Tattoo Blog

Eric’s parents Sheri and Patrick Leighton have got permanent tattoo of their son face on several places on their body and images, that always reminds them of their son.

Patrick Leighton is the father of an Ottawa teen who died after an explosion at a high school in May 2011.

Eric’s Parents Sheri and Patrick Leighton have decided to inked permanent memories of their son, with them wherever they go.

“It was something I had to do. It was two weeks after Eric had passed. I just found I had to do it,” said Eric’s father Patrick.

Patrick Leighton was not the only one who felt the need to have permanent reminders on his body. Eric’s mother, sister, grandmother and two friends also wanted to get tattoo on their body to remember their son, brother and friend and they have also gotten tattoos.

Eric father Patrick Leighton is considering filling his arm and back with memories of his son’s life. For his mother Sheri, the tattoos are also to remind the world of how Eric died.

Sheri Leighton says her tattoos are to remind the world of her son's life and the tragic way in which he died.

She says “I don’t want people to forget. That’s my biggest thing is people forgetting who he was. To me he’s always here. Everyone will see him.”

The 18-year-old Eric’s was killed by an explosion inside a shop class at Ottawa’s Mother Theresa High School May 26 of this year 2011. The Ministry of Labour launched an investigation but have yet to release its findings.

Tattoo artist Richard Morrissette says commemorative tattoos are common practice. “Happens all the time, most portraits are done because some passed away or someone is sick…”

The Leighton’s say they’re not sure how they are going to get through Christmas this year. It is the first one since Eric’s death. 

With a report from CTV Ottawa’s Joanne Schnurr