Eric Charles Liska, father, husband, veterinarian and friend to many, died May 2, 2024, in East Helena, Montana, after a long battle with cancer at the age of 53. He lived a productive and fulfilling life after the initial diagnosis 22 years ago. A celebration of life is planned for Sunday September 1st at the Kleffner Ranch in East Helena, Montana.
Dr. Liska had a 26-year long career as a veterinarian in many different and diverse roles. After graduating from Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1998, Eric sought to practice in the mountains. Through information from a friend, he learned of a veterinary practice in Helena, Montana. After working 2 years at the practice, he and his veterinarian brother Jason, purchased Capital Large Animal Veterinary Service in 2000. In 2002, Eric had a seizure, and it was discovered he had a brain tumor. He was well taken care of in Great Falls, MT and returned to practice in Helena. In 2009, Eric decided upon a new challenge, accepting a position as the State of Montana Department of Livestock Brucellosis Program Veterinarian. His main duties included containing the disease in the greater Yellowstone area. Eric enjoyed engaging with people and the sharing of jokes and stories. He excelled working with area producers, speaking at conferences about the subject and being a contact for other veterinarians throughout the United States about the disease. In 2020, Eric endured another brain surgery, radiation and chemotherapy in Billings, MT. With phenomenal and compassionate care at Billings Clinic, he continued to live and love life. In 2022, Eric was hired by Merck Animal Health as a Cattle Technical Services Manager for the N Central/ NW region of the US. He enjoyed traveling and speaking to producers to help guide them in biological and pharmaceutical choices for their cattle. In the fall of 2023, Eric began having pain in his back and it was discovered that his brain cancer had metastasized to his spine. He continued at Merck until he could no longer work.
Eric Liska was born in 1971 in Wayne, Nebraska to Dr. Ken and Jan Liska. The second child of 3 children, Eric always had humorous stories as the downtrodden middle child. All would agree though, he had wonderful relationships with his brother Jason and sister Kim throughout life. In high school, Eric was an Eagle scout, athlete and played the baritone (or euphonium as he would call it) in the band. He graduated from the University of Nebraska and then attended veterinary school at Kansas State University. His father, two uncles, brother and sister-in-law are veterinarians, and this always provided a sense of pride for the family……and great stories! In 2018, he married Eleana Montoya of Butte, MT. Eric and Eleana made their home in East Helena enjoying their life, careers, family, and friends. Eric is survived by his loving wife Eleana, two lovely daughters Stella and Grayce, Parents Jan and Ken Liska, Brother Jason and Dana Liska, Sister Kim and Chris Loofe, and several wonderful aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He was surrounded by friends, family and the wonderful community of Helena throughout his adult life. Eric devotedly loved and adored his wife Eleana and daughters Stella and Grayce. He enjoyed time with family, pheasant hunting with friends, prime beef and cattle (what a great list!). His wry smile, truthful edgy humor and “no filter” comments and commentary made every day an experience or memory with Eric! If you spent more than a day (or 30 minutes) with him, you most likely have a comment/joke/story you continue to share from your time with him……he always put his true self out there. His time was short, but he made lasting memories with many.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Billings Clinic Foundation, PO Box 31031, Billings MT 59107, in Eric Liska’s memory to benefit the Billings Clinic Cancer Center or The American Brain Tumor Association, as the month of May is Brain Cancer Awareness month…. #GoGreyinMay. What a great time to donate in Eric’s honor!
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Danielle Diamond says
I was incredibly sad to hear of Eric’s passing. I met him at the Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostician course on Plum Island, NY back in 2014. Despite not having talked to him in some time, those two weeks were enough to make a huge impact on me in remember his love of life and quickness to laugh. A “classmate” shared the news. My deepest condolences to his family, friends, community of Helena and the veterinary community at large.
Francie Reed says
Dear Elena’s, I never had the pleasure of really meeting Eric although I may have met him at Vanetta’s funeral, but through this thoughtful obituary he was truly a remarkable young man. I am so sorry for your and your daughters loss. Sending lots of prayers your way. God Bless you and your family.
Francie Reed
Robert Montoya says
Although I didn’t spend much time with Eric, I know how important he was to my baby sister Eleana. I will always cherish the memories I have of him at our family reunion in Idaho. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.