Eric Arama

Today, we come together to honor and celebrate the life of Eric Ondieki Arama, a soul whose warmth and spirit left a lasting impression on everyone he met. Born at midnight on January 2, 1994, in Kisii County, Kenya, Eric was not just a son, brother, or father-he was a source of joy, love, and light to all who knew him. His humor and charm made him a beloved son, brother, and friend, always seeking to brighten the lives of those around him.

From a young age, Eric demonstrated a natural curiosity for life. He enjoyed fishing as a child, often bringing home fish from local ponds. Another favorite memory of his mom is Eric's love for animals, evidenced by when he secretly raised a puppy he rescued. He raised this puppy at his cousin's house, secretly feeding her until she matured and had her first set of litter, which was fierce in his cousin's compound. He revealed this secret to his family much later when migrating to the United States.

Eric also had a playful side that brought endless laughter to his family. His father remembers one episode in which Eric and his elder brother James were toddlers while teaching at Northeastern Province Girls High School in Garissa, Kenya. One morning, the two decided to show up naked, with Eric leading the way into the classroom while their father was teaching, causing students to go wild with laughter. A few of the girls volunteered to escort them back to the house. This moment became a cherished family memory, capturing Eric's playful personality and ability to bring joy to even the most unexpected situations.

Eric attended several schools during his childhood, including Bright Star Nursery, Forest View Academy, and St. George's Grassland Academy in Kenya for his early school years, as well as schools in Menomonie and John Adams Middle Schools, then John Marshall High School in Rochester, MN, where he completed his education. He also attended Rochester Community and Technical College, where he took some general course classes. Eric embarked on an entrepreneurial journey that led him to various trades, including landscaping, roofing, and commercial trucking. His hard work and determination culminated in establishing his own company, On Time Services (OTS), which specialized in commercial kitchen duct cleaning. This career allowed Eric the flexibility to spend more time with his son, Myles, who meant the world to him.

Eric was a dedicated father, and his love for Myles was profound. His generosity was evident when he spared no expense to provide for his son, buying him gifts such as a pair of newborn shoes worth $400. Eric's life was centered around his love for his family, especially Myles, and his passion for his business.

Despite life's challenges, Eric remained resilient, always finding ways to overcome obstacles. His sense of humor, love for adventure, and dedication to his family will remain his legacy. His passing on August 28, 2024, at the Mayo Clinic following a cardiac event on August 26, 2024, marked the end of a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories.

Even though Eric is no longer with us, his memory will live on in our hearts. As we reflect on his life, let us remember to keep Myles and his family in our thoughts and prayers, and may they find peace and comfort during this difficult time.

Psalms 34:18: The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those crushed in spirit.

Isaiah 41:10: Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right-hand

In lieu of flowers, we kindly ask you to consider contributing to Myles' college fund.