Eric Curtis Gould

Eric Curtis Gould entered this world on January 28, 1983 in Walnut Creek, California. The sunshine was his friend. He grew with tenderness, compassion, curiosity, and bravery at the core of his heart. He was one of the most loving and generous souls on Earth. He felt privileged and grateful to grow up in Granite Bay, California with his parents, Sue and Curt Gould, his almost twin sister, Emily, and his older brother, Scottie. Also near and dear since birth were his loving godparents, Mike and Misty Hansell. Eric shared his younger years with his classmates at St. Rose School and Jesuit High School. He was athletic and theatrical, known for his humor, talent, and inclusivity. Bonding in an all-boys Catholic high school was filled with shenanigans and comradery. Some of his fondest memories of youth were summers spent traveling with his family, boat rides on the lake, rehearsals with his theatre buddies, and stealing away to his room with a good book. He enjoyed his favorite comfort foods, like his mom’s famous pork chops, along with the love she put into festivities. He cherished the time working on design projects with his dad and watching him restore old cars that he was forbidden to drive for good reason. His sister knew him as a fun-loving goofball, and his brother watched on proudly as Eric carved out his own unique path. He had endless conversations with his godparents about relationships, politics, and the pursuit of happiness. He was a true admirer of the world and all its offerings. Upon entering adulthood, Eric ventured to Massachusetts to attend Boston University and obtain a BFA in Acting. There, he was opened to a wider world of sports and culture and developed a lifelong love of the Red Sox. He left an indelible mark, making countless memories with friends - including his future wife, Dana. After moving to Los Angeles, they fell hard on January 7, 2007 and lived together in blissful sin. Five years later to the day, Eric proposed at a sacred waterfall, and their bond was sealed for eternity. They were married in Old Sacramento, along the river, with some lucky rain, and an unexpected display of fireworks, intimately surrounded by the people they loved. With them wherever they went, was their adventure pup, Luna, who blessed their lives for 13 years. This girl was a resilient spirit (the Peter Pan of pups) and the center of their universe. Eric was a proud papa to all of his animal children; most recently his shepherds, Osa (his soulmate) and Alf (his Palfie baby boy), as well as his winged son, Nigel (who loved his beardy kisses and musical compositions), his scaly son, Marty (who considered him a hero), and his camo girl, Millie (who gave him his first taste of fatherhood). They brought out the best of him - his heart, his humor, and his devotion. Eric had success in every endeavor he pursued. After moving from LA back to the Sacramento area ten years ago, he continued to explore his many talents; from commercial acting and hosting, to further work in the service industry, managing in the restaurant business, and media and marketing management with the non-profit organization, the CTTA. He excelled at all he did and was beloved by all he worked with, making everyone feel valued. He was an exceptional actor, the ultimate tech guru with an eye for design, a creative genius, writer, conversationalist, and a self-taught master of most. He was passionate about politics and the causes that mattered; an avid reader and news junkie. He craved funtimes and adventures, along with many other interests that would be impossible to fully encompass here, but a few favorites include: camping, laking, exploring the awe of nature, road trips, and relaxation; places like Shasta, Tahoe, Folsom, Disneyland, and all things California; writers like Hunter S. Thompson, Stephen King, and Tom Wolfe; bands like The Smashing Pumpkins, The Eels, and The Counting Crows; singer/songwriters like Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Julianna Barwick, and Tom Waits; classics like The Big Lebowski and The Shining; comedians like Will Ferrell and Norm Macdonald; directors like Guillermo del Toro, Bong Joon-ho, and Miyazaki; poetic lyricists, Gonzo journalism, innovators, activists, environmentalists, mesmerizing detail like the Oddly Satisfying subreddit, experimental artists, and art of all kinds; baseball & basketball season, the Sacramento Kings, the soothing sound of Vin Scully, shooting hoops, and accepting challenges (he had a killer layup); the scorching heat of summer, hot tub afternoons, the 4th of July, California State Fair, and the smell of freshly cut grass; all creatures great and small, especially sloths and snails; Jack in the Box, carnitas nachos, bananas, jelly bellies, any and all cheese (extra please); libraries, first editions, the genre of horror, thrifting, a good find, a good bargain, good packaging, a good tweet, a good quote, a good series (dark, animated, comedic, or otherwise), a good diner, good fashion, good taste, a pleasing photo, Mini Museums, and Atlas Obscura; obsessions like Pebble watches, athletic shoes, and all things tech; time spent with family, especially his nephew, Eli, and nieces, Kenzie and Kayla; most of all, his life, his home, and his clan. There were the classic aversions too, like pickles (see social distancing at its finest), celery, needles, the bending of a book spine, and lingering after a meal. Everyone who encountered Eric loved him instantly. His kindness, enviable intelligence, and humor made it impossible not to want more of him. His impersonations were always more comical than the source itself. He did a better Harry Caray than Will Ferrell, and a better Will Ferrell than Will Ferrell - this is the most Will Ferrell will ever be referenced in an obit not his own. Eric believed in the basic goodness of people. He was very aware of the suffering and disadvantages of others around the world and humbly appreciative of the gifts bestowed on him. He cared for and spoke up for others. Eric did not consume himself with worry, but lived presently with great enthusiasm and vibrance. He inspired others to embody and seek that same spirit and happiness in their own lives. He worked hard, but only worked to live, and always put his family first. He was most proud of his loves and his home - the manifestation of the dreams he shared with his wife - and preferred to spend his time nestled in their cave. They built their life in a place he loved dearly and chose one of freedom, love, adventure, and laughter. Together, they explored places that came to mean so much to them. They dreamt of a future with their loves at the center, creating a sacred space and traditions to honor that vision and way of life. His wife will forever be indebted for the way he lived and loved beyond compare. Eric left this world unexpectedly on July 3rd, 2020. He remains loved here on Earth by his wife, Dana; his babies, Osa, Alf, and Nigel; his parents, Curtis and Susan Gould; his brother and sister-in-law, Scott and Megan Gould; his sister and brother-in-law, Emily and David Bower; his nephew and nieces, Elijah, Mackenzie, and Mikayla; his parents-in-law, Michael and Lin Giannuzzi; his brother-in-law, Paul Giannuzzi; his godparents Mike and Misty Hansell; his extended family, and the endless people he touched along the way. A memorial in his honor will be held in the summer of 2021. May the universe bless you Eric Gould, one of the greatest humans known to man. Thank you for every gift you gave us, every memory you left us, and every ounce of love you selflessly shared. “And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.” - The Little Prince