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When Eric first joined Farnham, I worked upstairs with Colleen on West 2nd Street. At the end of the day
everyone would kind of gather by the back door and leave at once when someone set an alarm and
turned off the lights. That day as I headed out of the door at the bottom of the stairwell, Eric and I ran
in to each other in the dark. We both apologized and I realized that I had spilled my coffee on his nice
coat because I could feel the wetness on his coat and smell the coffee in the dark when we crashed. I
was so embarrassed being the “consultant” and him being the new Executive Director. But Eric was not
phased by the spill. I never knew if he had to get his coat dry cleaned but he never brought it up and I
didn’t either out of my embarrassment. Instead, he greeted me the same as everyone else when he
would see me. On the rare occasion when we were in a meeting together, he treated me like part of the
Farnham family, being happy to see or hear me (when camera was off) and tell me that he valued my
input. He was always so humble and made others feel like they mattered. He was such a great leader,
getting it done in such a meaningful way. A great role model.
Prayers for his family, for FFS and the community.
Chris Harp
In the Before Times before Covid Eric would cook breakfast personally for whomever group or person
won the trophy for the success stories that were shared.
When the peers got the trophy Eric set up shop in the old Fulton office by Price Chopper and was
cooking away. However the appliances he was using was tripping a breaker and killing some of the
power. He still finished us breakfast and we got eggs and pancakes.
Eric understood the importance of peers and how much we've added to peopl's services at FFS. He
made me feel welcome as one of the earlier ones on board 5 (?) years ago, and was genuinely excited
there would be peer supports available. He was always checking in or just jumping in, like with yoga
through Zoom.
The last conversation I got to have with Eric was positive and down to earth, just another day. I thought
"I'll catch up with him next week", which is now this week.
My heart goes out to all my colleagues at FFS and everyone who loved Eric.
Jess
So, I knew Eric a few years before I came to Farnham, but nothing prepared me for the two
things that happened my first week here. For those that don’t know I am “coca cola”
fanatic…my first day, Eric brought a 12 pack out of his office (as he was running out the door to
another meeting, in a rush but had to make sure I got it at Erie street. I knew I found my new
home then, even with my trepidation. The second was when Eric S., Eric B. and I met for lunch,
we all piled into Eric B’s car to go to a Korean BBQ food truck, Eric B had been talking about
this food truck before I joined the Farham Family - so, we load up in the car, Eric S. in the front
seat and Eric B says straight faced as ever to Eric S “since you are in the front seat, when you
hear the bang in my car, you have to rap a song” and sure enough, mid conversation the car
bangs and Eric B. stops the conversation, looks right at Eric S. and says “you’re up” – Eric S.
laughed, I, of course, in the backseat started recording (since been deleted) and Eric B. says
again straight faced “that rapping about our jobs should be our new recruitment method for the
work force.”
It is through these memories and laughs that we will find peace.
Megan Walradth
I was very very fortunate enough to be a part of a "30 plus" skate league with Eric. I got invited
in and as the new guy who honestly wasn't that good at skating I did a lot of sitting around and
talking. I must have talked with Eric for a solid 30 mins like we were best friends after our first
interaction. He was fully engaged but also fully immersed in watching his son. He would be sure
to pause our conversations as needed to be there and support him as he was trying something
new. We took that friendship into moving some ramps around and going to Woodward a couple
times together- This was at a time before I worked for Farnham or ever thought it was even a
possibility. I remember we both woke up early and got coffee before anyone else was awake yet
and our first conversation was "Hey Eric, what's good this morning" and even being away in a
different state his response was still, "ohhh not much just answered a few emails and signed
some paychecks to make sure everyone gets paid" I was fortunate enough to see him lace up
his rollerblades and blade around while the rest of us used our skateboards, but unfortunately
never got to see the younger "trickster" Eric in action. Nevertheless, that changed my image of
what I thought an executive director was. I always had this uptight impersonal, only cares about
the bottom-line view of that position. Until I met Eric.
