Eric John Paul

I was lucky to have my Uncle Eric so close by me as a kid growing up in Victoria. When we were younger we would often go to my grandparents and have barbeques, salmon bakes on the beach, and roast beef dinners with yorkshire puddings. My grandpa would always have his martini, while my dad and uncle quite often would have manhattans. I so wanted to eat the garnish in those drinks as a kid and my uncle was always the one to give me his garnish. As I got old enough to drink he would always make me my own manhattan or martini and he would always remember my favorite part of the garnish.

As a kid he would always set up games and things for my sister and I to do while at my grandparents. He would often set up elaborate treasure hunts that would keep us occupied for a long time. One time my sister and I could not find the treasure and we never had a treasure hunt again. That was who he was, proud of whatever he did even if it was just a treasure hunt and took this seriously that we could not find it. In the summer he would take me out on the windsurfer board, which was one of his many passions. I was too little to hold the windsurfer up, but just to paddle around on the board with him was fun enough. He one time set up oyster shells he put out on the ocean for target practice which would take great precession to have them float perfectly for us. It was definitely always an adventure when we were down there and my uncle was a big part of that.

As I got older Eric and I shared telling stories about travel, movies and life. He always liked to watch movies and would be a strong critic of them. Once he moved down to the camp and my dad and I would visit, he would make my dad and I salmon for dinner and manhattans for drinks. If the weather was nice we would sit outside and enjoy the views and sometimes he let me take his sailboats he made for a spin if I promised not to “blow it and loose it.” Well I almost did one day, so like the treasure hunts my sailing days were done. That is just how my uncle was and that is what was great about him. He was proud of what he did and was not afraid to express that. If the weather wasn’t nice we would eat dinner inside watching hockey or one of his movies he liked on the big tv.

I was fortunate to have spent a lot of time with my Uncle Eric in November when he was in the hospital. A few days before he passed away I had a nice chat with him over the phone and he was in good spirits considering. He was talking to me about how he had a big glass of orange juice and was looking at the water and enjoying the views and the animals that were around him. I am happy he passed away in a place he loved to be, with all his favourite things surrounding him and no longer in pain.

I met Eric in 1980 when I started dating Chris Smith, whose sister was married to Brian. Eric & I remained friends after Chris & I broke up. Eric enjoyed beating me at backgammon & othello & I liked to prune his many house plants when I visited him. He was a great cook & I enjoyed sharing a few dinners with him. Unfortunately, over the last 5 years he & I lost touch, which was my fault. It was a shock to see his obituary in the newspaper. I wish I could have been there for him.

Sorry for your loss.

Cathy

I first met Eric 30 years ago. Our friendship was instant and continued to grow. We always got along well and talked about lots of different subjects. Eric and I had several adventures such as bike riding, nature walks and exploring, gardening and meeting his mom Emma several times. Eric was a big part of our families life. Years of dinners, BBQ’s and pool swimming at our home. He loved our pets Tazmin our cat and our dog Ace. Eric was always at our boys birthdays and baseball games. Many times swimming, snorkeling and movie nights at his Willis Point home. Eric enjoyed his last Christmas dinner with us. Brent, my husband Art and I continued to support Eric in his last few weeks; bringing him home, grocery shopping, medical supplies and any errands he needed. My bond was strong with Eric, I shampooed his hair and held his hand during his last night before his passing. I greatly miss my dear friend Eric. Memories ebb and flow…like the ocean he so loved.

To both Brian and David: My prayers are with you on the loss of your dear brother. May you find comfort with your memories.
God Bless,

I was so saddened to see Eric’s photo when I read through the obits two days ago — thank you for including the picture of him. Eric looks exactly like the much younger man whose company I enjoyed for a few dates in the early 1980’s when he would have been in mid mid- to late- 20’s. Eric was living in the apartments at the corner of Quadra and McKenzie — I lived not too far from Swan Lake myself. I was a single mother at the time and frequently enjoyed walking my son around Swan Lake and that is where I met Eric. He was always so kind and thoughtful when it came to including my son on our few dates. I also remember Eric had a regimen of jogging around Swan Lake daily — and I believe he recorded the times, always trying to improve his speed. He was so funny, and even now I cannot quite remember how it was that we parted company. Eric Paul — such a handsome, funny and thoughtful man; I am so very sorry for your family’s loss.

It’s with great sadness reading about Eric’s passing. I was his neighbor for almost 20years at Ocean Park Manor in Esquimalt. We shared many stories of each others lives and I remember his love of surfing and his many trips to NIT NAT. Eric was a computer wiz and often helped with my naivety having to do with computer problems. I will remember him as a kind and gentle man whom was always there if you needed a helping hand. Eric was a great neighbor and friend and will be missed. My deepest condolences to his family. RIP. my old friend/neighbor I will remember you always with fondness.