Click to view: Funeral Service Live Stream CODE: Cunningham
Erik Kent Ellingsen, 33, of Reston, VA passed away on February 6, 2021 after a two-year battle with cancer.
Erik was born on March 31, 1987 in Concord, NH to Leif and Maureen (McGarry) Ellingsen. He graduated from Winnisquam Regional High School in 2005, where he played varsity soccer and baseball, was an avid drummer, and forged friendships that lasted for the rest of his life. He earned an associate degree in Criminal Justice from New Hampshire Technical Institute and a bachelor’s degree in Justice and Law from American University.
Erik was a leader, protector, and provider in every aspect of his life. These instincts led him to a career in public service. He joined the Transportation Security Agency while still in college, and served rotations on special teams to augment transportation security across the country. At age 26, he achieved his dream of joining the U.S. Secret Service. Stationed primarily at the White House, he traveled nationally and internationally on assignments to ensure the safety of government officials, including President Obama. Most recently, he worked as an analyst for a defense contractor. He was extremely proud of his federal service.
Erik married Danielle Simpson in 2015. In the five years they had together, they enjoyed traveling all over the United States and the Caribbean. He loved being a tour guide for out-of-town friends and family visiting Washington, DC. Though he had lived in the DC metro area since 2007, he frequently returned to New Hampshire, where he enjoyed driving through the White Mountains with his wife and sitting around a fire pit with friends. He was a calm, constant presence in the lives of those around him and he took great pride in taking care of his family and friends.
After his cancer diagnosis in 2019, he vowed not to let cancer control him, and he continued to live his life to the fullest. He continued to work, travel, dream big, and make plans for the future. Though his time was ultimately cut short by this terrible disease, he never thought of himself as a victim, and never allowed those around him to treat him like one.
He was predeceased by his father Leif, and is survived by his wife Danielle, mother Maureen, brother Victor, aunts, uncles, cousins, a large network of friends, and Danielle’s family who loved him as one of their own.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Cunningham Turch Funeral Home in Alexandria, VA on Wednesday, February 17. Viewing will be at 11am with a service at 1pm, which will be viewable via livestream. He will be buried in New Hampshire in the spring. Details for a gathering at that time will be available at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to LUNGevity (www.lungevity.org).
02/17/2021
11:00am - 1:00pm
My sincerest condolences…
Erik was able to grace us with his presence at work this last year.. he was one of the most humble, kind, and dedicated members of our team. He will be greatly missed. Sending your family love and prayers during this difficult time.❤
My good friend and former coworker. All I’ve ever known of Erik was how he carried himself with pride and dignity. His legacy won’t change. May you find enlightenment on your journey my friend.
Peace be with you.
Erik was an amazing young man, son, brother, friend, colleague, and husband. He had an infectious smile and a genuinely warm, friendly, welcoming personality. Maureen and Victor, words can’t express our condolences sufficiently at the loss of your son and brother, respectively. His love for his family was always so apparent. Danielle, I am at a loss for words. It is difficult enough to lose a family member, but even more so when you lose your life partner. We were heartbroken to hear of his passing, not just because of the person he was, but because of the love he had for you. As so many others have said and will say, our lives were made better for knowing Erik and sharing the time we had together. We are saddened while being thankful for Erik being a part of our lives. God bless you and your families. Rest peacefully Erik. Sending our love.
I am grateful to have known Erik and through him, Danielle. Erik was a gem of a human being and a joy to work with. And, he will be deeply missed. To Erik, I promise to write that book. To Danielle, Erik’s family, and all who loved Erik, I am heartbroken for your loss. I wish you all comfort and healing.
Janell
With sincere condolences to the family and wife (Danielle). May God comfort you in this time of sorrow. Words at a time like this is not so easy to express, but know you all are in my prayers and thoughts. Thank you for sharing Eric with the us, he was very extraordinary and a blessing to all.
My Prayers and condolences go out to Danielle and Erik’s family. May the Love of friends and family and the Almighty God we serve comfort you all during this time of sorrow..
Valerie H & Family
Erik was a beautiful soul. I got to talk to him on occasion during family gatherings. I will always remember how he looked you in the eyes. Like your conversation was important. He never looked away. I’m going to miss him. He treated Danielle like a queen. Rest in peace sweet soul. I’m Danielle’s Aunt.
To my dear cousin Danielle, Maureen, Victor, and all of the Ellington and Simpson family who will continue to mourn Erik’s loss and celebrate his life, my sincere sympathy and prayers for your comfort and peace! I love you.
I will always remember Erik as a wonderful member of Team 16 and as a friend with a “wicked” sense of humor. We often spoke of our admiration of Tom Brady and all of his accomplishments and we were so proud of all our home teams! A fellow New Englander – we spoke of home quite often. Erik was always positive, fun, kind, generous and he had such a wonderful outlook on life. He fought his battle with optimism, hope, strength and humor. I will miss Erik – heaven claimed another one of the good guys. I wish Danielle and Erik’s family’s strength and peace during this very sad and difficult time. Rest in peace, Erik.
Erik was a great guy to work with. Calm, cool, and collected. He had such a sweet disposition that made him enjoyable to be around. I will miss him dearly. My condolences to Danielle and his parents. May you be comforted knowing he is now healed and whole. God Bless you all!
It was easy to be friends with Erik. He was so funny, kind, and genuine. It was as if we had known him much longer than the 2 incredibly short years that we did. We are heartbroken for Danielle, his entire family, and his friends. We were so lucky to have known him. Hang on tight to all of those amazing memories. We will never forget him.
Erik, my son #2, go fly high with the angels. So many memories of the 4 Musketeers, Erik, Robbie, Skippy and Jake.
Danielle, Maureen, Victor, and family and friends, may your memories and fun filled times fill the emptiness in your hearts.
I’ll never forget you, son #2. Til we meet again…
Love, Jo Bragg
Danielle,
In the short time I knew Erik I found him to have a sweet gentle spirit. His adoration of you was apparent in how you traveled and did so many things always together. May beautiful memories of him flood your mind and spirit and may this time draw you closer to the love of God and to family and friends.
Love and prayers,
Cousin Evelyn
Our love and prayers are with you Danielle. 😍
Love Cousin Tommy & Family
Erik, you were my best pal in training. We both studied Criminal Justice, worked for TSA, and ended up sitting next to each other when we got hired by USSS. I am so sad to hear of your passing. Your wife, Danielle, is wonderful, and I am so thankful I got the opportunity to meet her years ago. She will make sure that your legacy lives on.
I wanted to send my heartfelt condolences to you all for the loss of Erik. As a recent co-worker, I can tell you he exemplified self control, good judgement, empathy, and calm. He always looked out for everyone and wanted to do what was right, even if it wasn’t the popular thing to do. He will be sorely missed but know that he has had a profoundly positive impact on so many people. He will be remembered by me as someone who was steadfast, humble, and purposeful with his words. I am happy to hear her celebrated life till the very end.
Call him my brother, my friend, my nephew. My heart goes out to his family. Wife, mother, brother and the rest of his family and friends. May he rest in peace. I loved knowing him and I pray that God will bless all who were apart of his life. God’s comfort be with you all.
What a wonderful tribute to Erik! My heartfelt condolences, Maureen and Victor. Cancer is an undiscriminating bastard. Maureen, you and Leif raised two great kids, and I feel privileged to have watched them grow into adulthood. I am so very sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Rest In Peace Erik. My love and heartfelt condolences to the Ellingsens family and the Simpson family.
I was saddened to hear of your loss. Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs. I love you always.