Eric Edward Barclay

February 12, 1984 ~ April 8, 2024
Eric was born in Pittsburgh, PA and moved to CA in 1990. He graduated from Temecula Valley HS in 2002, and subsequently from UC Riverside in 2005 with a BA in Political Science. For several years, he worked in banking as a loan officer and personal banker at WAMU, Chase, and SDCCU before deciding to pursue a career in teaching. He chose to focus on moderate to severe Special Education where the need was greatest, and where he and his team could make the best education experience possible for every student. At the time of his death, he taught a combined 2nd/3rd grade Special Ed class at Little Lake Elementary School in Hemet, CA. He is survived by his parents, Richard and Elisabeth, and his brother Drew. The family encourages contributions to the Epilepsy Foundation.
We were saddened to hear of Eric’s passing. We are thankful for his dedication to his students and teaching team at Little Lake Elementary. He will be missed. Sincerely, Hemet USD- Special Education Department.
Eric Eric Eric, I still cannot believe it.. You were such an awesome co-worker who was so passionate about your job and all of your students. You showed up everyday and put in 120%.
His students and everyone around him would light up with his happy go-lucky attitude. Our Little Lake Family will miss you dearly, Eric!!
Eric, it still doesn’t feel real, I don’t want to believe you’re gone. This week has been tough to say the least, walking into the classroom every morning and not hearing you say “Good morning Mrs. Laura” brings tears to my eyes. You were always full of energy, and so joyous. You went above and beyond for your students, the classroom will never be the same without you. You will be dearly missed by your Little Lake Family. 🤍
Michelle Hostetter
Eric, you will be missed by so many staff members and students here at Little Lake. Time to rest, my friend.
It didn’t take me long at all to notice that Eric was very selfless, hardworking, and passionate. He was always putting others needs before his. He was so full of energy everyday, and just had a light that shined bright to those he was around. He just absolutely cared and adored for all his students. He used to run around the playground during recess, playing tag with all the kids as if he was one of them, he also would show off his dance moves grooving to the chicken song during their brain breaks and he never failed to sing to all the kids’ songs (that was Eric for ya). He just brought so much joy to his students and to us, staff. He could not go without letting us know his appreciation for us…. from the easiest of days to the toughest. Eric is one of the hardest workers I know. He taught and showed me what it means to be hardworking. Although, sometimes he would work a little too hard, we would have to tell him to take a break.. but even then he just couldn’t take a stress free break without wanting to be up and moving. He just truly loved what he did.
Eric, I am grateful for the time I got to know you. It is still very hard for me to believe that this is real. You played a part in my life. I respected and cared for you as a teacher, co worker & friend. I know Gods got you now Eric & I hope you’re able to finally experience how a stress free break should really feel like. I miss you already. I offer my sincerest condolences to your family at this time.
His warm smile and vibrant energy made me feel comfortable with him immediately
It’s very rare to meet someone who is so Selfless so caring with such a beautiful soul.
I will definitely miss his gentle smile his warm heart the sincerity that he showed to the students as well as making us feel that we were all team.
I’m so grateful to have met such a wonderful selfless person like Mr. Eric.
I will always miss his gentle spirit That he showed to everyone he encountered Even the smallest insect That he would protect from being harmed that is the type of spirit he had.
We will miss you Mr. B 😔
Rest in peace my dear friend and spiritual brother
🤍🙏🏾🤍🙏🏾🤍
Jackie & Cary Klippert