Erik Van Name, 40, passed away peacefully at home on May 25, 2019.

He was born on November 27, 1978 in New Haven, Connecticut, he was the loving son of Sandy Van Name and the late Edward Van Name.

Erik was an extraordinary loving man who never met a stranger. His family was the most important thing to him. You'd often find him at his nephew's games cheering them on. Erik will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.

Erik lived with his uncle, Duey Graham, and attended Boothbay Region High School during part of his 1996 senior year eventually graduating from Sarasota (Florida) High School. Although briefly in the region, he made many local friends who loved the gentle giant. Fulfilling a lifelong dream, Erik became a member of the Seahawk basketball team, instantly became the tallest player ever enrolled in the state of Maine at 7' (he topped out at 7'2").

He was predeceased by his grandfather, Otto Graham and his grandmother, Karla Van Name.

He leaves behind his siblings, Christy Beasley (Mike), Stephanie Miller, Ryan Van Name (Erin) and Grayson Van Name. Erik also leaves behind his beloved grandmother, Beverly Graham and his nieces and nephews whom he adored and couldn't have been a better uncle to, Tyler, Brandon, Jake, Alex, Raven, Colton, Aaliyah and Elijah. Locally, he is survived by cousin Lauren Graham of Southport, husband Bar Clarke, Isabel and Finn Harkins; and cousin Lindy Graham of Yarmouth, husband Mark Anton, Graham and Alex.

His funeral services will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 8 at Robert Toale & Sons Funeral Home at Palms Memorial Park, 170 Honore Ave., Sarasota, FL 34232.