Fast forward to our first interaction when I began working at Farnham a year ago today.
He was the first one to greet me at the door with a big smile and a firm handshake with
a genuine we're so glad you're here in the family. Eric, you have no idea how happy I
am to be a part of the Farnham Family. You have no idea how much you'll be missed.
Thank you for taking the chance on me. Thank you for leading by example and being
out in the field always interacting with everyone to show what leadership and community
is all about. Thank you for the few short years I knew you even if it was only the
occasional interactions. Here's to hoping we can do our very best to carry on your
legacy, in the office but most importantly in the community.
Thank you, Eric. You'll be missed dearly and thank you Farnham for allowing us to this
avenue to process what happened.
Travis Bulluck
I know I haven’t been with Farnham for a long time like some but any interaction with Eric was always so
positive, he always made everyone smile , always so positive on every aspect in life , never did I feel
nervous going to talk to him. He will be truely missed by all , I will miss coming into the office and erie
street and him waving at me thru his office window every morning he also brought us some
chocolate covered cherries that we actually very yummy , so very thoughtful kind of guy . My heart hurts
for his family and our Farnham family . We all have to be in this together and be here for one another as
he wouldn’t want it any other way ❤️
Brittany
To have an Executive Director who knows every employee by name, is rare. To have an Executive
Director who not only knows everyone’s names, but their stories, their goals, their families, is even more
rare. At Farnham, we were so incredibly blessed to have that EXACT Executive Director in Eric.
Just last week, while Eric was coming into the Oswego office to support us during the current changes
and transitions, he showed that he never put himself above us, despite his title.
Eric joined into the United Way Campaign, wearing a fun hat and taking a selfie w/ Shonna, this was in
addition to plans to throw a pizza party for the department who had 100% participation. Eric had a
passion for cultivating a happy, supportive, and healthy work environment, and this is just one of the
examples of that.
When COVID first hit, and schools closed, Prevention was at risk of being laid off. Eric met with the
entire team to talk to us about any ways we could think of to stay working. Eric listened to us and how a
lay off would impact us, he personally pulled me aside after seeing how upset I was and talked to me
until I felt okay. That night, Eric lost sleep, but he came up with a plan.. he came up with the Social
Media Campaign, and as much as we ended up hating it haha, it saved our jobs and we have Eric to
thank for that, because he refused to accept defeat and he refused to put us all in that position.
2x a year, Eric collects success stories from staff and clients, and then personally makes, delivers, and
serves homemade breakfast to thank them for the difference they make at our agency and in our
community. Each time, without fail, Eric would end up in tears at one point during these stories, because
it meant that much to him to see the changes, we were making in the lives of others each day.
Eric had a passion for this work that went so much deeper than a paycheck. Eric cared personally and
deeply for every person who walked in our doors, whether it be staff or client. If ever we needed
anything, Eric truly was a message away. I am so grateful for that.
I looked up to Eric in many ways, as a clinician, as a leader, but mostly, as a human. Eric made a
difference in the lives of all who knew him, whether he realize it or not.
I know things will be hard, and probably a little messy and confusing at times, but now more than ever is
a time to come together. To care for one another, to listen and hear what each of us is going through. It
is the time to be passionate and relentless in our fight against stigma, our fight again SUD and MI. Now
is the time to come together.
For Eric, a man who dedicated his life to helping others. A man who inspired others to be kind,
empathetic, understanding, an advocate, an ally, and most important, a friend.
Thinking of everyone during this time, sending love, comfort, and healing ❤
Hope
This is beyond heartbreaking.
Eric was a wonderful leader for Farnham and for our community. He was involved in our community in
so many ways, the lives that he touched is immeasurable.
Eric was a visionary. He saw that Farnham had so much potential and that we could provide services
and Hope to our entire community and beyond. There were times when we would state “whoa, slow
down boy” but there was so much Eric believed we could do. He believed we could have successful
agencies in Mexico and Auburn, and he spearheaded the George Street office location. He had so much
faith in his Farnham Family, with Eric’s leadership, direction and guidance we really pulled it off and
made his vision happen.
