Erik Douglas Perry

Erik Douglas Perry, 48, of Lakewood, Colorado, passed away on March 14, 2026. He was born on May 10, 1977, in Charleston, West Virginia.

Erik graduated from Bishop Hartley High School in Columbus, Ohio, and proudly served his country in the United States Navy for nine years as a Naval Air Crewman and Aviation Machinist’s Mate Third Class. After his military service, he continued his education, earning an Associate of Arts degree from Arapahoe Community College and later a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.

Music was a central part of Erik’s life and a constant source of connection and expression. A talented drummer, he played in several bands over the years and loved nothing more than jamming with friends, always searching for the sound. He was an avid audiophile, passionate about collecting vinyl records, stereo equipment, and other vintage treasures he discovered while thrifting.

Erik had an immense and almost unbelievable knowledge of music, spanning decades of artists, genres, and musical history. He always had the perfect song lyric at the ready, weaving it naturally into every conversation. He shared a similar love for movies, delivering perfectly timed one-liners from ’80s or classic cheesy films that became cherished inside jokes with family and close friends.

Erik also loved cars and motorcycles and could often be found working on or “tricking out” his various projects. He never met a BMW he didn’t love.

A true free spirit and old soul, Erik loved deeply and lived authentically. He was incredibly smart, funny, genuine, and kind—always the life of the party, he was a dear friend to many, with a rare gift for connecting with people.

Erik is survived by his mother, Jan Altevogt, and stepfather, Carl Altevogt; his father, Gary Perry, and stepmother, Norma Perry; his sister, Kirsten (Perry) Suazo, and her husband, Jason, along with their children, Ella, Sage, and Quinn. He is also survived by his stepbrother, Tim Altevogt, and his children, Caitlin, Maddie, Sydney, and Charlie; stepbrother, Matt Altevogt, and his husband, Jeff Grossaint; stepsister, Katie Altevogt, her husband, Matt Niehaus, and their daughter, Piper, as well as her daughter, Ashley; and his loyal sidekick, Pilot.

He is also survived by his aunt, Karen Martin, and cousins, Robbie, Cheryl, and Jill; his aunt, Susan Webb, and uncle, Don Webb, and cousin, Deron. He was preceded in death by his cousin, Kelly Clement (Webb), and his grandparents, Jack and Mary Perry and Robert and Charlotte Barber.

Memorial honors will be held at Fort Logan National Cemetery on Tuesday, March 24, at 2:00 p.m. The procession will form at 1:45 p.m. at staging area Red.

Erik’s spirit lives on in the music he loved and the laughter he shared. Those who knew him well will remember a man always chasing the perfect groove and the joy he found in sharing it with others. His family will especially remember his humor and his generous heart, and they are comforted in knowing he is now at peace and flying free. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Please share memories and condolences with Erik’s family by signing the guestbook.