Erik Robert Farias

Erik Robert Farias was born October 15, 2000, in Peoria, Arizona to Ramon and Lynn Farias. He joined Ryan and Natalie and later, after praying for a baby brother, was joined by Ricky. After a short year in Arizona, Erik moved with his family to Spokane, WA, where he grew up in an idyllic neighborhood, straight out of a storybook, playing outside with a squad of boys that was like every kid’s perfect childhood. Erik attended schools in the Mead School District. For his High School years, Erik went to Saint Georges High School, where he graduated in 2019. Upon graduation, Erik attended Chapman University where he played basketball until COVID interrupted the season. He chased basketball to George Fox University and Big Bend in Moses Lake, but COVID ruined almost any opportunity to play. Then, basketball ended abruptly when he tore his acl for a second time. But Erik found a new passion and enrolled at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, in their Aviation Program. Within a year, he had his Private Pilots license, His Commercial Pilots License, and his Instruments Rating. At the time of his death, Erik was studying to become a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), which would put him on the path to work as a Commercial Airline Pilot. Erik was an Elite Athlete. He played soccer, baseball, football, tennis, but his passion was Basketball. To see Erik play basketball was to watch a master at work. As a Point Guard, he was a floor General. He could go right or left, he was hard to stop, either way. He dropped dimes like no other, his tenacity and vision and ability to see a play develop was unmatched. His skill set was best served by making his teammates look so good--Anyone who played with Erik knew they better be ready to catch a laser pass and a bucket was sure to follow. But basketball was just a means for Erik to touch so many lives. He had a heart of gold. He was a loyal friend. He was very smart. He was so witty. He could drop a compliment or a gotcha just as fast as he could whip a basketball to you. Erik was a great brother and son. Everyone wanted to be around him. He was special. He is special. Erik is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and as such, we are confident that he is with our Heavenly Father and that he will work his magic beyond the veil of this earth to act as a Guardian Angel to all of us who love and miss him so much. Erik is survived by his parents, Ramon and Lynn, his brother, Ryan (Utah), sister, Natalie (Walker) Holloway (Charlotte, North Carolina), Ricky (Spokane), nephew, Teo Farias (Troutdale, OR) and many other family members, friends, teammates, and loved ones. Funeral Services include a Viewing at 11:00 with Services at 12:00 on Wednesday, May 24th, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, at 401 W Regina Ave, Spokane. Burial at 2:30 at Greenwood Memorial Terrace, Inspiration Lawn, with a Feast to follow at 4:00 at the Farias Family Home at 711 E Blackhawk Drive, Spokane. The Farias Family would like to thank everyone who has already reached out and shared stories and memories! We love them all! Keep them coming!