Erik Yamane

Erik Yamane passed away peacefully while residing at the University Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center on January 19th, 2024. Erik was born in Monterey Park, California on August 16th, 1974, to Dawn and Keith Yamane. Erik spent most of his life living in California and Illinois with his mother and sister before moving to Des Moines in 2005. Erik came to Candeo in October of 2008 where he participated in supported community living and supported employment services. Erik was able to develop his independent living skills to the point where he was able to live independently with his roommates with minimal supports. Erik was very proud of this accomplishment, and it was hard for him to admit that he needed extra help in the last few years.

Erik was a passionate and caring man. He had unwavering love for those that he allowed to get close to him. Erik spoke highly of those who were providing him care and support while he was receiving SCL supports. Erik was a strong advocate for himself, and his peers and he made sure his needs were met. Erik had a great sense of humor, and he had a unique ability to pick up on the emotions of others. Erik was quick to ask if his friends or staff were doing okay and he would often offer a hug or a high five to help boost their sprits. Erik cherished his time with Amanda-Le-Le, Johnny 5, Randy, Larry, and Zackie.

Erik was also an advocate for people with intellectual disabilities and showed his support by attending the ID Action conference each year. Erik also attended the Day on the Hill event; the NAMI Walks and he participated in fundraising events for the Candeo STARs group. Besides being an advocate, Erik enjoyed spending time with his friends while participating in activities in his community. Erik enjoyed going to Adventureland each year. Erik loved the Iowa State Fair and trying all the strange new foods. Erik was passionate about video games and action movies- specifically movies where Batman, Superman or Spiderman were saving the day. Erik really enjoyed listening to music, traveling, going out to eat and going to the mall to window shop with his friends.

Erik was born with Down Syndrome and worked hard to achieve his personal goals despite the obstacles and hardships that can come with it. Erik found a core group of friends and staff supports that accepted him and encouraged him to thrive. Erik spent the last year of his life fighting to maintain his independence that he cherished greatly. Erik leaves behind a lasting impact on his close friends, support staff, his Candeo Family and those that knew him best.

I’m Free
A Poem by Anna Sie
When tomorrow starts without me,
Please try to understand —
An angel came and called my name.
I took his hand, I turned my back, I left it all —
I could not stay another day
To laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way.
The angel said my place is ready.
If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss
Oh yes these are things that I shall miss.
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life’s been full, I savored much,
Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.
Perhaps my time seemed too brief,
Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
God wanted me now, he set me free.

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