I am thinking of something we can do as an agency to commemorate Eric and his accomplishments. He
put his Heart and Soul into Farnham and that needs to be recognized and celebrated. I was thinking of a
bench dedicated to Eric outside the agency with a picture and plaque of him when entering. These are
just thoughts and would love to hear others ideas.
We have a wonderful Farnham Executive Leadership team that will continue to guide and direct us to be
the wonderful team that we are, but we will be missing a major player in that leadership and that will be
Eric. I know in my heart Eric will be watching us and guiding us from above.
Thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts with you.
Colleen Sharkey
This is just absolutely devastating, I have so much sadness for his family. Eric was just an amazing, kind,
gentle, soul, I remember him as far back as the second grade. What a huge loss not only for Farnham
but for the entire community.
Greg
So hard to even write an email.
It was such a pleasure working with Eric. So compassionate with the clients we serve along with each
and every employee. Eric had such a great view on what was to come for Farnham, and I know Farnham
Family will continue to make Eric proud each and every day.
Thank you
Kelsey
This is absolutely heartbreaking news to hear. Not only was Eric a wonderful executive leader, being so
involved within the community and the development of Farnham, but he truly cared about his
employees. Although I did not work closely with Eric every day, whenever I did see Eric, he would always
stop and chat. He would genuinely ask how you were doing, how your family was doing, significant
others, pets, etc. and he listened. The next time I would see him and chat, he would remember details I
told him 6 months ago, and would ask how things were going. He wanted the best for all his employees,
and strived to give us that.
It is a terrible thing to have lost a person so genuine, but I am choosing to be grateful to have known and
worked with an amazing person like Eric.
Thank you
Robin
I am hoping this comes off as sharing Eric’s kindness and sweet heart
On Wed, I was in a medical appt w/ Jim for almost 2 hours – so I shared pics of Wed = hat day – one of
them was the picture of Eric posing w/ a staff member
When I took a pic of Jim in his Salvation Army hat and sent it to Eric, this is what Eric texted back
Please know that his spirit will continue through Farnham and all the wonderful work done by all of you. I
have known Eric for close to 20 years and I have heard from a few of this group similar stories as mine – I
came to Farnham because of Eric. He will be missed. Feel free to share this as applicable – his gift to
Jim that can be shared with others
While I am scheduled for vacation this week (was last Friday too but my needing to get some work done
allowed me to have 1 more conversation w/ Eric that evening – I will miss his coming in from the garage
or leaving saying “Hi Deb! … Bye, Deb!”) – please let me know if there is anything I can do to help.
If I could share what Jim said to me as he processed things (he knew “Derek” for over 16 years Eric
reminded me just a week or so ago, before Brayden was born) – Jim asked:
- Will Eric grow back hair upstairs? (Jim’s word for heaven)
- He pointed out clouds he thought Eric was on (and said he can ride on top of the airplanes now
and go where he wants
- Does he have wings already?
- How will he have Thanksgiving dinner? I said that God always provides
Thanks for letting me share (and begin to process myself) – take care of you as you take care of others -
Debbie
Deborah Daby
My heart is heavy and my head spinning at this terrible news.
Just know and pass on to his family if I could be of service to them I will proudly offer my
availability. Eric was a great leader, visionary, person and friend to me and all Farnham
employees. He cared so much about building loyalty as well as the best possible working
conditions for his people. He took our issues to heart and was open to all for suggestions. I
personally will miss Eric tremendously and if I can be if assistance to carry on his vision I
am willing to assist as needed.
Butch Tolles
Of all the duties of your office, this may be the hardest and most heartfelt, bringing the word of Eric’s
passing.
Eric has brought so much to so many people – staff and clients alike. And he did it with a grace and a
humble spirit and all the while you knew you were with someone special. As you put together that
impossible message, take care and know many people we many never know were touched by someone
like Eric B.
