Family, friends, and local officials gathered at the newly christened Eric P. Okerblom Bike Path in Orcutt Aug. 6 to remember Eric Okerblom—who died last year while riding his bike on Telephone Road—and reminisce about the extraordinary traits he possessed.
To honor Eric, the county also installed a plaque on the path. The plaque, which is placed on a large rock at the path’s entrance, displays a photo of Eric, his birth date, and the day he died. There is also an engraved quotation that reads: “To know Eric was to know compassion, sincerity, intellect, creativity, mindfulness, and love.”
After Eric’s death, Santa Maria City Council member Alice Patino recommended naming the path after Eric Okerblom. The office staff of Eric’s father, Dr. Bob Okerblom, collected money to pay for the plaque.
During the memorial, Eric’s parents, Dr. Okerblom and Eilene Okerblom, and his girlfriend, Holly Koch, spoke about the teenager they all loved.
“When I hugged my son, I said, ‘Have a good ride, I love you,’” Dr. Okerblom said. “Let us remember that when we interact with each other; how transient and fragile life is.”
Fourth District County Supervisor Joni Gray unveiled the plaque, which was greeted with sighs of relief—relief of knowing that every passing person will remember Eric and his passion for cycling, along with the importance of road safety.
“I had the privilege of bringing Eric into this world,” a tearful Eileen said. “And I had the pleasure of being his mom.”
Eric had just finished his first year of studies at UC Berkeley. Since his death, both of his parents have become advocates of road safety. Eilene recently went on The Oprah Winfrey Show to speak out against the perils of distracted driving. Dr. Okerblom is planning a bike ride across the country in honor of his son.
This article appears in Aug 12-19, 2010.
