It is with profound sadness that the family of Eric Knelsen announce his sudden passing on Sunday, June 16 at the age of 41.
Eric is survived by his loving daughters, Ava and Elsie; their mother, Aimee; his father, Wayne (Colleen); his mother, Sheila (Jim); and his siblings, Luke Kyra), Kari (Gabriel), and Kiel. He is also remembered fondly by his grandmother, Bernice. He will be deeply missed by his extended family, nieces, nephews, cousins, co-workers and friends who mourn his passing and cherish his memory.
Eric was predeceased by his grandparents Andreas, Annette, and Miles, who will be remembered alongside him.
From an early age, Eric was a brilliant thinker and problem solver, passionate about any projects he was working on. He loved to share with others (or talk for hours) about things he was personally, or professionally working on as a skilled machinist at Barrie Welding and Machine.
Eric’s true passion resided in collecting Minneapolis-Moline antique tractors and competing in local pulls. He will also be remembered for his community involvement as a director for the Oro World’s Fair, where he worked alongside family and friends. His most prized contribution was the antique display and demonstrations, a tradition he continued and cherished from his grandfather Miles.
He was always ready to lend a helping hand, a charismatic man with a kind heart, and most of all had an infectious laugh that will surely be missed by everyone.
A visitation will be held at Adams Funeral Home (445 St. Vincent St., Barrie) on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 from 1 – 4 p.m. Following the visitation, please join us to remember Eric at Donaleigh’s Irish Pub (28 Dunlop St E, Barrie) at 5:00pm
In lieu of flowers, donations in Eric’s memory may be made to the Oro Agriculture Society or a savings account set up for Ava & Elsie’s future.
Messages of condolence may be forwarded to the family through adamsfuneralhome.ca.