Eric A. Rasmussen, M.D.

passed away at home August 9, 2015 after a 7 year courageous battle with cancer.He was born March 22, 1942 in Chicago, the elder son of Dr. Richard Rasmussen, a pioneer thoracic surgeon and Dorothy Shively Rasmussen. At age 4 his family moved to East Grand Rapids, MI where he grew up and graduated from high school. He was devoted to his high school sweetheart Carole Wolcott , and he went home to be with Jesus the day after their 51st anniversary.Eric graduated from Albion College in 1964 and The University of Michigan Medical School in 1970, thereafter becoming a rabid Wolverine fan. After an internship in Spokane he began a Navy career: medical and diving officer on the USS Henry Clay SSBN 625 submarine, 4 years of residency in Ear, Nose and Throat at Oak Knoll Naval Hospital in Oakland and finally 7 years as an ENT surgeon at Bremerton Naval Hospital. He entered private practice in Kitsap County in 1984, favoring the intricacies of ear surgery (appropriately, his initials are EAR) and interaction with his dear patients and staff.Not closely adhering to his father's oft-quoted admonition "use extreme caution," Eric was an avid outdoorsman with a zest for life. He appreciated the challenge of mountain climbing (Rainier 5 out of 6, Olympus, Shuksan & others) highlighted by a Brothers climb on Father's Day 1990 with his two sons, brother Rich and his son and a friend and his two sons. He called it, "The Fathers and Sons and Brothers Father's Day Brothers Climb." He biked, ran and kayaked hundreds of miles for enjoyment and competition. The Ironman in Hawaii marked his 40th birthday. He thoroughly documented events through his journaling, exquisite pencil drawings and photography. He called himself a "miniaturist, " best demonstrated by his long-time passion for carving in great detail an 1890's coastal village, comprised of 20 individual buildings carved in various woods from all over the world. He reveled in giving tours of this 14 foot long scene to children of all ages, always including his imaginative stories of its inhabitants, the Wee Forest Folk. He was passionate about puffins, especially his traveling mascot Fledge.Eric was always intentional with his time. After retirement in 2001, in addition to carving, he enjoyed traveling, golf, gardening, RVing (most dearly to Palm Springs every April) and especially teaching Sunday school and VBS at Central Kitsap Presbyterian Church where he was a long-time member. His elaborate props made Bible stories come alive. Eric always enthralled children.Among his many fans, Eric will be remembered for his sideways grin, his moustache, and for a deter-mination to make the most ordinary happening into something extraordinary. He was full of life and love for those around him and the Lord. He was a great example of what a man should be.He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Linda and his brother Rich. He is survived by his wife Carole, dear sister Karen Schaefer (Fritz) of Watkinsville, GA, his daughter Kirsten McCall (Rob) of Renton, son Leif (Nicole) of Roy, WA and son Rick (Tiffany) of Social Circle, GA and precious grandchildren Kathryn, Nicholas, Emma and Katelyn and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.A memorial service will be held at CKPC, Nels Nelson Rd, August 29 at 11 am. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Franciscan Hospice, 2901 Bridgeport Way West, University Place, WA 98466 or Wounded Warrior Project (Silverdale area) PO Box 758541, Topeka, KS 66675-8541. Please sign the online guest book for the family.