In Loving Memory of Eric Allen Crist Eric Allen Crist, 52, of Temecula, California, passed away on June 16, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, hard work, kindness, and family. Eric is survived by his beloved wife and best friend of 30 years, Natesha Crist; their five children—four sons and one daughter; and the many extended family members and friends who came to know him simply as Dad. A proud construction worker from 1996 to 2017, Eric dedicated more than two decades to building with his hands. He believed that almost anything could be fixed if you were willing to try. Whether it was a home project, a vehicle, a motorcycle, or something belonging to a friend, Eric never hesitated to roll up his sleeves and help. Even when he wasn't sure how to fix something, that never stopped him from trying. But the greatest thing Eric ever built wasn't found on a job site—it was his family. Eric's love story with Natesha began years before they built a life together. After first meeting her, he never forgot her, and when they reunited at Job Corps, their story truly began. Natesha often said she fell in love with him the moment she saw him—his dark hair, his strong arms, and his shocking blue eyes. More than thirty years later, she was still talking about those shocking blue eyes. Together, Eric and Natesha built a marriage rooted in friendship, laughter, and unwavering devotion. Their children rarely remember them sitting in silence for long. They were always talking, sharing stories, teasing one another, or laughing together. Somehow, after 30 years, they never ran out of things to say. They weren't just husband and wife—they were best friends. The greatest love of Eric's life was his wife, and his children were fortunate enough to witness that love every day. We loved the way he loved Mom. Family was Eric's pride and joy. Life was not always easy, and there were seasons of hardship and uncertainty. Yet through every challenge, Eric and Natesha stood together and always found a way forward. They taught their children resilience, perseverance, loyalty, and the importance of standing by the people you love. Many of the family's favorite memories were made fishing, working on cars, tinkering with motorcycles, listening to music, riding roller coasters, and simply spending time together. Eric loved teaching his children practical skills. He taught them how to drive, how to work on vehicles, and how to trust themselves enough to learn and try. His lessons continue to live on every time one of his children decides to fix something before asking someone else to do it. Fishing was one of Eric's greatest joys. Some of his children's favorite memories were spent standing beside him with deep-sea fishing rods, competing to see who could cast the farthest and checking the depth counters on their reels to settle the score. Another cherished bond was his love of music. Eric seemed to know every artist and every song, often asking, "Who sings this?" if a song came on. One of his sons shared countless hours with him around a record player, listening to vinyl records and building memories through their shared love of music. Even after long and exhausting days of construction work, Eric always found time for his children. One child remembers running to greet him after work and helping him take off his dusty work boots—even if those boots came with a pair of famously stinky feet. His family still laughs remembering him calling out through the house, "Why aren't my keys where I can find them?" They also knew every morning had begun when the smell of freshly brewed coffee filled the house. For years, Eric was the only coffee drinker in the family, and the comforting aroma of his morning coffee became part of the rhythm of daily life. These simple everyday moments became some of the memories his family treasures most and will miss dearly. Eric had a remarkable gift for noticing people. He paid attention, cared deeply, and was always willing to help. His love extended far beyond his immediate family. Over the years, countless friends, spouses, and loved ones became part of the Crist family. Many who were not related to him by blood proudly called him Dad. Eric and Natesha had a way of making people feel welcomed, accepted, and loved. In his looks, his heart, and his soul, Eric was beautiful. Through every season of life, he never strayed from being a kind-hearted, loving, beautiful soul. His legacy lives on in the family he adored, the lessons he taught, the memories he created, the music he shared, the fishing lines cast into the water, and the countless lives he touched through simple acts of kindness. Though he will be deeply missed, the love he gave, the family he built, and the example he set will live on forever. Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever ours.