Erick Djerf, 1962-2009

Kristin, Erick's sister, called me this morning to let me know that a skull found a few weeks ago about 4 miles down-river from Erick's campsite was positively identified as Erick's. She & Peggy, their mother, were told last night.

I met Erick in High School. We were both picked-on nerds--he was in band; I was in choir, and neither of us wore the right clothes, nor had the right hair...we wore glasses and we were studious. Thus, we became friends. That friendship continued after graduation--in fact, one of my favourite memories was of Erick stealing street signs with my name on them before I moved to Chicago. I carted those things around for many years.

We lost touch for a long time, then thanks to the Internet, Erick found me a few years ago and contacted me. We resumed our friendship as though no time had gone by.

Erick was an incredibly talented musician and artist. He played the trombone in his jazz band, Disciples of Jazz. After his dystonia made it impossible to continue with the trombone, he switched to drums. He and his band played in many venues, including the Chamizal National Memorial, which is on neutral ground between El Paso and Juarez--they played there for the Independence Day celebration in July.

Erick taught high school art, developing the talents of hundreds of students throughout his career. Although he encouraged their artistic side, he also helped them grow into adults, by demanding respect for themselves and others. Here are his expectations from his Riverside High School page:

Welcome to visual art. Here we will explore through terms, techniques, history, applications and jobs found in art.

As this is a high school level class, students are expected to act in a mature manner.
Students should be:

Respectful (of yourself, teachers and others)

Positive (a good attitude goes far)

Prepared (bring what you are expected to bring for art)

Creative (challenge yourself by doing new things)

Hardworking (constantly strive to better yourself and your work)

Patient (good work takes time)

Kind (be good to everyone)

Erick painted and drew as well. He started an art-based Meet-Up group in El Paso, using a friend's studio to work on his own pieces. He sent me a copy of his favourite pastel--"The Chosen One," the best in his Chili Man series.

Erick was one of those people who took joy in celebrating every little thing with you. I wanted to see "Wicked" in Chicago last winter. He asked if I'd read the book. I hadn't, and two days later a copy was on my doorstep, with a wonderful letter that included a drawing of the airport, with a witch flying on a broomstick overhead. "You're off to see the wizard!" he said...

Erick and I talked a lot about his artwork. I told him about my photography website and my Zazzle cards (with photos from Norway), so he created his own website through which to market his art. He created a wonderful series of cards with line drawings of fantastic brass instruments, and sent me a set, thanking me for planting the seed and showing him how to open that door.

Erick competed in a number of art contests. He showed his work at dozens of festivals, especially chili festivals, because it combined two of the things in which he delighted the most. Erick always made friends and contacts everywhere he went, and would tell me all about them each time we talked.

I am grateful that we have closure. There's nothing worse than wondering...I know that first-hand, as my cousin Stephen has been missing for almost 20 years.

Erick was a very devout Christian. I have no doubt that he is Home. I just wish that he were still here. I really, really miss him.