WNY Man Legally Changes His Name To Darth Vader

He was Eric Welch one day...

....and Darth Vader the next. But, really.

Eric, a retired marine who owns a gym from Canandaigua didn't have great ties to his family name due to him living in and out of foster homes, so he decided he was going to legally change his name at the WNY DMV to Darth Vader last year.According to WIVB:

The “Star Wars” fan says he chose Darth Vader for his new name because the character carries an aura of leadership and toughness.

 

He tests his own toughness by competing in half-marathons and endurance events. He was diagnosed with leukemia in 2002.

He is now raising funds online for a bone marrow transplant.