Dear Parents of Eric and Gretchen,

Unfortunately I am all too familiar with the deep pain that I know you are enduring. I also lost my daughter and son within 16 months. Although I did not know your children I can relate to what you are experiencing. I am grateful for the strength that God gave me and continues to gives me to sustain such heartbreaking suffering. Otherwise, I'm not sure how I would have come to find joy and peace again in my life.

I believe that Eric and Gretchen and safe with the Lord and I know that one day we will see our children again and spend eternity with them.

If you find that you have the desire to talk to a mother that actually knows your pain (now or later...) please contact me at my e-mail address.

Sincerely,
Linda

Dear Mr. & Mrs. Forbes and Matt:
I will always remember the fun times that we shared with Eric and Matt in the car on the way to school. Please know that we will miss him dearly and our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Love,
Mary Beth Rider (Hawthorne) and the Hawthorne Family

Dear Mr. Forbes and Family,
It is with deepest regret that I submit this notice to you . As Mom of several past & present McKenney Dixie Youth Players ,I reflect back to the times my son Keith played along with yours.I remember him always being respectable & pleasant whether they were up or down both in & out of sport.We've shared many laughs as you've always displayed a great sense of humor . While I did'nt know your daughter I can only imagine she too shared that bright personality .May it somehow comfort the family to know that many Prayers are offered up for you it is my plea that Grace & Mercy will abound you in all the days to come and that the Peace only our Great Creator can provide surround you.

Lovingly Submitted,
The Nicholson Family

Dear Jen, Bill, Mary and family, We know there are no words that can alleviate the grief and pain you are feeling. Please accept our deepest condolences, and know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love, Margie and Billy

To The Forbes family,

I would like to extend my condolences to your family on behalf of the Employees of US Airways at the Richmond Airport. We worked closely with Eric and we all thought highly of him. He was a very quiet young man but a very worker as well. We are all blessed to have known him. He leaves a void in us all but we know he is taken care of and our memories of him will sustain us through this difficult time. Our prayers are with you all.

Sincerely,
C. Stephen Brown RIC Customer Services Supervisor

Dear Jennifer & Bill - I would like to extend my deepest sympathy for the loss of your children. May God comfort you now and always. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Love,
Marie Stivers

I never met Eric or Gretchen but saw her obituary on the Beaver County Times website. It struck me since she was so very young. I looked a little further and saw how she passed away. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My son used to cut grass for Redferns in New Brighton, I don't know if they are related, but they were very very nice people. My prayers are with you all.

Jen and Bill we are so sorry for your loss. Gretchen was like a daughter to us. We loved her dearly and will miss her so much. She brought so much love to Eric's life. We are happy that at least they had a little time together. We are there for you. Please call or e-mail if you want to talk. Thank you for taking Eric into your lives and being his family here in Va.
We have heard nothing but wonderful things about both Eric and Gretchen. At least we have the consolation of knowing they are together.
Love, Brian & Debbie

Jen and Bill we are so sorry for your loss. Gretchen was like a daughter to us. We loved her dearly and will miss her so much. She brought so much love to Eric's life. We are happy that at least they had a little time together. We are there for you. Please call or e-mail if you want to talk. Thank you for taking Eric into your lives and being his family here in Va.
We have heard nothing but wonderful things about both Eric and Gretchen. At least we have the consolation of knowing they are together.
Love, Brian & Debbie

Mr. and Mrs. Forbes and Family,

I pray for you and your family during this trying time. Hold fast to you faith and each other. I graduated with Eric from Dinwiddie High School and ran track and cross country and had many courses with him. He was a good person always making people laugh. He was ginuine with a one of a kind personality all around. I know that he and his sister are in the presence of our Lord now. I pray that you will remember the good times that you all shared together. He is greatly missed. God Bless you and your family.

My brother Jason was friends with Eric, they played baseball together at DHS and were roommates at Hampden Sydney. Eric was always such a nice guy and I know that he and Gretchen will be missed terribly. I am so sorry for your family's loss and I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. May God comfort you and give you the strength to get through this difficult time together.

With my deepest sympathy,
Michelle Burton Knott

Bill and Jennifer,
Words cannot describe our heartfelt sympathies to your entire family for your tragic loss. We know that together, you will both somehow pull through this and are thoughts and prayers will be with you both. If ever you need anything, please do not hesitate to call upon us.
Our deepest sympathies, George and Sue Kempen

Mr. and Mrs. Forbes,
Although I didn't know Eric and Gretchen personally, my sister, Becky Winn and her family did, and will be so saddened to learn of your tragic loss when they return from their trip. I just wanted you to know that we are all thinking of you and keeping you in our prayers. God be with you all.
Mary Pearrell
Chesterfield

I had the privilege of knowing Eric for only three months,but the Eric I came to know and work with nights at Richmond airport was always friendly,upbeat, a great worker and a pleasure to work with.I deeply regret that last Sunday night at 2 a.m. I unknowingly said goodnight to Eric for the last time.He was a very nice guy and I will really miss him.My Prayers and deepest sympathy go out for you all.

Love, Joe

Eric & I grew up together in St. Joseph Church parish and later went to college together. My heart is broken over this tragedy. He will greatly missed. My prayers are with his family.
Love, Brandy Stivers

We are so sorry for such a great and tragic loss. All of the Synan and Lawson families are praying for your family. Our Lord promised comfort to those who mourn. We look forward to the day that promise is fulfilled. Love to all from the Synans and Lawsons.

Eric work for me from 3/16/06 until he passed away. He was an extremely valued employee and friend. Eric was loved by all of his coworkers and will be missed. Our thoughts and our prayers go out to his famaily and his sister's husband's family. We didn't know his sister but I am sure she was as fine of a person as Eric. I am proud to say that I knew Eric and had him as an employee. He always demonstrated high morals and great character. God Bless His Soul.

Ronnie Vogler
Station Manager-RIC
Jetstream Ground Services, Inc.

Our hearts are broken over this loss of our cousin Eric. He was a fine young man who will be dearly missed by many. We send our love to all the family. The only consolation for us is knowing that he and Gretchen are in heaven with God today.

The Galante - Hamilton family offers their deepest sympathy for your tragic loss. We want you to know that you are all in our prayers and hope you can find some comfort in knowing that Eric and Gretchen are with God.

Love
Danielle, Craig, Christian, Sue, Nick, JoAnn, Nick, Nicholas, Thomas and Julia