RIP Eric Queen

[stratasfan]

Just got the news that USMF Moderator and Military Working Dog Heritage Museum volunteer has passed away. He was a fabulous gent and always so helpful anytime you asked him a question. He will be greatly missed! 

 

OBIT:

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/en-ca/obituaries/tigard-or/robert-queen-12416481

 

 

Robert "Eric" Queen November 13, 1964 – June 12, 2025

Born in Long Beach, California, Robert “Eric” Queen passed away on June 12, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of mentorship, scholarship, and service. He is survived by his mother, Karen Queen; his beloved wife, Fusako Queen—with whom he would have celebrated 34 years of marriage this July—and their cherished dog, Sofie.

A lifelong historian, Eric devoted himself to the preservation and study of 20th-century military iconography and memorabilia, particularly from World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. His passion found a unique focus in the history of military working dogs, especially within the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. Beginning as a child collector alongside his father—a Korean War Marine veteran—Eric spent decades researching and preserving artifacts, ultimately contributing to public education through volunteer work with the Military Working Dog Heritage Museum. He was particularly proud to steward the legacy of the 1st Marine Dog Platoon and their handlers, including his friend Homer Finley, Jr. Eric was also the proud author of two books on World War II paratroopers, combining meticulous research with a deep respect for those who served. His advocacy extended beyond the page: he was actively involved in multiple charities supporting service K9s in both military and civilian life.

Eric held an advanced degree in Japanese linguistics, having studied at Chico State, Sophia University (Jochi Daigaku) in Tokyo, Japan, Harvard, and San Francisco State. His love of language reflected his broader passion for connection—he led by example and was widely respected as a generous mentor in both his professional and personal pursuits.

With quiet commitment and no need for recognition, Eric supported others throughout his life—mentoring young people and offering companionship and kindness to the elderly simply because it was the right thing to do.

At home, he and Fusako cultivated a vibrant garden filled with hot peppers and vegetables—fuel for Eric’s adventurous palate and his love of all things spicy. He looked forward to fall each year, when Notre Dame football and 49ers games filled the weekends. And though few knew it, he found peace and expression through painting, a talent he pursued with characteristic humility.

Eric’s life was defined by curiosity, kindness, and a deep sense of purpose. He left the world better than he found it—and all of us who knew him were truly blessed to have him in our lives.

 

[otter42]

Sad news, thanks for letting us know. 

[tdogchristy90]

He was always so nice and had some great content. Definitely a loss for the community.

[Persian Gulf Command]

Rest in Peace Eric Queen!

 

Too many of the most knowledgeable people in our Hobby are passing. It's inevitable but will have a lasting impact on the experience we all wish to share and maintain. 

[Brian Dentino]

Wow, just shocked to hear this sad news.  Eric was a pillar of our collecting community and was always willing to share his items and knowledge to those of us who are "less smart"!  RIP Mr. Queen!

[patchtrader864]

Sad news R.I.P.

[tim novak]

Terribly sad news.  Eric has been a true gentleman in our community.

[Gear Fanatic]

Sad to hear, never got to interact with him, but always enjoyed reading about the stuff he wrote about war dogs and there roles.

[6th.MG.BN]

Sad news indeed. He was a wealth of knowledge and Truley loved all things Marine dogs.

RIP

Ken

[manayunkman]

I just emailed with him fairly recently, this is shocking.
 

My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

[mikie]

I’m sad to hear this. Thank you Eric for your contributions to the hobby and to our dear four legged friends. 
mikie

[devildog34]

That’s horrible I’m so sorry to hear this.  He was always a go to for WWI USMC discussions.  God bless him I’m so sorry to hear this.

[warguy]

This is absolutely shocking. Eric was a true asset to this forum, and I enjoyed many conversations with him related to USMC collectibles. I know he suffered the loss of his father about 6 years ago, who was a true pillar in the Marine Corps collecting community in his own right. I am deeply saddened to hear this news. RIP. 

[aerialbridge]

I was aware that the man loved War Dogs and was an expert in that area.    Any man that loved dogs as he did should have a blessed eternity.     Condolences to his family and friends.  

[Scarecrow]

R.I.P, 

[Ivydiv]

We lost a really good contributor and friend. One of the nicest guys you would ever meet. Will miss him dearly. RIP buddy. Dave

[Rakkasan187]

Very sad to hear this news. Eric was very well known with his work with Military working dogs and he will be greatly missed.

 

Condolences to his family

 

Leigh 

[0bx]

R.I.P.

[KurtA]

I had several interactions with Eric over the years.  All were great.  Very sad to hear this.

[268th C.A.]

Wow! I'm shocked to hear this. We shared a few chats over the years, A great loss to the community. Prayers for his family. RIP Eric. Youll be missed here. 

[Allan H.]

I am so sad to be reading this. I'm just gutted. I did my first deal with Eric's Dad, Bob Queen about 35 years ago. Eric was fairly close in age to me and one of the few "young" collectors that I knew. Eric was always a gentleman, and he never failed to provide me with information/ assistance when I asked for it. Eric's love of dogs and his philanthropic work to support them is notable ad clearly portrays the kind soul that he was. May he rest in peace.

 

Allan

[triplecanopy]

This is tragic news. I am so sad to learn of Eric's passing. He was a good friend and a wealth of knowledge on many subjects. RIP Eric... we will meet one day on the high ground.

[themick]

This is a shock.  I've known Eric since he was a kid through his Dad, Bob Queen, a fellow USMC collector.  We have kept in touch all these years, and we would visit when he still lived in California.  As said above, a very nice and knowledgeable person.  Along with his love of dogs and war dogs, he was also an expert in WWII German paratroopers, and wrote an excellent book on the gear they used:  "Red Shines the Sun".  I will miss him.

 

Steve 

 

[Kurt Barickman]

Oh no! What a great guy and so willing to share and help: excellent expert in so many areas to include Japanese translation. Another great one has left us.

 

 

Kurt

[Edward C Bell]

R.I.P.