AUBURN — Eric Howard Gooldrup, 22, of Auburn, passed away on Wednesday, June 28 after a long, difficult battle with addiction.

Eric was born in Tacoma, Wash., son of Howard H. and Doreen L. Gooldrup, brother to Stacie L. Gooldrup. Eric was raised at McChord Air Force Base, Wash., and Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D., before coming to his parents’ hometown of Lewiston/Auburn in 1999. He graduated from Edward Little High School in 2012 and spent two and a half years studying music education at the University of Southern Maine in Gorham.

Eric started playing the guitar at a young age and became very skilled at it. He especially enjoyed playing his classical guitar, allowing him to express his emotions. He was very proud of his “Jimi Hendrix” version of “The National Anthem” that he played on his electric guitar. While in high school Eric was a member of the marching band, creating lifelong friends and memories. He always had a special place in his heart for his dog, Miller, and two cats, Mack and Miley.

He worked at a number of local businesses, including Tabers, Kohl’s and Tambrands, but he was especially fond of the friends he made while working at Goodwill in Auburn.

Eric will be missed by the many people he touched over his short life. Over the past few years, he spent hours with his dad helping out at the local VFW. He was a life member of VFW Post 1603 Auxiliary and was truly loved by his VFW family. He will be missed by everyone who knew him, his family most of all. We are comforted knowing his struggles are over and he is in a better place.

He was predeceased by his grandfather, Howard H. Gooldrup Jr., his stepgrandfather, Arthur E. Collins and most recently, his cousin, Shaun Braxton. Their loss truly took its toll on him.

He is survived by his parents, Howard and Doreen (Bussiere) Gooldrup III of Auburn; his sister, Stacie L. Gooldrup of Auburn; grandfather, Robert and Anita Bussiere of Leeds; grandmothers, Lucille P. (Clavet) Gooldrup of Auburn and Clarissa Collins of Auburn; aunts and uncles, including Edward and Christine Gooldrup of Auburn, Michael Gooldrup and girlfriend, Joanha Thibodeau, of Lewiston, Robert and Cathy Bussiere of Monmouth, Tina and Tony Dan of Auburn and Sarah and Larry Nadeau of Turner; along with a number of cousins.

The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to everyone who has reached out over the last week.

Eric Howard Gooldrup