Return to Sweeny's Funeral Home Ltd. - Bridgewater
Tribute Wall
Loading...
P
Peter Dobson posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 13, 2022
It has been difficult for me to post, as Eric meant a lot to me, having first met as a customer(no 103) and then as a best friend for many years. He called on a regular basis, which was like auditing a poly sci class. The prompt was coming across 2 gold badges won for handgun, which were amongst shooting kit thoughtfully left to me and another close friend and administered aptly by Nancy. These were in a box, not boastfully displayed in a "trophy room". We enjoyed shooting at the Lunenburg club and then lunches at the Knot Pub - great entertainment! I will be be displaying one his beautiful Mausers in our office, along with the badges, the least i can do to honour Eric.
Peter Dobson
T
Tony Humphreys uploaded photo(s)
Friday, December 9, 2022
/public-file/1757/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
/public-file/1758/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
/public-file/1759/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
/public-file/1760/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
Nancy, I'm so sorry for your loss. I never knew Eric, but we had something in common from back in 1954, as well as later being graduates of RMC (he, 1972; me, 1968). I, an air force officer, would see him occasionally in the hallowed halls of NDHQ, but we never actually interacted. Now, back to 1954. I'm not sure if Eric shared with you where he lived back then, but he and I lived in Luxembourg, specifically Mondorf-les-bains, because there was no accommodation available for families in Metz, France, the home of 1 Air Div HQ. Each day he and I, as well as a few other Canadian kids, would walk across the border to attend a one-room school in Mondorff (two "fs"), France. The teacher was very strict, and we young Anglophones didn't really have a clue about much of what was being taught. We dutifully copied things onto our slates or into our workbook using a nib pen. Gradually the Canadian families found lodging in and around Metz, and PMQs were built, so our educational experience in Mondorff didn't scar us for life.
Anyway, I just wanted to share one of Eric's early life experiences with you and your family, and pass along some photos from 1954. The one is the class register for the school, showing Eric's name on line 43 and my name on line 48. Another shows the border we had to walk across each day, while others show the school and inside the classroom.
Eric was clearly a very special family man, naval officer and human being. Please forgive me for merely adding this small historical footnote to his accomplishments. Sincerely, Tony Humphreys
T
Tina Tardif posted a condolence
Sunday, December 4, 2022
I am deeply saddened to hear of Cmdre Lerhe’s passing. I was fortunate to work for him when he was the the Fleet Commander. He made each day special and unique and I embrace every opportunity in sharing the memories I have. He will be greatly missed. My sincere condolences to Nancy and family.
R
Reg Fountain posted a condolence
Friday, December 2, 2022
I had the honor to serve with the Commodore when he was a Capt (N) and serving as D Nato Pol. He was the driving force to provide a solid financial foundation for the Pearson Peacekeeping Centre. A kind soul, he was a superb mentor and the type of officer that others would try to emulate. I will miss him.
Reg Fountain
D
Don Harper posted a condolence
Friday, December 2, 2022
Sorry to hear Eric has left us. Our training days together back in the early 70’s are truly memorable. Whenever we gathered, whether at a function, a party or a pub, I always had an ear cocked in Eric’s direction. A joke, a chuckle or some witty comment always made my day.
It was uplifting to read the messages written here by friends and neighbours. Eric was a fine person.
Don Harper
D
David McDonough posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 30, 2022
I would like to pass my sincerest condolences to Eric's wife and family.
I knew Eric from my time at Dalhousie University, as I was doing my PhD around the same time as him. We had many long conversations on Canadian defence policy and naval strategy, and I always learned quite a lot from his keen perspective (and enjoyed laughing at his often dry humor).
I was also delighted to work with him during my time at the Conference of Defence Associations Institute and, later, the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, where he had kindly written papers on Canadian defence policy - including as recently as late last year. He was also the type of author that, as an editor, is a delight to work with.
While I never knew him as a military officer, as an academic, I've always had the highest respect for him - and I know I'm not alone. I think the Canadian security and defence community is now worse with his passing. RIP Eric.
C
Charles Barber uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, November 29, 2022
/public-file/1716/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
/public-file/1717/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
D
David Cardozo posted a condolence
Monday, November 28, 2022
It was so sad to learn of Eric’s death. I met Eric in Fraser where he was teacher, mentor and he remained a good friend to me long after. I quickly realized that he was one of the most extraordinary people that I was likely to meet in this world. Eric had such an unusual combination of brilliance, dedication, capacity for hard work, enthusiasm and passion. Somehow all these qualities were layered into his delight in finding the humor in all things big and small. Whatever we were undertaking in work or play, Eric found a way to make it all fun. It almost seemed as though Eric could never do something the ordinary way, but always found a way to make it a special experience. For instance, prior to a European deployment, he got his International Drivers License, but in place of his own photograph, he had submitted a picture of the bloodied face of a local professional wrestler, Killer Karl Krupp. (I’m sure I still remember close to dozen Eric stories.)
For all his amazing achievements, what I will remember best, is what a good and kind person he was. He had huge heart and a generosity of spirit that made it a privilege to be his friend.
J
John Newton posted a condolence
Sunday, November 27, 2022
Whenever I drive down our lane, I will expect to see Eric on his daily walk, observing every detail of life on the barrens, and ready to have a good chinwag over the comings and goings of wildlife, neighbours and the navy. Out on the coves and inlets, I will anticipate Eric paddling his patrol at sea, and every raptor soaring the coastline will be him. I am so sorry Nancy for your loss, the pain must be unbearable. Please accept our most sincere condolences. Tara and John Newton
D
Dale Wilson posted a condolence
Saturday, November 26, 2022
I would like to pass along my condolences to Eric's wife, family and friends.
