Obituary of Erik Bryan Schapiro

Erik Schapiro died on December 16 after struggling for more than three and a half years with brain cancer. He left behind a lively community of family and people who love him, and were inspired by his warmth, generosity of spirit, curiosity, intelligence and wry sense of humor. He was born fifty six years ago in the sprawling suburbs of the San Fernando Valley. Erik's death was premature, after a lifetime of vibrant commitment to his family, his community and to many thousands of people who may never have met him but are now living in homes due to his long professional work in promoting affordable housing. Erik possessed keen political skills of reading and integrating the interests of many stakeholders from different points of view. Most recently, Erik was the Housing Chief for Santa Cruz County where he developed and nurtured partnerships with key players and organizations. His mastery of the arcane matters of law and finance and friendly coercion brought over 1,300 affordable housing units into being throughout the county of Santa Cruz. The latest, an 88- unit apartment complex in Watsonville, was christened the Schapiro Knolls, in his honor in October 2012. Erik graduated from UCSC as an Environmental studies and Politics major in 1980. After graduation he became, for a time, an environmental educator for an inner-city school in Oakland run by the Black Panthers—he was a 'white' panther many, including he, joked. That spirit of engagement led him to San Francisco, where he was an early organizer for the North Of Market Planning Coalition, which organized on behalf of residents in the Tenderloin. He later worked for Supervisor Nancy Walker and was subsequently in charge of homeless policy under Mayor Art Agnos. Erik initiated several programs that continue to this day. In 1985, Erik married Abbey Asher. The wedding took place in the Arboretum in Golden Gate Park. In 1990 Erik and Abbey moved to Santa Cruz. (Neither knew how to surf). Erik worked for Santa Cruz County for 21 years as an analyst in the social service realm and as a housing policy official for the redevelopment and planning departments. He was enthralled by the wheels of motion that propel the political system and, at the same time, Erik had a social justice heart. In addition to partnering in affordable housing opportunities, Erik helped to create a number of supportive programs, including transitional housing for foster youth and advocated strongly for Gemma, a program which supports incarcerated women and men during their transition out of jail. Erik's curiosity drove him to explore many parts of the world, with his family in tow. Together they traveled to Israel, Greece, Peru, Cuba, and Egypt. Erik celebrated his 40th birthday with a two week bike ride along the Oregon coast, joined by a good friend and brother. Back home in Santa Cruz, Erik was known to many people as the guy riding the recumbent bicycle with the red flag along West Cliff Drive. Later, when he was rendered blind by his illness, he enjoyed endless walks along that path. Years earlier Erik had installed a kiln and pottery wheel in his garage, which he returned to during his illness. Without his sight Erik demonstrated an awe-inspiring ability to mold clay and created many playfully decorated plates, cups, bowls, vases and other assorted vessels. Over the past couple of years, Erik expressed his appreciation to friends by gifting them his newly created pottery pieces. Erik led a full life, radiating generosity and warmth to his children, family and community. With his combination of determination, equanimity and fierce family and community support, he survived far longer than the odds suggested. But the odds eventually caught up with Erik. He died too soon. He left behind his wife, Abbey, his son Avi and daughter Shayna, two brothers Mark and Seth, his sister-in-law Lani, cousins Steve and Debra, and a community of friends. Erik received their love and support over an arduous—though not always unhappy—struggle. His attitude was a source of inspiration to all who knew him. A celebration of Erik's life will be held on Sunday, May 31, 2015 at Temple Beth El beginning at 2 pm. In Erik's honor contributions can be made to Gemma at http://www.encompasscs.org/community-recovery-services/gemma