Eric Winter Hess

Eric Winter Hess

Eric Winter Hess was born August 28, 1967, in California and passed away in Seattle April 1, 2026. He is survived by his spouse, Randy Robison, former partner Jeff Freshley and their son Viktor Novasolov. In addition, Eric is survived by his sister Mindy Lindholm, his mentor and loving father, Tony Hess and his wife Joan. Eric’s beloved mother LaVee Hess passed away during Eric’s youth.

Eric was persistent and fortunate to locate his biological mother; the late Dolores Kilborn. Eric gained three half-sisters. Lori Kilborn, Kathi Kilborn and Charla Kilborn.

Eric’s early years began in Salt Lake City, Utah. He could play in the snow all day and loved swimming in his nearby grandparents swimming pool. By six years old Eric was an accomplished swimmer and started skiing at nearby Brighton and Alta ski resorts until moving to Spokane. Eric and Mindy continued to pursue swimming, and both competed in AAU events through high school. Eric learned how to play the trumpet in junior high school and continued throughout his senior year in high school in the marching band. His high school marching band went on to win the national marching band championship. At age fourteen while living in Spokane, Eric learned how to scuba dive under one condition. Eric’s mom LaVee required Tony to learn how to scuba dive along side of Eric, even though Tony was highly claustrophobic. Eric and Tony became certified divers and enjoyed guided dives in the San Juan Islands. On one such dive the group found two large anchors believed to be more than one-hundred years old. After high school, Eric attended the University of Washington. He started working as a temporary administrative assistant at a small software company. That company was eventually acquired by Adobe and launched Eric into the world of high tech.

An adventurer at heart, Eric approached passions head on. His passing leaves behind a life shaped by connection, care, and the relationships that mattered most to him. Eric gave back to his community in several ways. Eric was a natural mentor and donated countless hours providing support to gay youth at risk under the non-profit Chicken Soup Brigade. Eric’s drive and hard work at Adobe were quickly recognized and provided several creative project management positions. He relocated for a short time to the corporate headquarters in San Jose, but Seattle was always home. It wasn’t long until Eric was offered an international position with Adobe in Edinburgh, Scotland. Jeff and Eric purchased a 150-year-old flat and had countless adventures touring by motorcycle throughout Western Europe, England and to remote destinations throughout Scotland. A company reorganization brought Eric and Jeff back to Seattle a bit too early, but the most significant adventure was just unfolding as Eric and Jeff eventually became fathers by the adoption of a beautiful Ukrainian boy; Viktor with a “k.” In addition to completely remodeling a 1904 bungalow in the Columbia City neighborhood of Seattle. 

Down time: that wasn’t really part of Eric’s life included hiking, sailing, camping and organizing many Halloween parties around the backyard firepit. Eric, Grandpa Tony and Viktor had many wonderful summers sailing on “Viktory” throughout the San Juan Islands. Eric and Randy’s time included many everyday moments of comfort and companionship, especially with their beloved dogs, Chase and Zoe, who were constant sources of joy. Eric also had a gentle and caring side that showed in small but memorable ways – like when he rescued an abandoned baby squirrel. Rocky had fallen from a majestic maple in Randy and Eric’s yard and was patiently nursed back to health. Eric and Randy loved to create special lifelong moments, especially through travel and shared experiences. Trips to Whistler and Colorado to ski stand out as just some adventures, laughter, and the kind of memories that stay with one long after the snow has melted. Yet another one of Eric’s great adventures was becoming a Port of Seattle Police Officer. If anyone could pass the rigorous pre-employment series of classes, Eric could and passed with flying colors. High tech, however, was always his calling. His most recent positions pertained to the emerging industry of biometrics.

Eric was driven from day one and gave life a run for its money. As quoted by Eric’s dad Tony, “our cup is overflowing with fifty-eight years of Eric memories and joyful living. Count our blessings as life is not always fair” Eric was one of a kind that happened to fly a bit too close to the sun. Peace, love and happiness always prevail.

Eric will be laid to rest this summer near Sucia Island in the San Juan Islands during a small family gathering. Donations in Eric’s name can be made to a wonderful pet rescue Eric was especially passionate about. Misspitts Rescue is located in Oakville, WA www.misspittsrescue.org 

Please share memories & photos on the guestbook, located below. 

Arrangements entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home ~ Seattle, Washington