| Bio | Erik Dylan Mccoy
December 9, 1965 — May 19, 2021
Erik Dylan McCoy, (55) passed Wednesday, May 19, 2021, at the Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute, Research Medical Center, Kansas City, MO. A gathering of family and friends will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 27, at the Carson-Speaks Chapel, 1501 W. Lexington, Independence, MO 64052. A graveside service will follow at 11:00 a.m., at the Mount Washington Cemetery, 614 Brookside Ave., Independence, MO 64053.
Erik was born December 9, 1965 in San Mateo, California. He graduated from Van Horn High School, Independence, MO, where he was on the staff of the school newspaper, The Pioneer. In its December 20, 1984 edition, Erik wrote an autobiographical account of his life, a life filled with trials and tribulations too great for someone of such a young age. Eric started his story with these words: “The story begins in 1968 when a three-year-old boy is abandoned by his mother.”
Erik was a child of faith, learned from the many hardships he had to face – physical and mental challenges, the loss of his grandparents who had been given custody, a separation from a best friend – all culminating in a nervous breakdown at age 18. It was during this time Erik says that “he bumped into God and God helped guide him back to sanity, through the power of healing from within and around him.”
A lifelong writer, Erik loved journaling. He was always penning letters and compositions which totaled 46,603 pages! Erik was smart, often expressing wisdom beyond that of his “normal” peers. He was funny and loved to laugh at life. He loved Marilyn Monroe and Lucille Ball. He was strong and courageous, especially as he faced his biggest challenge – Leukemia. He chose to fight, but it was not to be as his body was not strong enough to withstand the chemo. In typical Erik fashion, faced with his rapidly deteriorating health situation, he declared that he did not want to have any extraordinary life-saving measures. His strength and courage will be a lasting example for all of us!
Erik’s life took a positive turn that would be life-changing, filling the voids with love and family. Before his grandmother passed she asked her friend and co-worker, Carol Sue Bass, if she would become Erik’s guardian and become the caregiver for her grandson. Erik was “adopted” into the Quick/Bass family where he immediately gained a brother and two sisters. His life was never the same after that! He was a valued member of the family for nearly 50 years as he shared in the family’s celebrations as their son and brother. In his final days at the hospital, according to his nurses, Erik talked constantly about his “Mom,” Carol Sue. He loved her with his whole heart and he wanted everyone to know just what she meant to him.
Erik was predeceased by his grandparents Charlie and Anna Catherine Meisner, and his “Grandpa” Kenny Bass. He is survived by his “Mom” Carol Sue Bass; siblings Jeff Witthar, Michelle Quick and Stacia Quick, a niece and numerous nephews and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Erik’s memory to the Community Services League – “Tennies for Kids,” 404 N. Noland Road, Independence, MO 64050. |
