of 82.
Cherished husband and life partner of Joan Hooper, loving and dedicated father of Mandy and Kurt, patient and wise stepfather to Heather, Brian, Alan, Gordon and David, thoughtful and good-natured grandfather to Wesley, Maxwell, Samuel and Katia. Eric was important and actively involved in the lives of Joan’s many grand children and great grand children. All of us were enriched and inspired because of
his presence in our lives.
Eric was born in Glatz, Deutschland February 28, 1937. He immigrated to Canada with his family from Germany in 1953. Since then he has lived in Oak Ridges and has been a dedicated member of the community. That doesn’t mean he spent all his time there. Eric was a work to live, not a live to work kind of man. His needs were not material. His love for adventure and the outdoors took him all over North America, from Alaska to the Bahamas, and to a great deal of Eastern Europe. He loved camping
and fishing, snowmobiling and exploring – sometimes on foot, sometimes by car (and he had many of them!) sometimes by canoe, sometimes by float plane. Eric and his accordion were always on the go. His music drew people in, and his stories kept them near. Anyone who met him found him wise, entertaining, fascinating, and unforgettable. His friendship was true, and his time was well spent.
To say Eric was dedicated is an understatement. He traveled to British Columbia 19 years in a row to ensure he was an active a part of his children’s and grandchildren’s lives. In 1989 he was awarded a Lions Club Life Membership in recognition for his outstanding service. In 1991 Florida’s State Parks presented him with a certificate in grateful appreciation for his generous contribution of many decades as a volunteer. In September 2014 he was presented with a 50 Year Milestone Chevron Award for his accomplishments and dedication to the Lions Clubs International. In April 2019 he was honoured with a 60-year membership certificate in appreciation for his long-term contribution to The United Association, Local 46. Even in his senior years, he hosted darts nights for the fellows in his neighbourhood for many years. Eric was a man you could count on.
Please plan to join us at Eric and Joan’s home after the service, to share memories and stories, and for
lunch and refreshments. Any photos you can bring would be greatly appreciated as his daughter is
compiling a book to commemorate his life.
In lieu of flowers, donations would be deeply appreciated to the Oak Ridges Chapter of the Lions Club in
Eric’s honour, continuing his more than half century of dedication to community support, enrichment
and involvement. They can be contacted at http://www.oakridgeslions.com/ContactUs.cfm or by phone
at (905) 773-0090.
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