Pelsue

(Andree here) As in the one, the only Dave Pelsue, E's oft coworker and constant friend from the world of SoCal shoe design. I promised you I'd post it man, and it's good. Here you all go.

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Beyond my reflex upon hearing the news of his passing, I wanted to share something deeper, to express in some small way, what Erik meant to me. I’m still at a loss for words as he’s been on my mind even more now that he’s gone.

I’ll never forget his introduction after I started at LA Gear almost 17 years ago. As I watched all these strangers stroll in for a big meeting in the main conference room, my head in my hands, elbows on the table… this huge rebel Jeremiah Johnson of a guy with cool glasses, beard and pony tail thrusts out his hand with a smile… “Hello! I’m Erik, you must be one of the new designers we hired” following a brief intro reply, he leans forward and whispers “ You know, I’d watch those elbows, you never know who’s ASS has been there!”

That was the first of many to come over the next 4.5 years there, most spent working directly with him. At one point he was also my boss though that title doesn’t do the business end of the relationship justice. I never worked harder nor did I feel more rewarded. At work or play he was always an awesome friend. Like the multitude of others that caught his sharp wit, deep understanding and insightfulness, I will be forever grateful of the times we shared, sweating, and playing… He was a younger man than I but full of wisdom seemingly far beyond his years. He wasn’t bashful in his optimism with regard to any challenge or obstacle. That’s just one of many gifts be bestowed upon me… He was my mentor to footwear and I do my best to give unto other new designers as he gave to me. E was taken way too soon, but with eternity being a much longer episode than mortal life on Earth, can we really be surprised the team on the other side punched his clock???

Forever yours Erik, signed Blister Gelcoat