Feb 02, 1930 – June 03, 2009
Loving Husband, Father, and Grandfather. Eric sadly leaves behind his wife of 50 years Nina. Eric also leaves his children Robert (Sue), Chris (Kathy), Jennifer (John), and Karen along with Grandchildren Ryan, Emma, Blake, and Kyle. Eric also leaves four sisters in England, Mary, Doris, Jean, and Margaret and numerous nephews and nieces in England and Australia. Eric was born in Kingston-upon-Hull England and emigrated to Canada in 1957, followed shortly thereafter by his wife Nina. Eric was employed at the BC Telephone Co for 36 years where he met many friends and colleagues. After retirement, Eric pursued his interests that included singing with the Victoria Police Choir, and painting the many watercolour works of art that he became so well known for. Eric was known for his gregarious and warm hearted personality whether exercising at the Oak Bay Rec Centre or having coffee with friends on the Avenue. Special thanks to Dr Ross McKay for his dedication to Eric over the past 6 months of his life. Eric was able to enjoy his last months at home through the love and dedication of his wife Nina, whereby he passed peacefully in the comfort of home.
A celebration of life for all family and friends will be held at the Monterey Centre on Saturday June 13th at 200pm. All are welcome to come and enjoy the memories and works of art that Eric leaves behind. In Lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Cops for Cancer Vancouver Island.
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Todd Vaughan & Jennifer Banner
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Don and Tracy Swainson Chris & family,
My deepest condolences on your loss. I remember Mr. Horsley with great fondness and respect. I hope that you all find comfort during this time together and during the weeks and months ahead. We’ll be thinking of you.
Don Swainson & family
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julian boissier I was shocked to read of Erics passing. I went to school with his sons and played some serious rugby with his son Chris with the Oak Bay Wanderers. Eric was always there on the touchline with words of encouragement and a icepack or a beer or a lift in the car if you needed it or a joke. Chris and the family should be proud of him as he was of them. The rugby community has lost some valuable men lately with the passing of Doug Grey, Tillman Briggs and now Eric. Weird how these things come in threes. Well I just want say how sorry I am for your lost and to stay strong.
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Paul and Lorie Bennett We remember Eric as a fine gentleman and a keen painter and sympathize with your family’s loss.
Back in 1983, we met Eric at a watercolour painting course given by Glenn Matthews. As students, we celebrated the last class at the Snug and, after a couple of beers, decided to stick together as a group.
For a year or two, we painted together, visiting each other’s homes and local beaches.
Eric’s draftsman skills showed in the fine detail of his paintings. He liked to tell us how he couldn’t resist drawing knots on his wooden telephone poles at BC Tel!
We lost track of Eric, but he was often in our minds when son Chris was quoted in the media on some police matter.
Sincerely,
Paul and Lorie Bennett
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Carol and Susan Corke Susan and I would like to let you know that we were saddened to hear of the loss of Eric. We actually were remembering last evening the many times that our families actually spent together.
Having gone through the loss of both of our parents, the journey will seem like a long one but very rewarding with memories.Our thoughts go out to you Nina, family and the many lives that Eric has touched along the way.
Carol and Susan
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Grant & Noreen Butt Please accept our deepest sympathy Nina, we were so sorry to read of your loss. Noreen & Grant
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Angela Wilson (Hicks) Chris and family,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. I spent many a Saturday afternoon on the sidelines of Windsor Park watching Wanderers Rugby games with him, I will look back on that fondly. He was a lovely, warm, and sweet man. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
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brenda davie Nina and Eric’s family we are so sorry to hear that Eric has passed on.We at the Monteray art club will miss him so very much .He was always a wonderful painting companion,such good company and a willing mentor to us all.What a wonderful legacy in all his paintings he has left for future artists to admire and learn from.Our hearts go out to you all.
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Jim Johnson I would like to offer my condolences to Eric’s family and friends on his passing.
Eric, before he sang the Victoria Police Choir was a member of the Victoria Male Voice Choir. I do remember him as warm caring man with a good sense of humor. He will be joining Victoria Male Choir members Ace Beach and Bill Dorby in heaven so those gentlemen will no longer sing a duet.
Jim Johnson
Vice-President Victoria Male Voice Choir
We would like to extend our sincere condolences to Eric’s family.