Erik Steven Kelps

Class of 1999

Erik was a Stacy High School graduate and was employed by the district as a technology assistant. Erik was a gentle and patient helper, and every faculty member can recall his many acts of kindness as he helped increase our technology skills. He was the cherished son of Mark and Tammy Kelps, and the beloved older brother of Wesley,Ashlee,and Bryan.

He was also going to college at North Vista in San Antonio.

--School Newspaper, 1999

I was a Junior in high school when I received a phone call from my best friend Miguel about Erik’s death. I couldn’t believe that only about six months had passed since I had last seen him. It was a terrible tragedy. I was in the Student Council with Erik, and I had known two of the girls he dated: Jennifer and Cecilia. I look through my photo album from my days at Lackland, and have quite a few of him from council meetings and from the prom of ’98. He was always quick to smile and very easy to talk to. I pray for him, the other students I recognize on that have also passed away, and the families left behind.

--Tania Irizarry (Grades 6-10th, c/o 2001)

--August 16, 2004

I had the wonderful priviledge of dating Erik beginning in May 1998. I don't give an end date because we never ended, but were torn apart when he passed away. Even though I am now married with two wonderful girls, I remember and think about Erik everyday. He was the most thoughtful person I have ever known. He was always willing to help others when needed. I have so many memories of Erik that this would become a novel if I wrote them all down, but I think my favortie memories are just being with him. Cuddling up together on his couch at his house watching a movie together or spending time together in the computer lab during advisory. No matter where we were or what we were doing it didn't matter, as long as we could be together. I will continue to miss Erik everyday of my life and I will never stop loving him.

-- Jennifer Todora (aka, Jennifer Janik) c/o 1999

-- April 22, 2006

I would have to say that, just like Jennifer Janik, I had the wonderful enjoyment of dating him in junior and senior high school. Now, we never dated for long periods of time, but our friendship was unseperable. My family and his had the pleasure of many outtings and tons of memories. The memories of him and I will live with me forever! The only regret is is that I was unable to keep more contact with him when I moved away. I kept in better contact with his mom more than I had the opportunity to talk with him. I don't have to say much more about him because you all lived in his presence and saw what I carry with me everyday of my life.

---Deanna Leatutufu,

--attended Lackland 93-95

n April 18, 2007

Erik was my brother James' best friend and neighbor, they are pictured together in our front yard. I would always remember watching them play basketball in the court while me and my sister sat on the swing. I remember them taking pictures for every homecoming and prom together and just goofing around everyday. No matter how long its been he'll always be loved and missed.

--Katie Smith, c/o 2006

-- 2nd grade through Freshman Year