Eric Robert Heikell

Eric Robert Heikell, 56, of Moses Lake, died at his residence on Wednesday, November 27, 2013.

Eric was born in Fairbanks, Alaska, May 30, 1957, son of Robert Lorence and Joan Thompson. Eric graduated from Moses Lake high school in June 1975. Eric married Lori Allsbrook August 5, 1978 in Moses Lake and worked for Randolph's Lumber in Ephrata as a skilled cabinet maker. Eric became a father to Matthew Eric on June 10, 1984, and to Scott Austin on October 29, 1986; both were born in Moses Lake.

Eric first worked for Randolph's Lumber in Ephrata for many years as a skilled cabinet maker. He next worked as a Network Engineer for Intel Corporation in Portland, Oregon. His high-tech career allowed him to travel to many countries in Asia and Europe, which he found fascinating. He retired in 2000, returned to Moses Lake and bought a home on Northshore Drive where he lived with his husband, Jeff Howard.

Eric was a multi-talented man. He excelled as a wood worker, and his cabinet work still graces many homes in Moses Lake and the surrounding area. He loved to read with tastes that varied widely. He worked hard on his landscaping, taking pride in introducing new trees and plants to their yard each spring. Eric was a great lover of animals and birds.

He could learn to fix anything: from a troublesome roofing leak, to computers, to making beautiful dresses for his sister Dorothy, to Halloween costumes for his two much-loved granddaughters, Layla Kate and Cora Leigh. He also taught himself to play the piano and to repair sewing machines.

Survivors include his husband, Jeff Howard of Moses Lake, his son Matthew Eric Heikell of Denver, beloved nephew David Paxton Smith of Moses Lake, beloved niece Bethany Stubblefield Lamb of Riverside, California; daughter-in-law, Courtney Heikell, with granddaughters, Layla Kate Heikell and Cora Leigh Heikell of Lake Park, Georgia.

Also surviving him are his sisters Nita Rae Heikell of Goldendale, Washington; Dorothy Monette Heikell with husband Kevin Smith of Moses Lake; brother Mark Allen Heikell with wife Esther of Lynwood, Washington; brother Lorence Jonathan Heikell of Ballard, Washington; sister Sonia Butterfield with husband Clark of Moses Lake; brother Ray Summerlin with wife Kim of Kent, Washington; sister Lucy Fitterer with husband Rich of Moses Lake; and brother Warrant Officer CWO-5 Albert Heikell with wife Michelle.

He is also survived by his mother, Joan Heikell, of Goldendale; his father, Robert Lorence Heikell with step-mother Dora of Moses Lake; his step-mother Ella West with husband Bob of Moses Lake; uncle Ron Thompson of Seattle; aunt Elena Knobel with husband Roger of Yakima, Washington; uncle Ted Heikell with wife Joyce of Renton, Washington; Zi Nita Carroll with husband Dave of Lacey, Washington.

Other survivors include Charles Anglin of Selah, Washington, Raymond Diaz with wife Nina of Pasco, Washington; Henry Diaz with wife Linda of Vancouver, Washington;. Mary Reynolds with husband Mark of Auburn, Washington, Aileen Field of Yakima, Linda Garza with husband Domingo of Pasco, Washington, Odila Rueda with husband Carlos of Anchorage, Alaska, Concha Diaz of Cuidad, Mexico, and many nieces and nephews.

He also leaves behind his animals: Chico, a salmon-crested cockatoo; Hobbs, an umbrella Cockatoo; and Kiera, a Belgian Sheepdog/Border Collie.

Eric was preceded in death by his beloved son, Scott Austin Heikell, his uncle and step-father, Eldred Arthur Heikell; grandfather Lorence T. Heikell; grandmother Iris Heikell; grandfather Douglas Thompson; grandmother Hope (Shipley) Thompson Jones, step-grandfather Wallace Jones, uncle Edward Diaz, and cousins Deanne Rowley McAdams and Andrea Rowley Simpson.

Eric lit his willow tree on the lake with huge spotlights from Thanksgiving to Christmas every year. His holiday tradition became a special sight on the Alder Street bridge (fill). Despite this year's severe damage to the willow, it will be lit again, for the last time, in Eric's honor. The damaged willow will be replaced in April.

Eric was cremated on November 30, 2013. In April 2014 a memorial plaque will be placed next to his son Scott's plaque at Guarding Angels Cemetery in Moses Lake, Washington and Eric's ashes will be scattered during the planting of a new willow at his beloved home.

A remembrance gathering will be Saturday, December 7, 2013, 1 pm, at Michael's on the Lake. Please come to celebrate Eric's life. Refreshments will be provided for guests. No flowers are requested; donations are encouraged to your favorite non-profit.