Eric Bilderbeck passed away unexpectedly in his home on December 4th, 2019. He was 49 years old. He is survived by his older sister, Pamela Bilderbeck and his step-mother and siblings, Mary Bilderbeck, Claire and Jesse Sheppard and Amanda Laister.
Eric was born on the grounds of Fort Ord to a military family and spent the first part of his life in Turkey and Spain, an auspicious start to an adventurous and curious traveler. He moved with his family to Salem, Oregon, in 1978, where Eric attended Schirle Elementary, Judson Junior High, and Sprague High School, as a well-loved member of the class of 1988. Eric went to college at Santa Clara University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was always handy, with an electronic design as well as a hammer, and he made sure along the way that things got fixed – one way or another!
He worked for Caterpillar Inc., as a field service representative and designer -- traveling around the U.S. and Canada modifying equipment for logging applications. In 2006, he began working for Morrow Equipment as an engineer and project manager, helping to make sure that construction teams around the world were able to do their jobs safely and quickly. He was employed by them at the time of his death.
Eric grew up hiking and camping in Oregon, and developed deep friendships while discovering the many ways to stay dry while being outside in Western Oregon. He maintained a life-long love of hiking, skiing and camping and the Deschutes Wilderness in particular. He was a strong and inspirational member of the Ultimate Frisbee community in Salem for many years, and shared his knowledge and appreciation of the sport as a coach for the Willamette University Women’s Ultimate Frisbee team.
Eric Bilderbeck was always ready to help, whether it was to cause trouble or assist someone through it. He was a witty companion while standing in a river, or on the field playing Ultimate Frisbee; he could tell a story like no other.
His friendly manner, sharp wit and unparalleled generosity will live on in the memories of his family, friends and colleagues.
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