1948
2013
1999 El Camino Real
Oceanside, California
Eric Arndt Simonson, 64, passed away on March 3, 2013, at his Carlsbad home with his loving son, Jeffery, by his side. Eric was born in La Jolla, Calif. on September 13, 1948 to Holly and Adeline Simonson, joining two older sisters, Lorrie and Cheryl.
Eric grew up in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, attended Cardiff Elementary School, Oak Crest Jr. High and San Dieguito High School in Encinitas, and graduated Class of 1967. Eric was drafted into the Army serving from March 27, 1968 to January 19, 1970, serving primarily in the Vietnam War. He was a decorated soldier receiving a Purple Heart, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/Palm, Vietnam Unit Citation, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/2 Bronze Service Stars, National Defense Service Medal, and a Bronze Star Medal. Upon his return from Vietnam, he reunited with his sweetheart, Donna Wagner of Escondido, soon married and son, Jeffery, was born. Eric pursued a career in carpentry and was employed by Solana Lumber Co. in Solana Beach, building trusses. Later, he started his own business, Cardiff Closet Company. Eric was a fun-loving, warm-hearted man whose generous spirit touched many.
He was an avid golfer, inventor, and his love of the ocean and surfing from a young age, lured him to Todos Santos, Baja, California. Eric obtained dual citizenship, purchased a home in Todos Santos, and established Todos Santos Surfboards, shaping and selling surfboards. His inventive imagination of aerial surfing maneuvers spurred his patent of Sector Deck, consisting of a three-part system of decking, booties, and Velcro pads, all specially designed for Simonson by 3M Co. and Velcro USA.
In the early 1990's Eric's exposure to the defoliant Agent Orange in Vietnam, had resulted in his kidney function beginning to fail. In September 1994, sister Cheryl Minshew lovingly donated a kidney to her brother. Regaining his health, Eric was excited to continue life to it's fullest. Still battling the Agent Orange exposure, another kidney transplant was needed, and in January 2005, he received a kidney from his good friend, Chris Ursich. As years progressed, Eric was challenged with additional health issues.
Eric is survived by his loving and devoted son, Jeffery Eric Simonson of Carlsbad, sisters, Lorrie Seiler (Bill) of Encinitas and Cheryl Minshew (John) of Lakeside, nephew, David De La Torre of Encinitas, nieces, Kristen Minshew of Santee and Staci Johnson of Ramona, and seven great nieces and nephews.
Services and final resting place will be held at MiraMar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Dr., San Diego, Calif. on Friday, March 22, 2013 at 12:30 p.m.
A paddle-out at Cardiff/North Pipes Beach will be held in Eric's honor at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
May 24, 2013
Michael Stephens
I have A lot of good memories with Eric. Surfing the reef, parties at the Cave, and riding dirt bikes, Rest in Peace. You will be missed by many..
March 22, 2013
Donna Wagner
In Loving Memory of your Dad, he taught you many life lessons through out his time here on Earth. His memories will remain in your heart and soul as you are the very essence of him. His arms wrapped around you will give you comfort and peace as those are the things he has in spirit. You are his son and you have honored him in everyway. Rest In Peace the Father of our son, Jeffery Eric Simonson, he loved you with all his heart and soul.
March 21, 2013
Eric and I went all through school together. I remember the fun we had in our childhood. Days at Cardiff Elementary, OakCrest Jr. High, and San Dieguito High. We had a lot of fun on the beach. I remember Hobo Days at Cardiff Elementary and how we thought it was so cool to dress like a hobo and roast marshmallows and hot dogs. After High School was when everything changed. Vietnam took Eric and although he was a brave soldier it affected his life deeply. I am proud of him! He fought for his country and yet his inside wounds went deep. It was at a class reunion that he began to talk about it. He suffered much but he remained the friend I knew since childhood. God hold you closely Eric. Love you always, Patty
March 20, 2013
MIKE BLAKLEY
ERIC & I SPENT OUR YOUTH SURFING AT PIPES & LAUGHING TOGETHER. WE WERE MORE THEN JUST FRIENDS, WE WERE IN COMBAT TOGETHER WHICH DREW US EVEN CLOSER. THE GOOD LORD BROUGHT US TOGETHER HALFWAY AROUND THE WORLD WHICH WAS A BLESSING NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN. ERIC YOU ARE MORE THAN A FRIEND, YOUR MY BROTHER AND I WILL TRULY MISS YOU. MY HEART & PRAYERS TO YOUR SON JEFF & FAMILY.
GOD BE WITH YOU ALWAYS,
MIKE & GAYLE
March 19, 2013
Nancy Sandoval
I am so sorry for your loss. I can only hope that the memories of your brother will last forever, and can give you confort and peace.
Love, Nancy UGGS
March 19, 2013
Thelma Reynaga
So sorry for your loss. Eric is at peace now. He endured so much bravely. God Bless him. May your memories of him in good health give you peace. Bless all of you!
March 19, 2013
Judy and Peter Hecker
May your family find comfort in fond memories! To Cheryl/John--all our love and prayers'
March 19, 2013
Butch McIntosh
A cool man who always made Jeffs friends feel like part of the clan. Rip Eric.
March 19, 2013
Ron and Donna (Dean) Reuser
Heaven has a very special new angel. Our thoughts are of all of you. Praying for you.
March 19, 2013
I am sure that Eric is at peace. My heart breaks for your loss. I will keep all of you in my prayers and hope that God provides you the strength you need to get through this huge loss. My love and condolances. Peggi Blakley
March 19, 2013
Judy Randall
Lorrie, Cheryl and Jeff am so very sorry for your loss. God Bless Him
Judy
March 19, 2013
I am sincerely sorry for your families loss of Eric. I only remember him a little from when I was very young. May you all be comforted with memories and God's love & peace.
Suzy Gamma (Minshew)
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