Eric Robert Mallard

Eric was born on March 24, 1999 in Manistique, Mich. to Scott and Julie Mallard, and moved to Escanaba when he was 2 years old. He turned a childhood love of playing with trucks and his “machines” into a career as a heavy equipment mechanic, primarily with Ponsse North America. His job at Ponsse began as a work-study program when he was in high school. After high school, he moved to Florida for a short time and worked at Ring Power Corporation servicing Caterpillar equipment. When he came back to the U.P., he eventually returned to Ponsse. His coworkers there were among his closest friends, and he was excited about a promising, long-term future with the company.

Eric loved being in the woods, riding his side-by-side with friends, going to camp, and enjoying the U.P.’s natural beauty.

He had a smile that would light up a room. He was a loyal friend who always had a listening ear when someone was in need. He loved his family and friends and had a special bond with his sister.

In addition to his parents, Eric is survived by his sister, Kristin (Alex Arseneau); grandmother, Margie Stockton; aunt, June (Jeff) Hooper; girlfriend, Lucy Sliva and many great-aunts, great-uncles and cousins.

Eric’s family will receive friends at the Skradski Family Funeral Home in Escanaba on Friday, April 5 from 2 to 4 p.m., followed by a brief service and time for sharing.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Eric’s name to the charity of your choice.

To leave the family a message of condolence, go to http://www.skradskifuneralhomes.com