I first met Eric in 1964, when I was 9 years old. He took my mom and I to the Markham Fair and I had a blast. Eric loved spending time with kids, as my children subsequently found out. Affectionately know as "Grand-E", he was great to them. Eric's impact on my life was huge. Because of Eric, I learned how to sail a boat, swing a golf club, play tennis, and my favourite, how to ski. Many winter weekends as a child were spent with Mom and Eric, whether it was Blue Mountain for a day trip or the Laurentians or even the catskills. He was a patient teacher and excelled at all of these sports. I know he loved my Mom deeply and treated her like a queen. I'm going to miss you Eric, truly, the only consolation being that you and Mom are together again, in a much better place, with nothing holding you back. Rest in Peace.
He was our Uncle Ricky, but we called him Uncle. He was our one and only Uncle. We were blessed to have him in our lives. He and his wife, Aunt Joan, never missed a family occasion. He was so generous with his time and spent many weekends and holidays sailing, swimming, and skiing with Kathy, Kelly, Kristy, and I. We all admired him. He excelled at everything he took on but was humble to the core. Uncle was always impeccably dressed; we remember his hat collection with fondness. He led by example and was kind to all. He was a teacher to his grandnieces Kelsey, Nicole and Erin, grandnephews Dylan, Jon and Kolin, a friend to our Dad, and a wonderful big brother to our Mom. Whether he was sailing, skiing, playing tennis, or golf, Uncle, was an avid nature lover who lived life to its fullest and took every opportunity to teach us what he loved. We will miss him, but we know he is with Aunt Joan and all of our family who has left us before him.
I have known Eric's family for over 40 years and have had the pleasure to meet Eric at many of Kelly and Karen's family weddings, birthdays and other special occasions. Always affectionately referred to as 'Uncle' , he will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.