ERIC MATTHEW NEUSTAEDTER

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ERIC MATTHEW NEUSTAEDTER May 12, 1977 - February 9, 2017 Predeceased by brother Chris 2006, cousin Randy and both sets of grandparents. Survived by parents Walt and Sandra; brother Jason (Anna), children Olivia and Matthew; sister-in-law Kara (Chris, deceased), children Luke and Violet; and ex-wife Roxanne Dorge. Growing up on a farm near Crystal City and later in Winkler, he was youngest of three boys who loved riding bikes, building forts and just being together. Their dog was always by their side. He excelled at sports but his passion was hockey. By July he'd be wishing for the new hockey season to begin. In Junior High, the family relocated to Winnipeg. To say Eric wasn't a city boy is an understatement. His happiest years were on his farm acreage at Glenboro, Manitoba raising his purebred Cane Corso dogs. The first litter of puppies caused wild excitement. He was a talented carpenter and renovator. He and his dad renovated a house in Winnipeg prior to his move to Glenboro. There he renovated the farmhouse. When picking colours and finishes, he had a decorator's eye which was totally out of character with his big burly personality. We called him "our decorator Erique". He adored his nieces and nephews. He wanted them to know the beauty and freedom of farm living, teaching them to tend the animals, appreciate long cross-country rides on the quads exploring the countryside and much more. With Luke and Violet now in their late teens, he was so proud of their successes in school, music, having part-time jobs, and university next year for Luke. He loved to travel - visiting the Mayan Riviera, Bahamas, Puerto Vallarta and Cuba. On a family vacation in Cuba in 2013, niece Olivia was two and half years old and had Eric wrapped around her little finger. He'd be up early to "not waste the sunshine" and would come get Olivia and off they'd go hand in hand for breakfast. Matthew had his heart as he couldn't help but see his brother, Chris when he looked at his big blue eyes and blond hair. Having no children of his own, he was honoured and proud that Matthew was he and Chris' namesake. Upon the sale of his beloved farm and the inevitable move back to city life, coping became increasingly difficult for him. He never completely recovered from the loss of his brother and his farm, and coupled with PTSD he struggled to maintain equilibrium. Sadly addiction became his coping mechanism and eventually took his life. He loved his dogs, all animals, children, farm life, nature, camping, fishing, good food, nice clothes, shoes (we called him Imelda), travelling, a good laugh or joke pulled on someone, working out, renovating, and most of all, he loved his family. Private funeral service was held with family and friends February 13, 2017 at Wheeler Funeral Home followed by cremation. Interment will take place alongside his brother Chris in St. Vital Cemetery at a later date. For those who wish, donations to the Winnipeg Humane Society would be greatly appreciated.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 11, 2017