Eric Thomas Metcalf

Eric Metcalf died on July 8, 2012, while rock climbing on Moore’s Wall at Hanging Rock State Park in Stokes County, NC, at age 19. He is survived by his loving parents, Kim Berthiaume and William James Metcalf III; brother, Steven; his grandparents, Tom and Rose Marie Berthiaume and William James and Karen Metcalf, Jr., all of Cary; his aunts and uncles, Dave and Trish Duplay of NJ, Terry and Lisa Larson of Cary and John Metcalf of Cary; his cousins, Christopher and Elizabeth Duplay and Megan and Emily Larson; his great aunt and uncle, Tony and Ann Liotti of Cary, great uncle, Bro. Robert Berthiaume CSC of Notre Dame, IN, great aunt and uncle, Nancy and Eric Kuehlem of Valrico, FL and great aunt, Patricia Couch of Sacramento, CA.

Born in New Orleans on January 7, 1993, Eric was a lifelong resident of Cary. He graduated from Cary High School in 2011 with high honors and was a National AP Scholar Award recipient, earning 5s on every one of the 9 AP courses he took while in high school. Eric received a Distinguished Scholarship from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, where he was chosen as one of 300 remarkably talented entering freshman invited to be a part of Honors Carolina, the University’s premier academic program for undergraduate students. He was studying mathematics in pursuit of his Bachelor of Science degree with a goal of becoming a high school math teacher because he deeply desired to pass on his love for learning to other students.

Eric’s extraordinary journey of life is measured by the vast array of accomplishments he achieved. From an early age he challenged himself to soar to heights others could only imagine. He obtained his black belt in Tae Kwan Do while in middle school; and earned the rank of Eagle Scout with Boy Scout Troop 212 in high school. He loved classical music and blared radio station 89.7 in his car like other teens blared rock songs. He performed with the Triangle Youth Philharmonic on viola and studied piano with a goal of mastering all of Bach’s Goldberg Variations. He was most passionate about rock climbing, and became expert through countless hours practicing at Triangle Rock Club. Most weekends for the past few years he travelled to the North Carolina mountains with his rock climbing friends to challenge his skills and be one with nature, which he loved. He scaled Mount Elbert in the Rockies and conquered the Grand Teton summit – all before graduating high school.

All of Eric’s accomplishments pale in comparison to the type of person he was. With strength of character, he was kind, gentle, laid back, well-rounded and driven. His thirst for knowledge inspired him toward a broad range of interests, never settling on the easy route. In high school, he studied Ancient Roman Civilization and Advanced Latin; tutored fellow classmates in math; and researched topics until he was satisfied he understood their true meanings. While at UNC, he held a student position with the Lineberger Cancer Center and was excited this summer to be working as an intern at SAS in Cary.

Eric lived his life to the fullest, savoring each moment with integrity and clarity. A scholar, artist, athlete, and beautiful young man, Eric will be missed by all those whose lives he touched in his short 19 years.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 PM Saturday, July 14, 2012 at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 200 SE Maynard Road, Cary, NC. Memorial service will take place at 9:30 AM Sunday, July 15, 2012 at Triangle Rock Club, 102 Pheasant Wood Court, Morrisville, NC. All who attend are asked to bring a note or photo depicting a memory of what Eric meant to them for the family to collect and treasure. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be directed to WCPE classical radio station online at theclassicalstation.org or by mail at PO Box 897, Wake Forest, NC 27588. A tribute album recorded by Eric's brother is also available, with all proceeds to benefit the American Alpine Club. http://basscausality.bandcamp.com/album/euclid-and-the-pale-blue-dot

In memory of Eric's love for the majesty of nature and how it welcomes all who tread its forests and mountains dressed as they are most comfortable, immediate family will be attired in his favorite "comfortable/business casual" style; please feel free to come similarly dressed in keeping with the setting for the services.

Please visit www.brownwynnecary.com for a full tribute and online guest book.

On Saturday, July 21, 2012 WCPE 89.7 radio station will be broadcasting classical music dedicated to Eric. They will announce four times during the day at 12:30, 1:30, 4:30 and 5:30 PM and will begin playing Bach's Mass in B Minor in Eric's honor at 12:20 PM.

The announcement:

In Memory of

Eric Thomas Metcalf

January 7, 1993 - July 8, 2012

Eric Metcalf died on July 8, 2012, while rock climbing on Moore's Wall at Hanging Rock State Park in Stokes County, NC, at age 19. Eric challenged himself to soar to heights others could only imagine, living his life to the fullest and savoring each moment with integrity and clarity. A scholar, artist, athlete, and beautiful young man, Eric will be missed by all those whose lives he touched in his short 19 years.