Born in Anyox, British Columbia, on August 16, 1932, Eric was the son of John and Grace Bodin. His childhood included time in Reno, a mining settlement, followed by Nelson, before settling in Kimberley at the age of 10. Kimberley became the place he cherished and proudly called home for the rest of his life. While he was born John Erick Bodin, names never mattered much to him. Whether you called him Eric, Ike, Pa, Uncle, or Dad, what mattered was that you were connected, that you visited, worked alongside him, played with him, or simply picked up the phone. His enthusiasm for life was unmistakable, but even greater was his love for people.

A gifted athlete, Eric first found his stride on the baseball diamond, but his athletic abilities and love of sport extended far beyond baseball. He was a Western Canadian badminton and Canadian junior cross-country ski champion, long before skinny skis were a thing. He ran races and relays, race-walked, played tennis, and embraced movement as a way of life. Competition mattered to him not just for the result, but for the camaraderie, shared effort, and mutual respect that came with it.

While sport and play were important, he took great pride in his career with Cominco (now Teck); however, it was his athletic abilities that got him noticed on the pitcher’s mound, and when applying for work, his athleticism created opportunity. He interviewed with a baseball-loving Cominco superintendent who remembered “the kid on the mound,” opening the door to what became a deeply fulfilling 35-year career. Beginning as an apprentice, he gained the education, skills, and knowledge to become an instrument technician and he retired as the Manager of the Instrument Shop. He was known for his skill, work ethic, and steady mentorship, but also for fun, and the shop was far more than a workplace — it was a second home. His shop “guys” shared laughter through pranks, stories, award-winning funny sketches, and silly trophies. You were all lifelong friends, your bonds sustained him for decades, and our family is profoundly grateful. Even in retirement, Eric lived by his motto of work hard, play hard, taking on pulp mill shutdowns with friends and forming new, meaningful relationships. A special thank you to Dennis MacDonald for being that special friend who was with Dad on his last day.

Just as important as playing was giving back. When Eric wasn’t competing, he was coaching, or maintaining, and improving the spaces where others could play. He believed fields, courts, ski trails, and clubs should be inclusive, accessible, and always left better than you found them. Over the years, Eric cleared and groomed cross-country ski trails, installed lights for night skiing, cleaned tennis courts, constructed buildings, and planned and worked on grants that supported countless community organizations. Service was simply part of who he was.

Eric’s family life began after meeting Patricia Nesbitt on a badminton court. Together, they raised three daughters: Sandra Kay (Laurie), Nedra Post (Al), and Romi Bodin (Lisa). He was a supportive father and was fiercely proud of his family. Eric shared close, loving relationships with his five grandchildren — Jeff, Dallon, Kyle, Jared, and McKenna — celebrating not only who they are, but also their amazing families. His pride in all of us ran deep, and he stayed connected with each of us through regular phone calls. We still reach for the phone, forgetting for a moment that his voice won’t be on the other end — proof of just how present he always was.

At home, Eric found immense joy in his fireplace and the work that came with it. He loved picking the right dead tree, falling it, hauling it, splitting it, and stacking it just right. This kept his fire going. It was a ritual that brought warmth, comfort, and quiet satisfaction, and in later years, it was the help of special friends that kept his spark going. If there was chimney smoke, Eric was home.

Eric was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Edna. He is survived by extended family in Sweden, special nieces and nephews, and countless incredible friends. Known for staying connected, Eric embraced the “phone a friend” spirit throughout his life, believing relationships were meant to be tended — just like trails, courts, and fires.

Eric leaves behind a legacy of hard work, joyful play, service, and love. His life reminds us that strong communities are built — and strengthened — by those who show up, lend a hand, and keep the fire burning.

Celebration of Life: Details to be announced

Please email [email protected] to receive notification.

To honour Eric’s memory, donations may be made to the Kimberley Loan Cupboard, Bsmt 260 4th Ave., Kimberley, BC V1A 2R6

Or to Angel Flight East Kootenay https://angelflightek.ca/ways-to-donate/

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