Sykesville resident Leif Erik Foerter, 35, died in a car accident on Saturday, Sept. 22 in Sykesville. 

Erik grew up in Charles County, MD where he lived for 27 years before moving to Sykesville. He had a strong work ethic and “can do” spirit that he brought to every aspect of his life. Erik loved his family and his adopted children Devin and Sophia.

He was passionate about everything he touched whether it was machines, projects, or people. Erik was happiest when he was helping others. His infectious laugh and big smile would light up the room.

"His father and I, as well as his four sisters miss him so much," Deborah Foerter, Erik's mom, told Patch. "There is a hole in our hearts that can only be filled by him, he was a kind and generous man who was always there when family and friends needed him."

Son of the living Daniel James Foerter and the living Deborah Simmons Foerter of Waldorf, MD. Predeceased by his grandparents Donald and Rena Simmons Survived by his parents; one son Devin Collins of Sykesville; one daughter Sophia Collins of Sykesville; grandparents Adele and Conrad Foerter of Edgewater, MD; four sisters Michele F. (Jeff) Derogatis of Kensington, MD, Katie (Chris) Dunn of Gaithersburg, MD, Lacey (Shane) Moulton of Catonsville, MD, and Carrie Foerter of Annapolis, MD; and three nephews Max Derogatis, Conner Derogatis, and Charly Dunn.

A gathering will take place Friday, Sept. 28 from 2 p.m. until Funeral Service at 3 p.m. at Raymond Funeral Chapel, 5635 Washington Avenue, La Plata, MD 20646. The interment will be private.

Memorial contributions may be made to Devin & Sophia Collins Fund, 5268G Nicholson Lane, PO Box 101, Kensington, MD 20895.

Obituary taken from the Raymond Funeral Service website. 

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