Erik R. Bruhjell
Erik R. Bruhjell, of Sandpoint, Idaho, died unexpectedly on July 20, 2018, due to injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. He was born June 27, 1996, in Phoenix, Ariz., and had recently celebrated his 22nd birthday. His family moved to Eagle, Idaho, when Erik was 2, and then to Sandpoint when he was 7.
Erik attended Eagle Elementary (Eagle), Cottonwood Grove (Garden City), Twin Eagles Wilderness School (Sandpoint) and Forest Bird Charter School (Sandpoint). He loved learning and was committed to it. He took online classes and graduated from Sandpoint High School a year early, in 2014. In 2016, he received an associate’s degree in philosophy from Adrian College (Michigan), where his mother and uncle had attended before him. During his time at Adrian College, Erik become a brother of the Alpha Mu chapter of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. In May 2018, Erik graduated magna cum laude from Gonzaga University with a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, and a minor in philosophy. He was excited for the adventures to come and searched for continuing education programs while working as a veterinary assistant at the Chewelah Veterinary Clinic.
Erik found his purpose through his love of the environment and his passion for protecting all living things. He was involved in many organizations, and groups and positively touched the life of so many. Erik was an avid skier. He enjoyed hiking, camping, and backpacking. He was also a problem-solver who often took on projects. He was a spiritual man and involved in many service activities. He will be deeply missed by his friends, family, and all who knew him.
Erik is survived by his parents, Robin and Mary (Judge) Bruhjell of Sandpoint, Idaho; his sister, Katelyn; maternal grandparents, Gene and Mary (Burns, Judge) Buchan; great-uncles and aunts, Joseph and Julie Rodler, James and Mary Burns, Wally and Marge Leonard, Suzanne Dernay, and Gayle (Bruhjell, Clarke) Selves; uncles and aunts, Scott and Gina (Bruhjell) Walker-Veerkamp, David and Laura (Tchorzynski) Judge, Joseph and Sherry (Triggs) Judge, Mark and Sarah (Judge) Carson, Richard and Hope (Buchan) Greene, and Bruce Buchan; as well as many cousins, and numerous friends. He is also survived by his partner, Caden McClure.
He is preceded in death by his grandfather, Gerald William Judge; his grandparents, Gene and Helene (Jacobson) Bruhjell; his uncle, Mike Walker; his great-uncles and aunts, Mike Selves, Patrick Judge, Michael and Nancy Judge, and Charlie and Karen (Peterson) Burns.
Family and friends are invited to sign Erik’s online guestbook at coffeltfuneral.com. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Coffelt Funeral Home in Sandpoint.
The first planned celebration of Erik’s life will be held on Saturday, July 28, 2018, at Cedar Hills Church in Ponderay, Idaho, from 2-4 p.m. The public is welcome to attend. Additionally, there will be a service held at 12 p.m. at Adrian College on Sunday, Aug. 5, as well as a service at Gonzaga University once the school year begins.
The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, people consider planting a native plant or tree on their property in his honor (#plantatreeforErik). Alternatively, consider making a donation in his name to a charity of your choice that supports the environment, diversity, the arts, or continued education. There are several events underway to honor Erik. His family is comforted and feels overwhelmingly supported by those who have reached out to offer help and to share their stories of love for Erik. Our family and close friends are overjoyed that Erik touched so many lives in his 22 years, and we are thankful that the work he set in motion has rippled out to touch the lives of others.