Eric Borezoski, 42, formerly of West Stockbridge, took his greatest leap of faith Tuesday, Jan. 15, and was reunited with his beloved four-legged friend, Charlie.
Eric came into this world Feb. 24, 1976, at Fairview Hospital in Great Barrington. He was a “big baby,” weighing in at a whopping 8 pounds, 2 ounces with a gorgeous head of jet black hair. Eric was born to the most loving mother a guy could ask for, Caroline Duncan of Canaan, Connecticut. He was predeceased in 2011 by his father, George H. Borezoski, of Ringgold, Georgia.
Eric’s obsession for anything with big wheels and controls started in childhood, but it really kicked into gear as a teenager when he started his first career in farming. From the ages of 14 through 25, he spent his days on the dairy farms of East Canaan. Elm Knoll Farm became his second home and the Jacquiers acquired another son. Eric’s passion for farming never waned, but a second career was born when he met Chris Williams and began his work in heavy equipment operating. Eric truly had a gift when it came to playing in the dirt! He was a master artist, and his talents with big machines are unrivaled to this day.
Eric was a stubborn mule of a man with the biggest heart and the most beautiful brown eyes anyone ever saw. Those eyes! Those lashes! They made many ladies swoon. If the eyes are a window into the soul, then Eric’s soul was made of pure joy. His smile truly melted hearts. Anyone who loved Eric will forever carry the memory of that smile and those eyes wherever they go.
Diagnosed with ALS in October 2016, Eric’s motto was “no stone unturned.” Whether it was researching numerous alternative treatments, quitting smoking or embarking on the dreaded gluten-free diet, Eric was game. He fought so hard and taught valuable lessons to many along the way. His courage, determination and downright pigheadedness are a testament to a brave man with an incredible work ethic and an unbelievable will to live his life his way.
Eric was also the biggest wise-ass in West Stockbridge. Whether he was creating clever nicknames for his coworkers on the Williams Construction crew or uttering one of his many famous smart-ass comments, Eric made people laugh. You might have been a dumbass or even an asshat, but he still loved you! Even through his illness, there was so much laughter. Kudos to you, BOSS, for never letting ALS steal your funny bone. Eric was the boss and didn’t forget it! He was in charge of his illness and his journey. He called the shots right up until his last breath.
Eric leaves behind his “mommy,” Caroline Duncan of Canaan, Connecticut; his sister Krista Brazie and husband Andy of New Marlborough and nephews and niece Wyatt, Henry and Charlotte; a brother, George Borezoski and wife Amy of Pittsfield and nephew Mitchell; three half-sisters: Debbie Walters of Colorado, Dawn Samaritano of New Jersey, and Kim Willis of South Carolina; and finally, the love of his life, Dawn Jacquier of Canaan, Connecticut; as well as a ridiculous number of friends with whom he shared his life.
The family offers a special and heartfelt thank you to all of the amazing nurses and health care professionals who cared for Eric during his illness. Your love, professionalism and dedication to Eric’s care and comfort was the biggest blessing throughout this entire experience. Eric always knew he would be respected and treated with dignity because of the incredibly compassionate people he had the honor of working with. To the nurses and staff at the Great Barrington Rehabilitation Center, there are no words to express the gratitude the family feels for the manner in which you cared for their beloved Eric.
There will be no wake or funeral per the BOSS; rather, the family will hold a celebration of Eric’s life Saturday, Jan. 19, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Bogie’s Restaurant and Pub, 935 South Main St. in Great Barrington. In lieu of flowers, donations in Eric’s memory can be made to Compassionate Care ALS, 752 W. Falmouth Hwy, Falmouth, MA 02540. Condolences may be made through birchesroyfuneralservices.com.
