rooms. I made dinner and we started talking.  That night we shared secrets, cried, laughed, argued politics and we were convinced that we'd solved the world's problems - and truly stunned to see that the sun had come up! But, what I most remember about Erick was his kindness during a time where I had been the victim of a horrendous crime. Erick's exquisite gentle words could only have come from a man who had seen deep darkness and wanted to encourage a suffering soul that there was good and beauty in the world. For his friendship, strength and sweetness at that time, I will always be grateful.  My life is better because I knew Erick.

I've known Erick since our college days. He was a wild man then. I got to know him much better in the last several years of his life. He had endured a series of misfortunes, very difficult circumstances, yet he maintained an equanimity and good humor that I still find marvelous. He house-sat for us the week before he died. He was ill when we returned, on November 29, but declined help. He called on the 31st, sounding very much himself, to say he was feeling better. We will miss him.

My wife Nancy (Lounsbury) Plagens and I were classmates of Erick's at Macalester College.  To our 3 children, Erick was like extended family, joining us for holidays and family get-togethers, everything from our annual RibFest competition to baptisms, weddings, and funerals.  We shall miss Erick's wit, his keen mind, and the delight he took in our children's lives.

Steve and Nancy Plagens
St. Paul, Minnesota

Erick Stubbs: A Brilliant Mind, a Dear Friend, a Courageous Fighter 

James Erick Stubbs, '72 passed away suddenly and peacefully on December 4, 2015 at age 64 after many decades of struggle against diabetes. Erick was blessed with an unusually active mind, deep intelligence and unusually broad interests.  During the first phase of his Macalester education, Erick majored in history and religious studies. He returned for a second phase as an enrollee in Macalester's Adult Scholars Program, this time earning a degree in Mathematics and Computer Science. Erick's professional trajectory bespoke his unusually broad talents having been employed by the United States Postal Service, Northern States Power Company (now Excel Energy), the University of St. Thomas Law School and several technology startups. After retiring and enrolling in accounting courses at St. Thomas, he completed the challenging examinations that qualified him as a Certified Public Accountant at the highest level. A bibliophile who loved libraries, Eric was an omnivorous reader with a prodigious memory and a sharply inquiring intellect who truly lived in the richness of the liberal arts. As an undergraduate, he distinguished himself in track and cross country, interests he extended for decades as a devoted member of the Macalester M Club who officiated at track meets and befriended student athletes. A familiar campus figure over the span of several decades Erick draw others to him with his quick wit, good humor, love of tall tales and concern for others. He is fondly remembered by many friends and sorely missed. 

Composed by Jim Stewart in consultation with several of Erick's close friends

I was waiting at the coffee shop for Erich and Ray, when my phone rang. It was Ray informing me of Erich's passing. The three of us had been having coffee together every morning for the past six years. It was quite a shock to learn that we had lost our coffee buddy, but also a good friend. Erich was a life saver to me after my bicycle accident, visiting me in the hospital, at home and driving me to physical therapy. My wife Ann was a classmate of Erich's at Mac and we will both miss him immensely. Our heartfelt condolences to his family.

"Erik was so supportive of the children's choirs at Immanuel.  He always had a smile and encouraging word for us on Wednesday nights before and after rehearsals.   My deepest  sympathy." Chris Cherwien

The people of Immanuel Lutheran in St Paul, held your family up in prayer this past Sunday.  We are so saddened at Erik's passing.  Erik was intelligent and caring. - (I loved it when he would come tell me about lectures at Macalester.)  Please know that he will be missed, and I pray that you will find hope & peace in our Lord's resurrection.

I will miss Erik.  He was smart, funny and a good person.  I always enjoyed our conversations.  My deepest condolences for your loss.

I have fond memories of Erick coming down to the kitchen on Wednesday at Immanuel Lutheran Church always asking how my kids were doing and where they were.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.  Kim Thompson

My deepest sympathy to you.  Erick was a very close friend going all the way back to our college years at Macalester, and my family and I will miss him very much.  I hope that the memories you have of him will bring you comfort at this time of loss.

Ray Peterson

OBITUARY

James Erik Stubbs

March 11, 1950 – December 2, 2015

Hillcrest Funeral Home

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