Eric Steven Cenovich
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Eric Steven Cenovich
“Suddenly, I’m not half the man I used to be. There’s a shadow hanging over me. Oh, yesterday came suddenly.” Lennon-McCartney
Eric Steven Cenovich, of Olathe, Kansas, formerly of Overland Park and affectionately known as “Dave” cast aside the shadow of cancer peacefully in his sleep at his home on June 4, 2020 with his family at his side. Eric was born in Omaha, Nebraska on June 9, 1952 to Steven and Lorraine (Jensen) Cenovich.
Eric graduated from Purdue University with the degree of Bachelor of Science in Land Surveying (1974) and the degree of Master of Science in Photogrammetric Engineering (1975). Both degrees from the School of Civil Engineering. Upon graduation with his Master’s degree, Eric returned to Kansas City to work for a firm named Western Air Maps, Inc., a leading technical mapping company in the Midwest. In just a few short years, Eric was the Vice-President of Operations for the company. In 2008, Western Air Maps was acquired by the Wilson Company; and Eric made a comfortable transition as a Principal and remained working for the company for twelve years. During his 45-year career, he acquired land surveying licenses in eight states, numerous certifications including Certified Federal Surveyor awarded by the United States Department of Interior.
Eric was, by all accounts, an aficionado of The Beatles and their music. In addition, he loved college sports. His teams were the Nebraska Cornhuskers and the Purdue Boilermakers. He followed the football season of “The Big Red” and the basketball season of his beloved Boilermakers. He played and enjoyed the game of golf, often playing in the many cities he traveled to and introducing his son-in-laws to many Kansas City courses. He enjoyed Saturday afternoon soccer games or basketball games watching his grandsons. Just being with his girls and family made Eric the happiest.
Eric was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Burma (Baumann) of 46 years, his daughter Abbey Mattson (Nathan), his daughter Marin Bartow…both of Olathe, Kansas. Eric is also survived by four precious grandchildren…Harrison Mattson, 10; Julian Mattson, 8; Jackson Bartow, 5 and Karsyn Bartow, 2. In addition, he will be greatly missed by his two brother-in-laws…Jan Baumann (Cary) and Frank Baumann and nephew James Baumann and family, countless colleagues and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to either Lyles School of Civil Engineering, giving.Purdue.edu/InMemoryOfEricCenovich, or New Horizon Ranch, newhorizonranch.org/donate or may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, Kansas 66044.
A Celebration of Life and lunch reception is being planned for early Fall.
Burma, I was so sorry to hear of Eric’s passing. Seems like it was just yesterday I’d see him working in his office with the girls playing on the floor at WAM. Sorry for your loss, Eric will be greatly missed.
Val Hill
Deepest sympathies, Burma. Eric was always the kindest and most caring. Bless you and the family.
Eric was a kind and generous man, I am very sorry for your loss. My prayers go out to you and your loved ones.
So sorry to hear of Eric’s passing. He was a dear friend and fellow Cornhuskers fan. He loved his family and talked of them all the time. God bless you.