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A remembrance By Richard Foxx We were fortunate to have had Eric Friden in our lives since about 1985 or so. He became someone JoAnn and I looked for during weekends at Eldorado, his presence lending an extra dimension to an already full experience. The unfailing grace and gentleness with which he lived his life set him apart. His wry sense of humor, the half-grin that always played around his lips, the forever twinkle in his eye, became more precious as time went on. I've never told very many people that I was born in Akron, Ohio. Last time someone asked where I was born, and I answered Akron, the guy responded by saying, "Ohh, I know Akron, Ohio!! I spent a year there one day..." So, it was quite a surprise to find out, that myself, Bob Bradley and Eric Friden were all born at City Hospital in lovely Akron, Ohio! I didn't even beleive Eric when he said he was born there, I was expecting another "Akron" joke,.. til he went on to tell me he knew my Uncles, Reno, Leno and Gino!! I Knew he was telling the truth then! It was really special and alot of fun around Eldorado, hanging out with this polo playing Mod-squad from Akron! Now, suddenly, one of us is gone. But our wonderful memories of Eric will never fade. This was a life well-lived, and well loved. A life that will be deeply missed! Our heartfelt sympathy to Karen, Philip, Chris and family. God bless Eric Friden and grant his family peace and inner strength to comfort them. With Much Love, - Joe, Dina and Joseph Seth and I loved Eric Friden. When we first met we had a mutual affinity and that remained through the more than fifteen years of our friendship. Eric referred to Seth in a Polo magazine article as the biggest influence in Eric's own polo career. I considered that high tribute as Eric won a Sportsmanship award at Eldorado Polo Club and loved the game as much as anyone who played it. I once told Eric he was the most charming man I had ever met. That remains true. He was also one of the most joyous. I yearn to hear his "now Muggy tell me what you think about" with which he would lead into provocative conversation, ending when my knowing I'd, once again, been "had". This only provoked shared hilarity and my determination to get him the next time. Eric was a mischievious, brillliant, kind, sentimential man. He served with Seth during my husband's eight years as Pacific Coast handicap chairman. He was indispensable- and totally loyal. There will never be another like Eric.We will watch over and show support to his Kerin who he dearly loved. Muggy (Mrs. Seth ) Herndon You cannot truly grasp the reality, that in a split second, you have lost a friend, a colleague, a team mate, and suddenly you are put to the task of having to settle for your most recent memories and personal encounters. Those memories are going to have to do for awhile, as Eric Friden left us, doing what he loved to do, but for those of us he left behind, we just weren't ready. It was just too soon, too fast, and almost beyond belief. Karin, I am completely out of contact with the Polo community. I was just heartsick to learn about Eric's passing. We used to have such good times together, and when I left I thought everything would just carry on as if I was never there. How are you doing, my friend? I always loved you guys, - Kathleen McWilliams (formerly Jacobson)
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On behalf of the family - Apart from his polo, my Dad loved his time with family. The past four years I had the honor of hosting our family Thanksgivings. We were building quite a tradition--a three day event celebrated in the Bay Area and greatly anticipated by Eric. This November is going to be very difficult. On behalf of the family I'd like to thank you all for the outpouring and kind words. I am much more reclusive by nature than my father, but it has been a huge help to see how many lives he has touched and to feel the presence of community. Thank you. Whenever I am feeling down these days, I go the memorial pages and read the heartfelt things that are written there and it cheers me up. My thanks also goes out to those who sent in their thoughts. The outpouring of love and support from the polo community has truly been a major source of strength for me during this incredibly difficult time. Eric and I always marvelled at what a close knit family the polo community was, and it was never so evident to me as it is now. Polo is much more than a sport, it is a way of life, composed of a diverse and entertaining group of individuals from various cultures and economic brackets, with one common denominator - a love of horses and the sport of polo. Eric was passionate about every aspect. We still cannot believe that the tragedy and loss of Eric is real. You think that we wake up one morning and all this was just a bad dream. Eric and I have played together now for some 5 years in all different tournaments and leagues. Eric gave me the opportunity to play with him in the 12 goal league in Santa Barbara approx 5 years ago. I had never played that level of Polo before and Eric convinced me that we would have a lot of fun and that it is great Polo in that league. We had so much fun all together that summer, that we said we will definitely do this again. From there on we had many tournaments together, and besides having fun playing, the best part as a "friend's team" was with our great supporters Kerin and Rocio. The game never ended with the last chukker, it