Law School Honors Memory of Eric Tullis
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“I hope you have a really great day!” The words so many at the law school cherished hearing from a beloved friend who worked in custodial services for 23 years. The law school community remembers with fondness and mourns the loss of Eric Wesley Tullis, who passed away on December 15, 2008 from brain cancer. Funeral services were held on December 18, in his hometown of Spring City, Utah. The flag of the United States of America was flown at half-staff in his honor at the BYU administration building.
Tullis was well loved by everyone for his hard work and cheerful nature. He commented to co-workers how he liked to be at the law school, “to keep everyone happy.”
BYU law professor David Dominguez wrote," Eric's smile and daily greeting at the law school always humbled me and set a tone for my day. How I miss him! As soon as I saw him each day, with his cheery hello, I thought, who am I to grumble when God has given us so much reason to rejoice? Thank you, Eric, for your steadfast example of a foundational truth: Christian discipleship begins with a heart filled with overflowing joy and charity or it does not begin at all. "
Tullis’ contagious optimism was felt by the faculty, staff and students.
A third year law student wrote, "Eric always brought such an amazing spirit to the law school. He seemed to always demonstrate a perfect example of the positive attitude and outlook on life that we should all strive to achieve. He will be greatly missed."
Tullis was honored with the BYU's Presidential Appreciation Award (1997), the J. Reuben Clark law school's Student Bar Association President's Award (2005), and the Staff Award from the law school's faculty for exceptional contribution and service to the law school community (2008).
In January of 2008 Tullis took a leave of absence from work for surgery and chemotherapy. At that time, his father, LaMond Tullis, sent a letter to the law school stating, “I thank you, your staff, Eric’s associates, and all those who have worked with him over the years for your immense Christian kindness toward him. He loved his work and all of you immensely. His greatest pleasure was to do his part in making it possible for BYU’s students to learn and excel.”
Eric Tullis’ contributions to the law school are greatly appreciated and his positive words are well missed. As he always parted with, “I hope you have a really great day!” those are the words that are left echoing in our minds. For you Eric, we will; but we’ll miss hearing your greetings in the halls of the law school.
Posted:December 18, 2008
