In Loving Memory of Eric Donald Haney

November 27, 1990 – June 8, 2026

It is with profoundly broken hearts that we announce the passing of Eric Donald Haney, beloved son, brother, uncle, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend. Eric was born on November 27, 1990, in Mesa, Arizona, to Richard and Linda Haney. He passed away on June 8, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family after suffering a sudden and unexpected massive pulmonary embolism. Though he fought with extraordinary strength and determination, his injuries were simply too severe to overcome.

Those who knew Eric knew him as a gentle giant—a quiet, humble observer of the world with an immense curiosity and thirst for knowledge. He possessed a rare combination of creativity, kindness, intelligence, and imagination that left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Eric's artistic spirit revealed itself early in life. As a young boy, he captivated family members with elaborate stories of wolves, dragons, mysterious creatures, and fantastical worlds born from his vivid imagination. As he grew, that imagination never faded—it simply found new forms of expression. A gifted self-taught artist and musician, Eric had the remarkable ability to see possibilities where others saw ordinary things. With little more than a pocketknife and a simple piece of wood, he could transform his visions into extraordinary carvings, sculptures, drawings, and works of art. Through his hands, stories came alive.

Eric possessed an insatiable curiosity and a lifelong love of learning. He was the kind of person who could spend hours diving into subjects that fascinated him and emerge with a depth of knowledge that rivaled experts. He held a particular passion for the Mesozoic Era and was a walking encyclopedia when it came to dinosaurs, eagerly sharing facts and discoveries with anyone willing to listen. Proud of his Swedish ancestry, he was equally fascinated by Norse mythology and Viking history, finding inspiration in the legends, symbolism, and heritage of his ancestors.

His interests were as vast as his imagination. Over the years, he built treasured collections of anime, comic books, literature, Magic: The Gathering and Pokémon cards, Star Wars memorabilia, zombie lore, Marvel stories, science fiction, and countless other subjects that captured his attention. His bookshelves reflected the breadth of his curious mind, holding everything from different versions of the Bible to mythology, philosophy, and esoteric writings. Eric never stopped exploring, learning, and asking questions about the world around him.

Music was another constant companion throughout his life. His appreciation knew no boundaries, spanning everything from the thunderous energy of Viking metal to the haunting beauty of Gregorian chants. Like his interests in art, mythology, and storytelling, music offered another doorway into the worlds he loved to explore.

Among Eric's greatest joys was being an uncle. Affectionately known as "Unky Punky" and "Earwig," he shared a special bond with his nieces, who adored him beyond measure. Whether he was sculpting dolphins out of Play-Doh, teaching them how to create flipbooks, tuning their guitars, or inviting them into the magical worlds of his imagination, Eric poured his whole heart into every moment spent with them. Those memories will remain treasured gifts carried forward by the family he loved so deeply.

Eric is survived by his loving parents, Richard and Linda Haney; his sisters, Charlotte Dreams, Monica (Michael) Sheetz, and Sabrina Haney and her fiancé, Clay Bailes; and his cherished nieces, Anna Gess, Joyce Sheetz, and Skylee Faucett. He is also survived by his grandmother, Betty Haney; his uncles, Greg and Steve; his aunt, Janice; and his cousins, Amanda, Stacy, Jennifer, and Tricia.

He was preceded in death by three grandparents, two uncles, and a handful of close friends.

Though Eric's life was far too short, his story does not end here.

In keeping with his generous and selfless nature, Eric became an organ donor, giving the gift of life and hope to others through his final act of compassion. Even as his family faced unimaginable loss, comfort was found in knowing that Eric's strong body and giving spirit would continue helping others. To the recipients and their families, please know that you are held close in our hearts. We wish you renewed health, joy, and many years ahead filled with love and possibility. A piece of Eric's legacy now lives on through you.

Eric's family will take time to grieve, heal, and celebrate the countless memories he leaves behind. A Celebration of Life will be held later this summer, with details to be shared at a later date.

Though his physical presence is no longer with us, Eric's imagination, laughter, creativity, kindness, and love remain woven into the lives of all who knew him. His art will endure. His stories will endure. His generosity will endure. And the love he gave so freely will continue to ripple outward for years to come.

Eric, you are entirely free now. Go run with the gremlins, paint the sky, go be Batman, and rest easy.

We love you so much, and we always will.