Eric David Bottman, 63, was a beloved man who touched the hearts of many. He was born Sept. 3, 1960, in Everett, Wash., and was one of the cherished sons of Roger John Bottman and Sari (Shrader) Ott. Eric’s life was cut short when he was diagnosed with cancer just nine months before his passing Dec. 29, 2023. He passed peacefully at the family home in Mullan, Idaho, surrounded by his loved ones. Despite his illness, Eric remained positive and inspired those around him with his kindness and love.
Eric was a high school football player and graduated from Medowdale High School in 1978. He married Donna (Thola) Bottman on July 27, 1991, in Kenmore, Wash. They had a daughter named Megan Jean Bottman (deceased) and two sons, David Roger (Ruth) Bottman of Mullan, Idaho, and Matthew David Bottman at the family home in Mullan.
Eric loved spending time at Meadowdale Beach and exploring the surrounding woods growing up in Washington state. He was fond of any beach with sun, warmth and tanning. He enjoyed a few beach trips with his wife, Donna, recently. After moving to Mullan in 2002, Eric enjoyed taking day trips in the hills with his wife and spending time at Shoshone Park in Mullan playing on his phone and calling/texting his family and friends.
Eric cherished his family and always made time for his hobbies, such as playing the March of Empires game on his phone with his son, Matthew, and a few close friends from Washington. Eric and Matthew often shared a good laugh, whether they were at home or on trips to and from work in their side-by-side or Subaru. Eric even helped Matthew set up his new bed in his bedroom recently.
Eric worked as a grocer most of his life and worked at the Galena Mine in Wallace, Idaho. He excelled in both fields thanks to his strong work ethic and determination. He was also known for his flare for cooking meat on barbecues for family and friend get-togethers. He also enjoyed spending time with his oldest son, David, and his wife, Ruth. They shared a love for cars, coffee and meat cutting. Eric was very proud of David and his businesses, a coffee shop and car detailing service in Mullan. Eric also enjoyed teaching David how to cut and wrap meat in the meat department at Harvest Foods in Wallace. They even had mini-Bible studies to strengthen their faith and relationships with God, family and friends.
Eric and his family went on several trips together, including a memorable visit to Disneyland and Las Vegas to celebrate Megan's graduation from high school. The Bottman family also traveled to Mazatlán, Mexico, as a graduation gift for David and Matthew. During their time there, they enjoyed spending time together on the beach, savoring delicious seafood, exploring the area and buying souvenirs. They learned a valuable lesson on the trip — to bring water and snacks if they ever planned on walking up many steps to a lighthouse in the beating Mazatlán sun on top of a hill.
Eric will always be remembered for his kind heart, positive attitude toward life, infectious smile and unwavering love for his family and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Donna (Thola) Bottman, and sons David (Ruth) Bottman and Matthew Bottman. Brothers Ken (Jackie) Bottman of Mountlake Terrace, Wash., and Craig (Cindy) Bottman of Duvall, Wash.; sisters Kimberly Lampard of Arlington, Wash.; and Danielle Ott of Marysville, Wash. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Megan Bottman, father Roger Bottman, mother Sari (Shrader) Ott, stepmother Barbara (Beyers) Bottman, brother Mitchel Bottman, and grandmother Helen Bottman.
A celebration of life will be held in Eric’s honor at the Morning Club, 117 Hunter St. in Mullan, Idaho, on May 18, at 11 a.m. (Prayer Service). At Eric’s request, he would like bright colors to be worn and a fun beach theme in his honor. Eric wanted his family and friends to gather and tell stories, memories and happy times about him while enjoying lunch and drinks together. Although he may be gone, Eric would want all to remember his spirit will live on forever. Rest in peace, Eric David Bottman. Love you forever more.
Memories of Eric and messages of condolence may be shared with his family online at shoshonefuneralservices.com.
Shoshone Funeral Services, Kellogg, is assisting the Bottman family with arrangements.
