Green Valley, Arizona resident Erik Lehman, 49, has passed away due to complications from diabetes. Born in Pittsfield, MA, Erik later moved to Clifton Park, NY, attending Shenendehowa School District's Skano Elementary School, where he developed a love of soccer and competitive swimming. He continued to develop those skills in Akron, Ohio, where he played in several youth swimming and soccer leagues. Erik went on to attend Christian Brothers Academy in Albany, NY, where he had many proud moments place-kicking two seasons for the varsity football team. He was chosen as a First Team All Star Kicker by the Albany Times Union newspaper in his junior year, as he had broken many kicking records.

Erik's passion for culinary arts surpassed his passion for football as he went on to earn an associate's degree from the Johnson and Wales Culinary Academy. During his career, he worked in more than two-dozen fine restaurants in upstate New York, Rhode Island and San Antonio, Texas. He preferred to work for small, locally owned specialty operations and had a life long hobby of visiting grocery stores looking for unique regional products. Erik was a devoted cat lover, gardener, San Antonio Spurs and Dallas Cowboys fan. He was a dedicated volunteer with the Green Valley Friends Indeed.