Eric Derby Swenson, 61
Dateline: Norton, MA
Eric Derby Swenson, age 61, passed away unexpectedly at Sturdy Memorial Hospital on October 2, 2018. He was born on August 1, 1957 to the late Samuel ‘Ott’ and Merna (Derby) Swenson. Eric was raised in one of the few homes then located in Ousamequin Pines, East Bridgewater, MA. Growing up there he had a self-described ‘enchanted’ childhood. Robbins Pond was his playground and he harbored fond memories of skating, sailing, and enjoying everything the pond had to offer. A 1975 graduate of East Bridgewater High School Eric (Rick) called East Bridgewater home until, following his dad's footsteps, he enlisted in the US Navy. After completing his ET “A” school training at Naval Station Great Lakes, IL he proudly served his country aboard the USS America (CV66) where he met King Neptune and was henceforth known as a trusty shellback.
Eric harbored a deep respect for oceans, mountains, and the unspoiled corners of the world. He enjoyed all genres of performance and visual art but had a penchant for live music. From A Capella to Zydeco Eric attended countless concerts and multi-day festivals. He was especially impressed by the many guitar greats whose performances he attended. Their music served as his inspiration to become a self-taught finger picker. Eric was happiest on the water be it paddling a canoe, as a passenger on a ferry, or – the ultimate - sailing. He was an experienced sailor who many a time took the helm. A quiet soul, his relaxations included photography, watching old movies and Outer Limits re-runs, and trivia. No one was allowed to speak when Jeopardy was being televised and he relished the moments when he had the answer the contestants failed to find during the final Jeopardy segment of the show. Eric was a good man and he will be forever missed.
Preceded in death by his beloved brother Steven, he leaves behind his loving wife Carol (Reed), brother Dave and his wife Deb of Wareham, MA, sister Diane of Orlando, Fla., nephews Alexander, Steven, Jeffrey, and niece Jillian - who held a special place in his heart.
No formal memorial service will be held at this time; however, a celebration of life service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Eric’s memory to Narrows Center for the Arts, 16 Anawan St., #1, Fall River, MA 02721
To send his family a message of condolence, please visit www.nortonmemorial.com