Eric Andrew Niemann

 Eric Andrew Niemann, a lifelong Mountain Brook resident, passed away on Friday, June 23, 2023, at the age of 58.  Eric will be remembered loyal husband, devoted father, oft-annoying brother, tried and true friend, crazy uncle, lifelong athlete, and loyal Alabama fan. Those who were lucky enough to know him would plainly see that Eric was the embodiment of what has been the Niemann family motto – KeepOn Keepin’ On, or KOKO. Despite a brain tumor diagnosis in 2001, Eric’s optimism, faith, and beaming smile remained steadfast. Once when asked, “Why you?” about his illness, Eric responded, “Why not me?”Eric surpassed every doctor’s prognosis as his passion for life surpassed each obstacle his condition presented. 

Born on April 12, 1965, Eric attended Mountain Brook Elementary and High School, graduating in 1983, where he excelled in athletics, making friends, mischief, and fashion.  He lettered in basketball, baseball, and football playing, together with his older brother Max Niemann (d. September 2022) on several Spartan winning seasons. Voted “Best Dressed” his senior year, Eric’s colorful personality and charisma carried him on to great success at the University of Alabama (Class of 1989). While in Tuscaloosa he “walked on” to the Crimson Tide’s roster as a Wide Receiver for two years, while simultaneously walking into the hearts of so many on campus, most significantly the love of his life, Laura Pittman, whom he married in 1994. 

Upon graduation, Eric worked for Cahaba Cycle and joined the National Off-Road Biking Association, excelling from Beginner to Expert while competing in many races throughout the South.  Joining his father (Dr. Kurt Niemann, M.D., d. 2005) in the medical field, Eric began working for Zimmer Biomet, a leading medical prosthetic company, in Mobile before returning to Birmingham. Eric’s skill and expertise helped to improve the lives of their patients before retiring in 2013.

However, Eric’s most consequential profession began with the birth of his first child, Courtney Ann. Courtney and her siblings Hannah Brooke and Colten Andrew were the centers of his life and the accomplishment of which he was most proud.  Eric was also a “dog dad” to Bodi, Finley, Houston, and others, several of which he trained to hunt and were as loyal and loving as extended family members.

Eric was a natural athlete, which continued well beyond his days in Tuscaloosa. In addition to playing football, Eric was a member of the Alabama Waterski Team. An avid sportsman, Eric loved fishing and hunting. Always looking for a new challenge, Eric took up and quickly mastered bow hunting –believing a shotgun was too much of an advantage for him. Relatives and friends were all beneficiaries of his hunting trips, with venison straps, steaks, chili, and sausages filling their freezers.  Eric never let his illness slow him down, especially when it came to the outdoors.  He loved camping and hiked many challenging sections of the Appalachian Trail. Together with his lifelong friends, Eric recently skied at Snow Mass, hunted doves at Sturdy Oaks, and attended a turkey hunt just last May.

Of everywhere his adventures took him, Eric was happiest when at his family house on Lake Martin, especially when it was filled with family and friends.  During his time in Mobile, Eric became a connoisseur of crawfish which he carried with him upon his return to Birmingham. As a result, crawfish boils became regular events in the Niemann household.

Eric was a faithful man who never once was shaken or felt self-pity despite the enormous challenges he faced. Given Eric’s faith, love of life, and optimism, it is no surprise he was the longest survivor of an MD Anderson clinical trial for brain cancer, which has helped numerous others similarly diagnosed.

In addition to his immediate family, Eric is survived by his two sisters, Susan (Glenn) Viers and Rebecca (David) Forbes, both of Atlanta, together with many nieces and nephews whom he loved deeply. He also leaves scores of friends who will remember Eric's charismatic character and wide smile for years to come. The family wishes to thank the UAB Center for Palliative and Supportive Care and ProHealth Hospice whose care and support in Eric's final days was unsurpassed.

In lieu of flowers, Eric’s family asks that donations be directed to:UAB Center for Palliative and Supportive Care, 1808 7th Avenue South, BDB 420F, Birmingham, AL 35294-0012 (Online giving at: https://www.uab.edu/medicine/palliativecare/support)

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