Eric was born on Father’s Day, June 15^th, 1969 at Kaiser Hospital in Bellflower – Los Angeles, California. He began his life and spent his first 8 years in the City of Orange with his father – Dave, his mother – Colleen and his older sister – Michelle, until in 1977 he moved with his Dad to Reno, Nevada.

A kid growing up fast and splitting his time between Southern California and Northern Nevada, he found his passions very early in life.  Eric possessed more style and talent in one hand then many will ever know in a lifetime. He loved good music, old cars, vintage collectibles and most of all tattoos.  At 16 he learned the basics of tattooing. Eric would later go on to become a world famous leader in the tattoo industry.

Around 1988 Eric moved back to his original hope in Orange.  He loved Old Town Orange and spent the remainder of his life there tattooing and collecting: extensive 50’s antiques, old cars and massive amounts of music to include everything from old country to doo-wop, swing, big band, rock-a-billy, psychobilly and punk rock.

Eric spent many years tattooing out of Classic Tattoo in Downtown Fullerton and later went on to buy the shop.  He traveled extensively throughout the world, working alongside some of the very best tattoo artists of all time. In the end, loyal as ever, Eric was true.  He loved his family and he loved his friends.

Eric Maaske died at age 35 in his home in Santa Ana. He is survived by his father – David Vaughan Maaske, his mother – Colleen Francine Maaske, his sister – Michelle Renee Maaske, his aunt – Mimi McMahon, his uncles – Anthony Fury and Jim Maaske, as well as by us all – his many, many friends, and by his work – listing thousands of tattoos all around the world. Eric will be remembered, honored, loved and respected forever. His influence over us and kind spirit will never be forgotten.

Gallery - Eric's Tattoos