Eric Close

In the Summer of 1994 I traded in my plane ticket for a bed on the Amtrak Coast Starlight and began my 24 hour journey from Los Angeles to Central Oregon. I was on my way to Bend where I would be acting in a new television series for the ABC network called “MCKENNA”. Unfortunately, the TV series only lasted 6 months but it was a huge boost to my career and an even larger part of God’s overall plan for my life. During that short season I got engaged to the love of my life Keri, met and began a lifelong friendship with Kim and Troy Meeder and was there for the birth of Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch. Even though I had to move back to Los Angeles, a piece of my heart stayed in Bend where Keri and I hoped our family could live someday. Despite the miles between us, Keri and I, along with our two daughters Katie and Ella, continued to visit Kim and Troy over the years and were fortunate to witness CPYR’s growth into a vibrant, life changing, Christ centered ministry. In 2003 Troy invited me to join CPYR’S Board of Directors which has been one of the great blessings in my life. Then in August of 2017 our family moved to Bend and Keri joined the CPYR Refuge Worship Team.

What you most enjoy about what you get to do at the ranch?
What I’ve most enjoyed about serving on the board of CPYR has been the incredible friendships that I’ve made. I consider my fellow board members and their spouses some of my closest friends and family in Christ. It’s also been a privilege to support Kim and Troy’s vision and dreams for the ministry, to witness God’s hand in it all and to see Him glorified.

What do I love about Central Oregon?
It is one of the most beautiful places in the world. I was raised in a family that loves spending time outside in nature, exploring God’s creation and engaging in myriad outdoor activities. So as an avid outdoorsman Central Oregon is the place for me. I’m so grateful that our family calls Bend, Oregon home.

What is my favorite coffee drink?
I prefer straight up black coffee but thanks to Troy my new favorite coffee is a large iced Annihilator from Dutch Bros Coffee.

An interesting fact about me?
I am half Hungarian. My mom and my grandparents escaped Hungary in 1956 during the Hungarian revolution. I’ve heard many incredible and harrowing stories about their life prior to and during their eventual escape. I also spent a semester of college in Madrid, Spain.

What is something that you are passionate about doing outside of Crystal Peaks?
I am passionate about my career. For more than 30 years I have been working as both an actor and a director. Being a storyteller at heart and getting to do that for a living has been a blessing. In my line of work, everyday is different from the last, with a new story, a new scene, a new location, a new group of individuals. I love collaborating with a creative team of people, solving problems together, watching great performances and seeing stories come to life. I also see everyday that I’m on set as an opportunity to share Jesus with someone.