Erik David Carnahan Memorial

Tragedies are in all families, however some are so senseless that they defy comprehension.
A young man died on July 26, 2003 after attending a party the previous evening. He died of an accidental overdose of alcohol, complicated by experimentally trying the drug Methadone. Had he ever tried such a senseless thing before? No. His friends all report he never used drugs... ever. But it did happen: A party, drinking far too much, experimenting with someone else's prescription, and a life of such promise cut far too short. Erik was an honor roll student, an Eagle Scout, a truly clean cut "all-American boy", a college student, a young man trying to find his way. He liked girls, playing the tuba, making people laugh. He was bright, quick, sensitive, and warm. He had a lot of friends. He swam, played hockey (badly... this is Phoenix), starred in school plays, sang in the choir, kept the secrets of others, and played the "Flight of the Bumblebee" on the tuba... just for fun. He walked on the beach with his Grandpa Frank picking out "hot chicks." He put spiders on his mom's eye glasses to make her crazy... told her it was "his job" to make his mom nuts. He played golf with his step-dad, Dennis, the day before he died and scored his highest score ever. He loved his sisters and brother protectively. He loved his dad, Dave, deeply and said he could "make allowances" for his dad's taste in country music. In his step mother, Cheri, he found unconditional love, humor, stability, and a "safe place to land." His grandparents' lives were richer for knowing him. He will be missed deeply by many family and friends. We honor his life in hope that no other takes the same path.
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When Tomorrow Starts Without Me - author unknown When tomorrow starts without me, And I'm not there to see; If the sun should rise and find your eyes All filled with tears for me; I wish so much you wouldn't cry The way you did today, While thinking of the many things, We didn't get to say. I know how much you love me, As much as I love you, And each time that you think of me, I know you'll miss me too; But when tomorrow starts without me, Please try to understand, That an angel came and called my name, And took me by the hand, And said my place was ready, In heaven far above, And that I'd have to leave behind All those I dearly love. But as I turned to walk away, A tear fell from my eye, For all my life, I'd always thought, I didn't want to die. I had so much to live for, So much yet to do, It seemed almost impossible, That I was leaving you. I thought of all the yesterdays, The good ones and the bad, I thought of all the love we shared, And all the fun we had.	But then I fully realized, That this could never be, For emptiness and memories, Would take the place of me. And when I thought of worldly things, I might miss come tomorrow, I thought of you, and when I did, My heart was filled with sorrow. But when I walked through heaven's gates, I felt so much at home. When God looked down and smiled at me, From His great golden throne, He said "This is eternity, And all I've promised you." Today for life on earth is past, But here it starts anew. I promise no tomorrow. But today will always last, And since each day's the same day There's no longing for the past. But you have been so faithful, So trusting and so true. Though there were times you did some things, You knew you shouldn't do. But you have been forgiven And now at last you're free. So won't you take my hand And share my life with me? So when tomorrow starts without me, Don't think we're far apart, For every time you think of me, I'm right here, in your heart.	Erik Carnahan High School Graduation
		*Erik for "real"*
		*Erik and his sister Amanda at Erik's Eagle Scout Ceremony*

This Special Obituary appeared in the "Signature", his home town newspaper in LaVeta, CO,
to honor his life and include all those especially close to him.
Erik David Carnahan, 20, passed away on July 26, 2003.
Erik is survived by his parents David and Cheryl Carnahan and Debbie and Dennis Klippel; his sisters and brother: Jessica (Travis) Henninger, Amanda (Mike) Newman, James Bartnick, and Stacey Klippel; his Grandparents: Joy and Bill Fischer, John Carnahan, Frank and Jennie Mills, Anita Mills, Henry and Margaret Drees; his niece Ava Henninger; his soulmate and best friend Stephanie Stegman; many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Erik was a wonderful son, brother, uncle and friend.
We were all truly blessed to have him in our lives.

Funeral Services:
Viewing was Fri., August 1, 2003 from 5-8pm at Heritage Funeral Chapel, 6830 W. Thunderbird Rd.
Funeral was Sat., August 2, 2003, at 10 am at Dove of the Desert United Methodist Church, 7201 W. Beardsley Rd. Burial was at Phoenix Memorial Cemetery, 200 W Beardsley Rd, Phoenix, AZ.

Donations may be made to Dove of the Desert United Methodist Church
On check write "For/Memo: Erik Carnahan Youth Development Fund",
7201 W. Beardsley Rd., Glendale, AZ 85308.
Funds will be used to help prevent another youth's tragic early passing.

Share your memories of Erik. Click here and read the Guest Book. Add your memories.
Click here to go to Erik's Guest Book. Read and share.