Throughout his life Eric placed his family and the community at the core of everything he did. He spent his formative years in Whitchurch, where he was a integral member of Whitchurch Rugby Club (as a player, Treasurer, Bar Chairman, and Committee member for the new club house), as well as the Round Table (again as Chairman) and the Amateur Dramatic Society.

After meeting his beloved wife Judi in 1975, they moved to Clive where their children Joanne, Simon and Sally came along. After a short stint in Catherine-de-Barnes, they moved to Dunton Bassett in Leicestershire in 1987. Their son Andrew soon followed, and Eric once more got fully involved in the community; from being Akela for Leire & Dunton Cub group for two and half decades, where his campfire songs (and burnt sausages, and snoring) were legendary across the county, to being Parish Councillor Chairman, and not forgetting his bell ringing, which first started back in 1962.

Once his children had grown up and moved out, Judi and Eric moved back home to Shropshire, settling back in Hadnall in 2014. Once more he threw himself into the local community, acting as Treasurer for both Hadnall Bowls Club and the local church, in his favoured role as Timekeeper for Shrewsbury ParkRun, where he was awarded Volunteer of the Year and has volunteered 197 times, and also as a Volunteer Lock Keeper on the Grindley Brook Canal. His time on the locks was an opportunity for him to further his reputation of wearing shorts no matter the weather, no matter the season.

In recent years Judi and Eric have been enjoying their retirement and have been travelling the world; from Australia to Peru, Antartica to Zimbabwe, they had visited all 7 continents and loved their freedom without kids and pets! Closer to home they were completely besotted with their grandchildren, and were immensely proud of how strong a family they had created together. His sudden passing was unexpected given his good health and still high activity level, and he will be much missed and remembered.

We would love to collect some stories and photos from all who knew him, so please do visit the "Tribute" below and add your own memories.

As described above, Eric was very active in the community and was involved with many different organisations. As such, if you would like to make a donation we will be splitting the contributions between Hadnall Bowling Club and Grindley Brook Canal & River Trust. Please use the Contact form link on the left to get in touch with his family.