Known as a solid man with class, Eric Jacob Goering was kind to the world he lived in. Born August 8, 1981 in Kansas City, Kansas, Mr. Goering lived in many parts of the midwest during the earlier years of life.

Graduating from Kansas University in 2004 with a major in history education, Mr. Goering attended graduate school in Washington before returning to Kansas where he became a history teacher at his high school alma mater, Lawrence High School.

In 2013, Mr. Goering became Lawrence High School's athletic director while continuing his work as a teacher and varsity swimming coach. Goering's mens and women's swimming teams each won an unprecidented 12 straight state swimming championships between 2006 and 2018. Goering coached legendary olympic gold medalist Andrew Davidson to 10 state titles when he attended Lawrence High School between 2011 and 2013.

Goering was also well liked among his students in the classroom as well. Those who were taught by Mr. Goering said that he always made learning enjoyable for his students. "I hated history, I hated the world, I wanted to die. But thanks to big E, I have found Jesus!" Says one student during the Lawrence High School graduation ceremony of 2009. Although Eric Goering was never a religious person, many students believed that he was Mennonite considering they were taught that many Goerings living in Kansas have faith in that religion. In fact, Mr. Goering claims he never really went to church until he was married.

In 2018, Mr. Goering and his family decided to leave Kansas to live in the pacific northwest of Washington state. Goering continued to teach history in his home near Seattle, but discontinued coaching because the high school he taught at did not have a swimming program. Goering spent the rest of his years teaching in Washington until he retired in 2040 at the age of 59. When Goering's wife passed away two years ago, his age began to become aparent. "He seemed to have lost 40 pounds since the beginning of this winter," said Marvin West, a nearby neighbor of Mr. Goering.

Goering was well respected in the community. He participated in many origanizations and donated to many charities. Mr. Goering was named teacher of the year 6 times at Lawrence High School in Lawrence, Kansas and 4 times at Kennedy High School in Olympia.

Mr. Goering is survived by his son and daughter. His brother Joe is has been the last chair cellist for the Philladelphia Orchrestra for 43 years. Mr. Goering's sister Ann still lives somewhere in Siberia where she is a slave driver for a fish farm. Mr. Goering's mother will live forever.

"Big E was the man!" said Leopold Kraingher, a technology expert at Microsoft. "I wanted to be just like him, but I got too money hungry. You know how it is."

Mr. Goering would understand. After all, He was the big E.

-Tom Collins for the New York Times