Eric Taylor Aitken was welcomed into the loving arms of our Heavenly Father Saturday, Nov. 10, 2012. Eric was born May 3, 1974, in Las Vegas, to lucky parents Carol and Gordon Aitken and sister, Marcy. A massive heart attack stopped his loving and generous heart from beating in his body but nothing can stop it from beating in our hearts forever. Eric was born and raised in Las Vegas. He graduated from Gorman High School in 1992, where he was a star football player, and then went to work construction for Marnell for several years before finding his home at Mandalay Bay. Eric advanced in the company from a laborer to a full engineer after receiving his degree in HVAC. He was promoted again to a supervisory position in the engineering department which he relished and excelled in until his death. To say he was loved and respected by all who knew him is a huge understatement, he was utterly cherished! Eric married his soul-mate and eternal companion, Kimberly Hollingshead Aitken, and together they had three amazing children Kameron, Tanner and Kennedy. The greatest joy and fulfillment in Eric's life came from his family. He was involved in every aspect of all of our lives, his world revolved around his wife and children. Beyond his love of family, Eric was a huge football fan, with no team being greater to him than Michigan "Go Blue!" He was so excited to have just attended this year's Michigan/Michigan State game where he cheered the Wolverines on to victory and we have no doubt that he was present and helping them on Nov. 10, to their victory in overtime. He truly loved all things sports and loved watching Kameron play softball and Tanner play football, baseball and basketball. And he played all the sports with them as well, even little Kennedy loved donning her glove and playing baseball with daddy. Eric was preceded in death by his grandparents; and his mother, Carol. Eric is survived by his adoring wife, Kimberly; and children, Kameron, Tanner and Kennedy; loving father, Gordon; and sister, Marcy; niece, Sascha; and nephew, Malik; in-laws (Hollingsheads and Stewarts); aunts; uncles; and cousins. It was a tragic day when his daughter, Kennedy, was diagnosed with leukemia, but Eric was stellar at being with her through all her treatments and hospitalizations. And from this experience grew his passion toward those who help cancer patients and help find cures. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Candlelighter's Childhood Cancer-Las Vegas or Leukemia/Lymphoma Society-Las Vegas in memory of Eric Aitken, honoring his daughter, Kennedy. We are also creating a memory book for our young children to help them remember their dad. If you have a memory you would like add, please write it (add a photo if possible) and bring or send it to the funeral. Visitation will be 9-10:30 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 17, followed by the funeral services, both at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 7885 W. Robindale, Las Vegas, NV 89113.

Published online by the Las Vegas Review Journal. Used by permission.