December 19, 1935 - June 22, 2025
In his 90th year, Eric finally ran out of his "9 lives" and died peacefully at home, enveloped by love with his devoted wife, Eleanor, by his side.
Born to Ebba Westergaard and John C Zasburg on December 19, 1935, in Calgary. Eric travelled in his cradle in a boxcar of possessions to a bush farm in Northern Alberta in spring ’36. His idyllic childhood there was shattered when his father went to war in September ’42, and his mother died of TB in March ’43.
Cared for by two maternal aunts for 2 1/2 years, Eric, at age 10, came alone by train to the West Coast in June ’46, where his father, then returned from war, first arranged for Eric to live with a foster family in Hilliers, Vancouver Island; then with him and his newly arrived war bride first in Cedar by the Sea, after in North Wellington. These early experiences of upheaval and abandonment made Eric a homebody, where he kept the fires burning with his finesse at cutting, chopping, and piling wood.
Eric graduated from Nanaimo Secondary School, and there began what became his life’s work - working in land survey, first for BC Hwys Dept., then for private surveyors. He married Carol McIntyre in June ’60 and made a home with her in Yellow Point, relocating to Vancouver to study at UBC for an Arts Degree. Eric first worked on the Sunshine Coast in summer '64 and later divorced, and separated from a second relationship moved to Sechelt permanently in 1972.
In retirement, Eric, a man of quiet presence, became a 25-year volunteer for The Hospice Society, appreciated for his steady warmth. He was always a ready and willing helper, and to all his friends. This man of few words developed into a writer of memoir and short stories that were vivid, moving, and accomplished.
Eric met his enduring Love, Eleanor Mae (nee Thomsen), in mid-life, and they shared 47 years, marrying on April 21, 2008, to celebrate 30 years together. They travelled in their Volkswagen Camper and later their car, making many trips across the Prairies to Manitoba to see family, and around BC and Alberta. They became active in the community, volunteering for the Sunshine Coast Arts Council. There were many good times and celebrations with friends.
Eric will be forever missed by his soulmate, his loving wife, Eleanor. He also leaves to mourn half-sister Pam Bartram (Bob), nephew Wade, and Eleanor’s large and extended family, in particular, sister-in-law Carol Brown (Dale) and their family. Dear friends too, who loved and respected Eric will miss him.
He was a good man, playfully called "Uncle Eric" by some. He will be remembered and treasured by Eleanor with much love and held in the hearts of all who knew him. A Memorial will be held at a later date.
"To live in the hearts of those we love is not to die."
Love All Ways, Love Always
