Eric Ray Thatcher

Eric Ray Thatcher, 51, passed away on December 11, 2023. He was father to Autumn and Ashton as well as his beloved Cane Corso, Braun, and his Cockatiel, Bird. He was born to Bryan and Loralee Thatcher on February 28, 1972, in Logan, Utah, and was a dearly loved brother to Mike, Dan (Melody), Jon (Melissa), Amy (Tony), and Jenny (Lance). He graduated from Murray High School where he was a member of the State Championship swim and water polo teams. He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Seoul, Korea, and Dallas, Texas. He later graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in Management. Weight lifting and fitness were passions he pursued throughout most of his life, and more recently he and Braun enjoyed exploring the many trails of Millcreek Canyon. Even more exhilarating for Eric were the occasional “cold river plunges” whenever he felt the need for a dopamine rush! His real interest from the time he was very young was with animals who loved him unconditionally and who he nurtured with great care for many years.

Eric owned a saltwater aquarium business that was devoted to the creation and maintenance of saltwater tanks for many clients throughout the Salt Lake Valley. He was gifted at creating beautiful aquatic ecosystems all of which were unique works of art. Eric was kind-hearted, peace-loving, and relished performing anonymous acts of service albeit with friends, neighbors, and complete strangers. 

He was familiar with sorrow and suffering and because of that he had an inherent ability to meet others at their lowest point with empathy and compassion and never with judgment. He also loved nature where he felt the most peace and gratitude for God’s creations. Eric loved to learn and was an astute researcher of any topic that piqued his interest. One of his favorite books was “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz which outlines four principles by which to live. He tried to: 1. Be impeccable with his word; 2. Not take anything personally; 3. Seek not to make assumptions; 4. Always do his best.

Eric loved his children, his parents, brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, and his furry, finned, and feathered friends!

He is greatly missed by his family and friends all of whom are invited to attend a Celebration of Life in his honor at Anderson & Goff Mortuary at 11859 South 700 East in Draper, Utah on Saturday, March 2nd at 11:00. Dress is casual and lunch will be served.