continued over lunches, dinners and many other moments we enjoyed all together. Eric was always a great supporter and friend on and off the field, had the absolute desire to play the best in every game and win, but even if we lost, he could laugh and joke about it (sometimes after a little while). He always had some sarcastic comment in between chukkers and asked our little son, "Coach Conrad" for his advise as he was swinging his little mallet against Eric's boots and knee pads. We are going to miss your friendship, spirit and beautiful sense of humor but you will always be with us - forever!! Our hearts go out to Kerin, Philip and Chris in this very difficult times. We are always there for you and look forward to our continued friendship!! Lots of love, Bolko, Rocio, "Coach Conrad", and Antonella. IT WAS MY PLEASURE TO KNOW ERIC DURING MY 3 YEARS AT THE CLUB. HE WAS ABOVE ALL A GENTLEMAN . HE WILL BE MISSED . SADLY , IRVIN ABELL Dear Polo Community, Paul and I are very saddened to learn of Eric Friden's death. We enjoyed his acquaintance through polo and also appreciated his restoration of the Golden Hill Restaurant and Golf Resort in Morro Bay, CA, where we had many relaxing family dinners with ocean views of the bay there over the last 20 years. Thank you Eric and family for your flair for living! He will be missed. Tisa and Paul McKee Oakfield Farm Polo Club, Creston, CA I met Eric in the summer of '97. I was a cocky 20 year old two goal player who thought he knew it all when I was invited to play in Santa Barbara with the El Encanto Team. I will never forget how warm and inviting both Eric and his wife were. Indeed the summer seemed to end all to quickly. Having played with many, I can honestly say that Eric is one of the few that have left a lasting impression on me. I bet souls as gentle as his are very rare. He was a man who had everything, his loving wife, an abundance of love for his family, and the respect and admiration of all who had the pleasure of meeting him. Having been out of polo for some time I was very much looking forward to making the trek up from San Diego to Carpentaria to visit Eric in August. I will very much miss Eric Friden as I am sure all of Polo will. My prayers go out to His family. -Raul Villalobos When the polo community and all of us lose someone like Eric, a friend to Polo and a great human being - apart from the great sorrow and prayers for Kerin, Philip and family there is also the sadness of not having had the chance to say Thankyou! Thank you for my first games in Santa Barbara in 1988 with El Encanto. Thank you for being there as a friend when I needed you. Thank you for your generosity, humility and guidance to us all. When tempers frayed at Polo or things needed working out, we thank you..... My prayers are with Kerin and everyone Pat Hayton To Eric in the Sky - I hear the polo in heaven is beautiful We have known Eric for some time and he always made us welcome in the club. Santa Barbara Polo Club is the best Polo Club in the world and Eric was one of the lynch pins of this club. He was always ready with help and advice. We both loved his passion for life and the great game of polo, he will be sadly missed by the many people his life has touched. Our heart goes out to Kerin and Eric's sons, much love, Gordon and Anita Roddick. Today is morning, December 22, 2003. We were just about to send some e-mails for Christmas to our friends. Then looking for Eric and Kerin e-mail we read about this bad news. We are really concerned and sad, because he was a very important friend to us. Since 1995 we have had a grate friendship, I would like to have the opportunity to thank him for the spectacular moments we spend playing together in El Encanto no just in the field but always. Our prayers are with Kerin, Philp, Maria Fernanda and all his family.Daniela send you big hug and she remember you and Eric so well. Tico & Viviana Garibay ( Mexico ) Dear Kerin, I often remember fondly our El Encanto days and it was with pleasure I saw you and Eric showcasing your home on HGTV. When I went to the web to see more of this dynamic duo, I was shocked and saddened to learn of Eric's passing. Please accept my sincere sadness and condolences. May God Bless you. - Christine Kullin Fletcher, Pacific Palisades CA Eric Friden was a true gentleman polo player. I am Eric Fridens Great nephew. I worked at the El Encanto for a short time doing intern work. I am Erics late brothers (Stanley) grandson. I got the oppritunity of meeting wonderful people while working there. I am still in touch with my aunt Kerin who I feel very close with. If Philip and Chris are out there please email Lynn@polozone.com and get my email address and write me. It was very hard for my family when Eric passed. I worked for them as I said for a short time but in that time I feel that the family grew closer as a whole. My aunt Kerin knows how deeply I care for her and the rest of the family, we are the kind of family that if we dont talk for a few months or a year, we can always pick up where we left off of and its not weird. To everyone I love all of you and am praying daily for your children Chris and Phillip say hi to your wives and to Kerin, Jess and I love you and pray daily. Love Geoffrey S Friden |
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If you would like to post a personal message in memory of Eric Friden on this Virtual Memorial please e-mail your submission to lynn@polobarn.com.
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