Obituary of Eric Mark Minoski

Eric was born and raised in Herminie, PA and moved to CA in 1977 after a short stint in Wichita. As a teenager, he loved riding and working on motorcycles, earned a brown belt in karate, and eagerly made the 45 minute trip to Pittsburgh to buy bell bottoms. His passion for rock and roll propelled him to the first of the many concerts he enjoyed for the rest of his life. Eric spent many years working on his cabin in the Santa Cruz Mountains and was proud to be off the grid. When he wasn't cheering for the Steelers, he had a career in hi-tech engineering and sales, but never let it interfere with his enthusiasm for experiencing the world. When he met Sherri in 1993, they quickly fell in love and were off on their biggest adventure yet. Eric savored long slow journeys through foreign lands, lingering to truly experience the cultures, food and people. He connected with anyone in his presence, be they friend, relative or stranger. He was gentle, quick to laugh, and generous with time, love, money and friendship. After his diagnosis, he pondered the question: "Have you brought joy into anyone's life?" His response was pure Eric: "It is my intention, God willing, to do just that for many years to come." In his eight remaining years he lived up to that every day. Eric was an invaluable member of the steering committee of the Santa Cruz County Prostate Cancer Support Group. His compassion for others was endless. His calm demeanor and generosity of spirit improved the quality of life for countless men and their families as he helped them navigate this stressful journey. Eric leaves behind his wife, Sherri Hart, whom he adored for 23 years, to forever cherish his memory. He is also survived by his loving mother and sister and a multitude of friends in all corners of the earth. Eric will be especially missed by his wife's family to whom he was a brother and son. His friends are welcome to join them at a celebration of his life from 1 to 4 pm on November 20 at Michael's on Main, 2591 Main St., Soquel. Eric was determined to eradicate prostate cancer. Please help continue his fight by making a donation in his name at makeagift.ucsf.edu/guoncology. May my Ricky be at peace at the great gig in the sky where the Steelers always win.