Eric Stoddard's Memorial

Submitted By: Marybeth suhr

Candles Lit: 269

About Eric Stoddard

This online memorial was created in loving memory of Eric Alan Stoddard, age 69 of Cupertino CA.who passed away after a short battle with cancer on April 21, 2012 with his family by his side.Eric's life story is told throughout this memorial website. Please sign Eric's guest book and share your stories.
Eric was born on October 10,1942 in San Jose CA. to Ray and Virginia Stoddard. Growing up, Eric attended school in San Jose and graduated from Willow Glen High School in 1959. He married his High School sweetheart Gloria Mazola, and together they had 2 sons Jason and Jeremy who both reside in San Jose, CA. While raising a young son, and expecting another soon after Eric attended San Jose State College and earned his degree in Electrical Engineering. He was hired by Lockeed Martin right after graduating and worked there for 25 years. In 1994 he and Gloria would divorce after 35 years of marriage. Soon after he retired from Lockeed Martin.
In 1998 he met his current girlfriend, Marybeth Suhr who not only shared his passion in the game of pool, crafts, and friends - just about everything. For two people so opposite of each other there was and is a connection that will continue infinitely. They were together for 11 years and she took care of him until he died.
We will remember Eric as being a loyal friend and an honest man who believed in living life with integrity. He was a brilliant thinker, quick witted, and enthusiastic about life and lived his to the fullest. He enjoyed wood working and designed beautiful canes, walking sticks, and many novelty items that would come to mind. Eric studied to learn all he could about what ever it was that he may be interested in, because he believed in doing things right. He believed that the way to achieve true success was through patience, and by following the rules and taking all the steps necessary to get there - then anything was possible. Any less, he said was only a means to instant gratification which was most likely short lived. He was a true friend that would never let anyone in need go without. He believed in helping the under dog or those who may be forgotten otherwise. He kindness and generosity will never be forgotten.