Eric passed at 95 years of age on July 21st. He is survived by his loving wife of 71 years – Connie; children Pauline (Fred) Nelson, Jacquie (Bruce) Henning, Linda (Ron) Gaudet and Allan (Bianca) West. He is also survived by his brother Alan and sister Pamela Graham, both in England; six grandchildren – Michael (Diana) McTaggart, Michele (Scott) Krompocker, Corrie Henning, Jeff (Patricia) Nelson, Stephen (Mandy) Nelson, Jordan and Aimee West.
Eric is also survived by nine great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by brothers Ronald, Victor and Dennis.
Eric was born in Hampstead Heath, England but at the outbreak of WW2 his family was moved to Southport, Lancashire. It was there that he apprenticed as a butcher and met his wife-to-be Connie Bates.
Eric served in the RAF in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur before returning to England to marry Connie.
In 1953 he emigrated to Canada, at the urging of his brother Dennis. Three days after his arrival in Edmonton, he was hired by Woodward’s and remained with the company for 33 years.
In 1954 Connie and their two young daughters joined him. Linda and Al were soon added to the family.
Eric and Connie lived in Edmonton until 1974, when Eric transferred to Woodward’s in Vancouver. Eventually Eric and Connie moved to a golf community – Arbutus Ridge, on Vancouver Island where they both golfed for many years.
He came out of retirement to work at Thrifty’s Head Office for six years and later moved to Victoria to be closer to family.
Eric had a strong work ethic which he passed on to his children. His family was his focus and priority.
He spent many hours gardening at his friends – Pat Fafard and Lynn Appleby’s house. He was known for leaving the vegetable plot cleaner than when he arrived! Not a speck of dirt on him.
Eric and Connie enjoyed many wonderful trips including a family reunion in 2009 when Eric was reunited with all his siblings for the first time since 1939 at a family reunion in Perth, Scotland. Eric will be deeply missed by his family and many friends.
Our sincere thanks to Dr. Houghton and the staff on 4S at Vic General Hospital for their compassionate care during Eric’s final illness.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Vancouver Island Cancer Foundation.
https://donate.bccancerfoundation.com/site/Donation2?df_id=8204&mfc_pref=T&8204.donation=form1
Eric and his family took part in the Run for the Cure for many years.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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