Eric's Obit

Eric's Obit

Written by Kyra Krepela for Utah newpaper obituary

Eric Charles Krepela (1963 - 2012)

Obituary Eric Charles Krepela July 1, 1963 - November 22, 2012 Eric Charles Krepela, born July 1, 1963, tragically lost his life on November 22, 2012, in a mountain-biking accident near his home in Midway, Utah. He is preceded in death by his loving parents, Lawrence and Cecilia Krepela of Modesto, California, and dogs Annie, Charlie, Max, Ryker, and Noel. He is survived by his beloved wife, Anne Marie, and their daughters, Sophia Krepela and Olivia Krepela; his former wife, DeeAnn Downing, and their children, Kyra and Khai Downing-Krepela; and sisters Glena Hale and Vicki Openshaw. At the bright and tender age of 17, Eric packed his bags in his hometown of Modesto, California, to attend college at Utah State University. Alas, while college is the path for some, it is not for all, and was not for Eric. He, instead, found his path along a snowier road. Leaving books behind, Eric's new early morning classes required only the referencing of weather reports, the understanding of a nuanced snowpack, and fine-tuning of his telemark turns. Eric established the criteria for sport as art. To watch him ski was to understand the design of grace, an aspect he carried throughout all facets of his life. In those early years, Eric spent summers framing houses and even built bookshelves for the old Dolly's Bookstore. In the winter he tuned skis at B&G's. And thus he found Park City, and more recently Midway, Utah, that became his home where he raised all four of his children. In the midst of a growing family, Eric found traction for his innate design aesthetic and created "Knot People," maneuverable wooden display manikins. These jointed manikins (with fantastic hairdos that mimicked Eric's own style) can still be seen at White Pine Touring, Jans, Moab Brewery, as well as nationally and worldwide. "Knot People" sparked the beginning of Eric's first company, Windy Ridge Wood Design which, after years, he sold and took his masterful woodworking and design skills into Atmosphere Studios - an award-winning company that works to create beautiful and elaborate displays for tradeshows worldwide. It is difficult to summarize any life, but especially one so beautiful and exquisite as the life of Eric Krepela. Anyone who knew Eric - from his family, his friends, or even the baristas at Starbucks - all will tell how Eric had an unbeatably positive attitude, despite any circumstance, and that he simply loved and lived life with a rare passion. When life is suddenly lost, we realize how it is truly fragile and precious thing. But the lessons Eric brought to this earth live on through those that knew him. Eric loved dearly, passionately and irrevocably. He inspires us now to breathe deeper, see clearer, love stronger, and think wiser. He was a beloved man, adored by the many who were blessed to have known him. We will miss him dearly.