Sharing in your grief,
George F. Valentine
I am deeply saddened to hear of your sudden and tragic loss. Although I never had the
opportunity to work directly with Eric, I know his contributions to your cause and
community were immeasurable, and his wisdom and dedication were a guiding light. My
sincerest condolences go out to his loved ones and your fantastic teams. Please know
that the entire Netsmart team is here for you during this difficult time. We are ready to
support and honor Eric's memory and continue the important work he was so
passionate about.
With deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences,
Christian Sanchez
All: With a very heavy heart I am reaching out to all InUnity Alliance (The Coalition and
ASAP) members to share news about the tragic loss of Eric Bresee, Executive Director
of Farnham Family Services in Oswego NY and Treasurer of InUnity Alliance's
Transitional Board of Directors. Eric is survived by his wife Amy, his son Brayden, and
his mother Julia. Eric was only 44 years of age when he passed.
The InUnity Alliance Board of Directors and staff learned on Monday morning that Eric
Bresee had passed away suddenly, at home, over the weekend on Saturday, November
18th. As the word spread, so did the shock, disbelief, and anguish. Eric was a valuable
member of ASAP's Boards of Directors, serving as Treasurer on the Boards of both
ASAP corporations and then served the same important role for the InUnity Alliance
Transitional Board. He was a vital member of our team, who was deeply appreciated
and loved.
We relied on Eric's smart approach to a wide range of challenges and were consistently
impressed with his uncanny ability to help us get where we needed to go. Eric had a
magnetism and approach with us all that drew us into a professional relationship with
him characterized by honesty, trust, and success, and a personal relationship
characterized by true friendship and love. Hearing the news that we lost our ability to
reach out to our trusted peer and dear friend has been devasting for us. The immediate
sense of loss we experienced when we heard about Eric's passing has permeated
every day since.
The InUnity Alliance Board of Directors and staff stand together in support of Amy,
Brayden, and Julia; Eric's extended family and friends; and his Farnham family. We will
be in Oswego to support Eric's loved ones and to convey our deep sense of sorrow and
loss as well as to share warm stories of how blessed we all have been to have had Eric
in our lives. Services for Eric will be taking place on Saturday, November 25th at the
Nelson Funeral Home (11 West Albany Street, Oswego, NY 13126) beginning with
Visitation at 1:00 p.m. and Funeral Service at 4:00 p.m.
For those of you who are able to join us on Saturday, we welcome the opportunity to be
there with you to represent our InUnity Alliance community. For those unable to attend,
we will carry your thoughts and prayers with us and convey our collective thoughts and
reflections to Amy, Brayden, and Julia.
We are sorry to share such distressing news with you during this time of celebration, but
we do have much to be Thankful for and celebrate ..... we have been blessed and are
thankful for all that Eric was for us. He will be remembered, and we will celebrate his life
on Thanksgiving and on Saturday in Oswego.
Please see the Obituary and information about services at the following
link:
https://www.nelson-funeralhome.com/obituary/eric-bresee
John J. Coppola
Co-CEO
InUnity Alliance (previously ASAP)
The words of loss have not come easy, but I would like to share a few memories where I was able to
connect with Eric.
⁃ When Farnham had first started their lounge era, I remember Eric promoting them and being
available in the lounges. He would make his rounds and stay for a few hours to really hear his
employees out. During one of his visits, I decided to sit down and talk with him and within that short
period we had many “small world” moments/connections to people in our lives. He asked about my
position and my future hopes, he listened, and he cared.
⁃ The second encounter I will never forget was at the end of an executive leadership meeting that
was held in Fulton. Eric had shown me the blueprints to the George street facility. The absolute
passion and excitement in his eyes put everything into focus that this man was entirely dedicated to
Farnham, dedicated to patients, and his colleagues. If the time allowed, I’m sure he would have told
me every last detail. I will never forget his enthusiasm towards the future of Farnham.
I will forever miss seeing him walk into the office with his signature hat and illuminating smile.
Thank you.
Jordan K
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Thank you for your thoughtful message. We review submissions every week for quality control, approve, and update the site.