Eric Jacob Van Dyke (Big “E”), 52 years old, of Prineville, Oregon, lost his 3 month courageous battle with leukemia on October 20, 2021. He was at home surrounded by his loving family.
Eric was born in Billings, Montana, on June 23, 1969 (the summer of love), to Fay and Duaine Van Dyke.
Eric moved with his mother to Portland, Oregon, in 1975. He attended Benson Polytech High School and Mt. Hood Community College, before entering the IBEW electrical apprenticeship. This allowed him his life-long career as a Union electrician, a profession he truly loved.
Anyone that knew Eric, knew he had a passion for boating. That passion began at the early age of 7, on a 6-man rubber raft, with his mom and Uncle Jay; a trip that was pure joy for all 3 of them. And from that point on, he was hooked. He genuinely loved to be ‘captain’ and enjoyed taking any and all friends and family out on his boat, whether that be to fish, or just to let the ladies float in the sun. Eric was an avid fisherman, loving the outdoors and time on the water. He also loved camping with his friends and family. In his early 40’s, he tried his hand at parasailing, and decided at 50 he wanted to kite-board, which he did.
Music was also a passion of Eric’s. It began at a very early age, as a second grader, in a neighborhood bagpipe band, as the drummer. From that point on, he continued playing in garage bands, including one with his uncle Jay and another with other electricians. Also, as most know, he started his DJ business, Central Oregon DJ. Eric loved to play music for people to enjoy, whether he was hired to play a wedding, or was at his home with family and friends.
Eric came to Prineville in 2010 to work at the Facebook site, moving here 2012. One year later he met the love of his life, his wife Tammy. He made many friends in the community and was blessed with an amazing work family.
Eric is survived by his wife Tammy, parents Fay and Steve Crowell, stepson Rolland (Taylor) Halsey, stepdaughter Haley (Carly) Halsey, 5 grandchildren, brothers Jeremy (Rachel) Crowell, Jesse Van Dyke, aunts Tawnya Penninger and Pam Rogge, uncle Gary (MaryEllen) Penninger, and his beloved dog, Gertie May.
He is preceded in death by his father, Duaine Van Dyke, and uncles Jay Penninger, Randy Penninger and Karl Rogge.
Eric’s Celebration of Life will be Tuesday, November 9, 2021. A graveside service will be held at 1:30 pm at Juniper Haven Cemetery. We will then have a memorial service at the Prineville Elks Lodge, at 3 pm, with a reception to follow.
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