July 25, 2005

(Additions to obituary published in The Hour 8/20/04)

From: Proud Mom of Eric Tishler

Comments/Thoughts nearing the 1st anniversary of Eric's passing.

When notice of the 25th class reunion was received by Eric, he shared the news with great enthusiasm. Eager to attend and excited to see his classmates, he visited me with the "Reminiscentiae 1978" yearbook reviewing the pages of activities, and the faces he hoped to see. We saw pictures of Eric running track for the school, singing with the Madrigals and noted his membership in the National Honor Society. It was at NHS that he discovered an overwhelming, strong interest, to pursue as a career, the field of computer science. He did just that when he graduated from the School of Engineering at UConn in 1982. His business experience included positions of Directorship and VP of Software Product Development. He wrote technical manuals which enabled him to teach classes for the software he developed for the telecommunications field.

Eric was a serious, experienced, technical rock and ice climber. A passion which began early in his college years at UConn in the late 1970's. Although his MS condition advanced to secondary progressive, Eric continued to enjoy the challenge of his passion, of 25 years, with achievements in major areas of importance to the climbing world. My husband and I recently made a pilgrimage to EI Capitan located in Yosemite National Park, California to witness one of the sites he climbed. Wow! It was a 3 ½ day climb to the top for him, requiring sleeping in a hammock like bed on narrow rock ledges carry a backpack of supplies for 5 days, and weighing near 100 lbs. This solid granite monolith is over 3600 feet in height from the foot of Yosemite Valley. Once achieved Eric told me "the hike down was more difficult than the climb. Awesome? With his continued devotion to the sport and concerns for its safety of others, he served on the Board of Advisors of the Ragged Mountain Foundation in Southington, CT. Another volunteer activity was his work at the Yale MS Clinic with a software contribution to their computer data files that proved valuable to track patient information and their progress. Despite his health handicap, he truly was an inspiration to all but especially to those with MS. To date the Norwalk Chapter of the MS Society has received over $5,600 in his memory - all dedicated to "research".

His strong interest in and admiration for reading science fiction books has resulted in his entire collection, near 200 books, has been gifted to the Fairfield, CT Library to coincide with the opening of its newly renovated addition of $11.8 million. Some of his computer books and texts were gifted to the library at his alma mater, Norwalk High School, in his memory also.

If time permits, visit Eric's website (www.tishler.net/eric/vertical.htm) and travel the many adventurous trips he made to exciting "spots", some that only elite climbers would undertake. Enjoy the awesome photos, but I particularly direct you to view Idaho - Sawtooth Mtns, Switzerland - Zermatt (Mattahom climb), Squamish. B.C.-solo on the rocks, and Utah '99, by clicking on the climbing gallery tab on the home page.

He certainly lived every day of his life, with enthusiasm, to the fullest and did not permit Multiple Sclerosis to curtail any of his pleasures and dreams. The lesson we learn from his life"how to live and how to die" clearly illustrated by a plain guy, whose appeals were drawn to the outdoors and the beauty and serenity of nature, with not much interest in fancy frills or corporate bureaucracy.

It is only his presence I do not have; he continues to live on in my heart, with my love increasing for him, daily. The pain of my loss is never lessened. I am reminded of the fragility of life and that children are not ours to keep. Eric had a world-wide network of friends, loved to share his passion, and was admired by all for his warmth, sincerity, generous, gentle character, from a first meeting with him. His words were crafted beautifully, his speech was so interesting and descriptive, his humor was appreciated and his multiple talents left people gravitated to know him from a first meeting. Many have commented, "They wish they met him". Remember Eric as a fellow class mate who was proud to be part of "The Class of 1978". May his memory live on with spirit and great respect.

Don't forget that big friendly smile that was seen so often coming from that handsome guy.