Eric David Griswold

Eric David Griswold, 53, a devoted husband, father, son, brother, uncle, friend, talented musician, and gifted cybersecurity engineer, passed away on July 29, 2025. He leaves behind a legacy of laughter, innovation, brilliance, and unwavering dedication to both his family and profession.

Born on May 29, 1972, in Los Angeles, California, Eric spent his early years in Southern California. At age 10, he miraculously survived a tragic car accident-an early testament to his resilience.

After graduating from Ventura High School, he moved to Seattle to pursue his passion for music and composition at Cornish College of the Arts. He also completed an intensive Japanese language program at the University of Washington. Though music-especially the works of Mahler and Shostakovich-remained a lifelong love, Eric eventually discovered his true calling in IT security.

Once on this path, he immersed himself fully. Known for his relentless pursuit of knowledge and excellence, Eric most recently served as a Senior Cybersecurity Engineer in Incident Response and Threat Intelligence at CommonSpirit Health, where he deeply valued his team and their shared mission.

His prior work included key roles at Virginia Mason Medical Center and the Benaroya Research Institute, where he earned Special Contribution Awards in 2008 and 2013. Earlier in his career, while at the Seattle Police Department, he received Innovation Awards in 2005 for the Digital In-Car Video System and in 2006 for network design at the 911 Center.

Colleagues described Eric as a true mentor-someone who not only excelled technically, but also lifted those around him with guidance, patience, and encouragement. He believed in learning for its' own sake, earning numerous certifications including CCSP, CCNA, and a suite of GIAC credentials (GSNA, GPEN, GCIA, GSEC, GWAP, GCDA, GCFA), along with NSA/NSTISSI INFOSEC credentials. He also served on the GIAC Advisory Board, though he never wore his accomplishments as badges. To Eric, they were simply tools to better serve others. He was the kind of person who would solve an impossible problem at work, then turn around and ask how you were doing.

Beyond his professional life, Eric was known for his vibrant personality and infectious sense of humor. A legendary prankster, he once transformed a colleague's office into a full-blown farm-complete with hay bales. On another occasion, he crafted a fake lottery ticket that had everyone convinced they'd struck it rich. He went to great lengths to bring laughter and joy to those around him.

His sense of humor was matched by his deep thoughtfulness. One spring morning, his wife Nobuko awoke to find hundreds of tulips and daffodils growing-bulbs Eric had secretly planted. A quiet act of love that spoke volumes about the man he was.

Eric was a man of many passions: an accomplished musician, a talented pianist, a devoted Seahawks fan, an adventurous traveler, an enthusiastic skier, a curious home chef, and someone who found joy in tackling complex cybersecurity puzzles just for fun.

He is survived by his beloved wife Nobuko Griswold; their daughter Aya Griswold; his mother Karyn Evens; his sisters Kami Griswold, Shannon Fogelmanis, Diane Gleeson; his mother in law Masako Tsurumaki; and his sister in law Hiroko Tsurumaki. He also leaves behind his niece Kara Salazar and nephew Khristian Natividad.

Eric David Griswold will be remembered not only for what he accomplished, but for how deeply he cared-for making people laugh until they cried, for mentoring with patience and humility, for loving without reservation. His legacy lives on in all who knew him.

Details about the celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

Please share memories and sign the guestbook, below.

Arrangements Entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home ~ Lake View - Seattle, Washington