I first met Eric in June 1976 when I started as a graduate research assistant at MERL. The 18,000-liter tanks were just being delivered and the interior laboratory spaces were barely finished. Several weeks later, Eric freed me from the tedium of washing new lab glassware to participate in the first of many expeditions into Narragansett Bay to collect sediments for the tanks. The work on the boat was challenging, but being tasked to drive a flatbed truck with two sediment trays from Wickford harbor to GSO was downright scary at times. Yes, I could drive a stick shift, but I dreaded having to stop at any of the many traffic lights along the route because the stopping distance was so long. Eric rode with me on one trip and decided I was OK to solo after that.

I spent three years at MERL and Eric was one of maybe three people who really kept things running, often despite the scientists who thought they were in charge. Even after my research moved to East Farm. I enjoyed stopping in to chat with him and other staff at the lab. His stories and his perspective on life were refreshing and encouraging to me and many others. He will be missed by so many.