4800 E Indian School Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85018
KAUFMAN, ERIC ALEXANDER “ZEKE”
Eric Alexander “Zeke” Kaufman passed away suddenly, and unexpectedly on January 8, 2023 of natural causes. Eric is immediately survived by his son Zak, his daughter Zoey, parents Fred and Susan Kaufman, his brother David, nephew Davis, along with his former wife Vanessa Kaufman.
Eric was born in Riverside, California to Fred and Susan Kaufman on December 31, 1965. Fred and Susan later moved to Arizona in 1970 with Eric, and his younger brother David. The Kaufman’s built a family in Phoenix and their home was always a central meeting place for a parade of family and friends over the years. Eric attended Madison Rose Lane Prep Academy & Madison #1 Grade School and graduated from Camelback High School in Phoenix in 1984. He then attended Arizona State University, where he was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity. Eric had a wealth of friends at ASU, many of which were very close to him throughout his entire life. After graduating ASU with a BA in History in 1988, Eric worked with his family’s construction company, doing development projects for commercial clients across the Valley for over 20 years.
Eric married Vanesa in 1997, and together they settled in Phoenix, and later relocated to Boulder, Colorado. Eric’s children were his biggest priority and greatest joy. Zachary and Zoey were the love of Eric’s life and his greatest accomplishment. He will always be remembered as a proud, dedicated, and loving father, who doted over his two children. He particularly loved following and being involved in his daughter Zoey’s passion for theater and dance – working with Zack on his music and just spending time together at the gym or Jiu-Jitsu academy. Zoey and Zach will each miss their father’s big bear-hugs.
Recently, Eric was an early pioneer along with his family in the Arizona medical cannabis industry. Eric was instrumental in helping to bring one of the very first Medical Cannabis Dispensaries to Arizona in 2012. Eric had a tremendous sense of pride that Swell Farmacy was one of the first locations to service cancer patients struggling with chemotherapy, and children suffering with epilepsy. After Swell, Eric Co-Founded a Cannabis Distribution company with two of his life-long friends, Jack McDade and Brad Ottomeyer. Subsequently, Flow Distribution has grown into one of the largest full-service cannabis wholesale companies in Arizona. Eric looked forward to working with all his dedicated “Flow Family” members every day.
Beyond his family, Eric’s passion was anything fitness related. As a young boy, Eric excelled at all team sports, especially football. Eric loved hiking and yoga and achieved black belts in both Tai Kwon Do and Brazilian Jiujitsi. If Eric was going to do something, he went after it with complete dedication and commitment. He was also known from time to time to get great joy beating his good buddies on the golf course for a few bucks. If Eric wasn’t at work, odds are, you would find him at the gym, or climbing Camelback or Piestewa Peak.
In honor of Eric, there will be a Celebration of Life at Mountain Shadows Resort, 5445 E. Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley on Thursday, February 2, 2023 from 3:30PM-7:00PM. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided. Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com
Eric was an inspiration and leader. His strength and passion will always keep his memory alive within us. For those that knew and love him,, there won’t be a replacement for this “badass”, ever. He will be missed beyond words. May his courage become ours, and carry us through this difficult time. Blessings to his family and dearest of friends.
Zannis
Devastating news. Eric will be missed by so many people. With all our love and deepest condolence, we’re sending you the biggest hugs of love and support.
So much love, laughter and inventive wit enjoyed by being a guest in the Kaufman’s home. At the time they were the fabulous four with their parrot Margaret, always making Fred feel special with a whistle of a crush.
Many years have past. Eric will live through the essence of the integral link he was in his families chain, and his accomplished children he enjoyed with Vanessa.
I don’t believe in closure. We wake up move forward, and make the best day for those we love who live.
My best to the “Special K’s”
Penny
Eric was an idol to many, including me. In my eyes, he was “the baddest man on the planet.” God bless his children and his entire family.
Heavy-hearted loss for sure! Great guy & family with a lot of fun childhood memories over the years!
An unbelievable passion to confront life on all its levels, and a beacon of strength, Eric was an all-around man, a man who enjoyed all seasons of life, and faced all seasons of life, with optimism and strength.
Eric enjoyed so many things like reading music, exercise, martial arts, and really getting a know good people.
A truly authentic soul,Eric will be sorely missed by people who spent time with him and enjoyed his company too soon to leave for.such a special person. These words are so inadequate no words can describe Eric..
Eric was always authentic and always giving of his time and someone everyone admired.. Definitely a one of kind mans man!.. rest in peace my friend.. Ill miss you..
What a Human; go do your thing at the next stop Brother.
I’ll miss you and all you had.
We were so very to hear of Eric’s passing our hearts go out to you and all your family . We will never forget all of the love and support your family showed us when our Tim passed away.
Our deepest sympathy and love to you all!
Vic & Marcy Satran