Eric was born in Nelson on April 24, 1923 to Norman and Mary Denny of Willow Point and passed away peacefully at Summerland, BC on January 17, 2017. He married Peggy MacLeod of Proctor on May 4, 1951 celebrating their 65th anniversary during 2016. Eric joined the Air Force immediately on turning 18 in 1941, serving overseas as an airframe mechanic on Lancaster Bombers. After returning at the end of the war he was a self employed logger owning his own sawmill, plus in later years he became well known for danger tree falling. His passion was always prospecting and he took every opportunity to head for the hills, eventually turning it into the only thing he did.
Read MoreA few of his part time jobs were working on wharves and the pile driver on Kootenay and Arrow Lakes plus he was the guide for the Columbia River survey when they periodically measured the glaciers in Kokanee Park. He became a life member of the Chamber of Mines of Eastern BC in recognition of his volunteering, advocating for mining and always helping anyone who was interested. He was an instructor for the prospecting class for several years and often hosted school classes at the chamber. In 1993 he became a life member of the BC & Yukon Chamber of Mines, now AME, and he was recognized by winning the H. H. “Spud” Huestis Award for excellence in prospecting and mineral exploration in British Columbia. Eric wrote a small book called West Arm Echoes, a history of Willow Point based on a series of interviews with all the local old-timers, which became the 1967 Willow Point Centennial project.
Eric was predeceased by his sister Joyce Woods and son-in-law Blair Donaldson and is survived by his wife Peggy, his daughter Heather Donaldson and son Jack (Linda) Denny with grandchildren Murray, Rhonda, Bob and Brandy. He also leaves six great-grandchildren and several other extended family.
The family would like to thank Dr. Krabbe and the Summerland Seniors Village for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to any organization or charity of your choice in Eric’s memory. A memorial service was held February 11, 2017 at the Thompson Funeral home in Nelson.