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November 21, 2021
It is with great sadness that we announce Eric's death on Nov 21, 2021 at the age of 88 after a brief illness. Eric was born in Madras, India to parents Marcelle Simone Carpazza and Arthur van der Holt. Eric attended the Lovedale Lawrence Memorial Military School and then Bishop Cottons Boys School in Bangalore, where the family lived. After Independence in 1947, Eric moved to England where he attended Poole Grammar School and was active in the Sea Scouts. After graduating, Eric jointed the RAF as a signaler and was posted to Germany. He sailed to Canada in 1956 and was immediately hired by Air Canada as a Station Agent. He was promoted to a Flight Operations Officer, Flight Dispatch and worked for Air Canada for over 33 years, notably creating the correct flight plan for the Gimli Glider. In 1987 Eric married Joan Lang. The couple moved to Courtenay after he retired, and they travelled the world, including Japan, India and Europe. Eric enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles and music, and he was an accomplished organist as well as a lifelong Mason. Eric is survived by his wife Joan, sister Aubrey, sons Giles and Jason, and son Jeffrey (who predeceased him), as well as his step-daughters Michelle and Mary-Ellen. There will be a celebration of his life by invitation in early 2022. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Diabetes Canada.

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