Erik Gust Palm

Erik was a Sergeant in the US Army and recently relocated from Fort Bliss, Texas, to Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington State. He previously served at Camp Casey in South Korea.

Erik graduated from Henry M. Jackson High School in Mill Creek, Washington in 2010. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America and was an active supporter of the BSA, in addition to being a member of the Mountaineers. He was a physical fitness buff who dearly loved the outdoors and aerobic exercise. He enjoyed time spent running, trekking, fishing, kayaking, body surfing, snowshoeing and just being in the wilderness. Some of his favorite hiking destinations included the North Cascades as well as the French and Swiss Alps.

Erik had a sharp and inquisitive mind with a deep love and understanding of history. He also enjoyed action movies and had an encyclopedic knowledge of dramatic television series including Boardwalk Empire, Sons of Anarchy, and Breaking Bad. An early student of Sherlock Holmes, he could often figure out what was going to happen before the end of the opening credits.

Erik is survived by his sister, Brieanna; mother, Debbie; and father, Doug.

We miss Erik terribly and his passing leaves us deeply saddened and shaken. Yet, to paraphrase the words of a friend, we will always feel his lovely spirit like an infinite thread pulling us toward each other, gently enwrapping our hearts, and whispering, “Breathe.” Breathe in the gifts his living gave us; breathe out the love that comes from those gifts. Erik has left but is not gone. Never gone.

In lieu of flowers, we suggest donations in his honor to the Mountaineers Access Program (MAP) or the Opportunity Fund of the Mount Baker Council, BSA:

• The Opportunity Fund of the Mount Baker Council, Boy Scouts of America in memory of Erik Palm. This fund provides financial assistance to needy families in the form of camperships, uniforms, books and other Scout program supplies. Donations may be sent to:

Opportunity Fund

Mount Baker Council, BSA,

1715 - 100th Place SE, Suite B

Everett, WA 98208

(425) 338-0380

NOTE: please indicate “in memory of Erik Palm” with your donation.

• The Mountaineers Access Program (MAP) Scholarship Fund provides scholarships for youth groups, individual youth, and adults who could not otherwise afford to participate in Mountaineers programs. More than 75 percent of these funds are dedicated to youth scholarships.

Checks may be sent directly to The Mountaineers at:

The Mountaineers

Attn: Chris Pyper

7700 Sand Point Way NE

Seattle, WA 98115

(206) 521-6000

NOTE: Please put “MAP - in memory of Erik Palm” in the check memo field.

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