Star Wars Fan Legally Changes Name to Darth Vader

A New York man went to the Dark Side — by legally changing his name to Darth Vader. Vader, 43 — formerly known as Eric Welch — chose the name because he is a big fan of the sci-fi fantasy series and always gravitated towards the Sith Lord’s character.

He carried an aura of leadership, toughness and didn’t say much to get his point across,” he told the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, adding that he also thought Vader’s crew had better weapons. He grew up in and out of foster care, living in eight different foster homes and attending more than a dozen schools throughout his childhood.

I wanted to do something of my own,” said Vader, from upstate Canandaigua. “I had no strong family ties to my name. I wanted a separation from myself and my past.”

Vader’s adult life hasn’t been easy either — as he has been battling leukemia and a bone marrow disorder for 13 years. As he awaits a bone-marrow transplant, which he has currently crowdsourced more than $15,000 for on GoFundMe, he continues to push himself — competing in marathons and Tough Mudder races.

“I’m built like a football player, but I needed something to challenge myself,” he told the Democrat and Chronicle. “It keeps my mind off doctor’s appointments, of all that I’ve gone through, am going through and will continue to go through.”

When he’s not training for a race or hanging out with his 20-year-old daughter, Vader dresses up as his namesake and goes to community events. Last week, he went to the theaters dressed in a full Darth Vader costume to see “The Force Awakens.”

He said people still seem pretty shocked to see his name when he flashes his ID, but it doesn’t bother him.

“I don’t mind, but ask me in a few years,” he said. “I’m sure it’ll get old.”

Source: New York Post

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