I had the pleasure and privilege of sailing with Eric when he was a LT (N) onboard HMCS Fraser around 1976-79.
His intellect, leadership and camaraderie is the stuff of naval legend.
Stand down, Sir. We have the watch. May your canvas be filled with fair winds, and your memory be a blessing.
C
Curtis Ping lit a candle
Saturday, November 26, 2022
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/v2/candles/material_candle_gold.jpg
The HMCS Saguenay and Eric were my first experience on a Navy ship. I can tell you he left a big impression on me. I never known a leader that demanded so much and got it by his crew because of the respect they had for him. He lead with integrity and when it came to his ship no one was going to tell him how or what to do with it, including the NATO Commander. He had no qualms tell you what he though,on my first brief said that was terrible. No sugar coating it. When we went on NATO tours we kicked ass even though we had some of the oldest equipment in the fleet, it was all due to the high standard he demanded. I still tell stories about Eric to my buddies because of the impression he left on me. He was a man’s , man that was for sure. RIP Eric.
S
Stephan King posted a symbolic gesture
Saturday, November 26, 2022
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/v2/canada.png
My condolences to the family. I was the happy recipient, participant and observer of many of Cmdre Lehre’s comedic moments. Most memorable was his assumption of CCFP on a typically wet and blustery west coast day. When it was his turn to take the dias, the rain and wind stopped, the clouds parted. There was no more apropos way to symbolize the person he was. We were so fortunate to have him. RIP
J
Jim Sherret posted a condolence
Saturday, November 26, 2022
As the Last commanding officer i sailed under his Command and Decommissioned the HMCS Saguenay DDH206. One of the best captains I served with. As well as Chasing the American scallop drawer an being rammed by it before the final Great Lakes trip. Rest in peace Skipper.
M
Mike Jellinek posted a condolence
Saturday, November 26, 2022
Eric’s passing is so sad. We have lost a dear friend. So many memories. We were department heads together in HMCS YUKON in the early 70s. Even then he was a force of nature that no XO or CO could comprehend. Witness the dentist chair he had put in his cabin or the toilet bowl beside his desk that served as his in-tray. I remember many wonderful nights at the triplexes in Dartmouth. Having dinner with Eric and Nancy and enjoying conversation and his sauvignon blanc. His wit was legendary. Even more so was his iron bound sense of duty and ethics. When he was the Pacific Fleet Commander who could forget MAXIM-gate … where his refusal to try a junior officer led to his own court-martial that put his career at risk. After his retirement, Eric was a frequent guest when he periodically travelled West to visit his father. I shall miss our conversations and email exchanges greatly. Farewell my friend. Sleepe after toyle, port after stormie seas.
R
Rob Huebert Posted Nov 28, 2022 at 10:21 PM
Eric was a force of nature.He was a delight to know and work with. His understanding of seapower was first rate and something I will continue to reflect upon. But who can forget his humour? His telling of his reaction when an American fishing vessel hit "his" Saguenay was hilarious. I don't think that his crew really had to restrain him from sinking the offending culprit, but his telling of the tale was priceless. I will miss his wit and wisdom.
C
Cdr Corey L.E. Gleason, MMM, CD posted a condolence
Saturday, November 26, 2022
Condolences to family and friends. An incredible advocate to the sailors in the Fleet he Commanded. He led us through major changes in naval operations iin Canada's response to 9/11, in a way that we take for granted today in our ships at sea. RIP shipmate, thank you for your service.
P
Paul F. Prudhomme posted a condolence
Saturday, November 26, 2022
My sincere condolences to the Lerhe family. Eric 'Mad Dog' Lerhe was my Combat Officer on HMCS Fraser back in 1978-80. I also served with him as Trainer Staff at the Canadian Forces Fleet School (Halifax) Operations Team Trainer. He was bright, extremely competent and funny as Hell. We truly could have used many more of his ilk back then, and even moreso these days. It was an honour and a pleasure to serve with him. Fair winds and following seas, Sir. It cut me to the quick to hear of your passing.
S
Scott Mcvicar posted a condolence
Saturday, November 26, 2022
I served under Eric when he was the CO of CFMWC. As a submariner, I had never met him before, nor really even heard of him. I quickly learned to love working for this larger than life character. He was sharp, forthright, witty, demanding, kind and almost always the smartest man in the room. He demanded results from all of us working there as he pushed to move the yardsticks of naval warfare forward, demanding 'bread on the table'. Work hard and his support was guaranteed. I loved that he gave us enough rope (his words) to pursue ideas. I did 41 years in the RCN and never met another like him. RIP.
M
Mike Schafler posted a condolence
Saturday, November 26, 2022
Very saddened to hear of this. As a young sub in HMCS Saguenay, Eric was my first operational CO. He taught me lessons in life and shaped my love for the Navy. While he never managed to throw the skipper of “that fishing vessel” in the potato locker those who were then on the bridge will never forget the events of that night on the Hague Line! He signed my BWK Certificate which I will always cherish. A character gone too soon. RIP Skipper.
D
David posted a condolence
Friday, November 25, 2022
I was a PhD student at Dal. Eric was incredibly supportive of my research and ambitions and went above and beyond to help me. On top of that, he was a very kind, and funny, person and it was always fun to talk with him. I'll always be grateful. I was very sad to hear of his passing. My heartfelt condolences to his family.
Rest easy, Eric.
David B
J
Jim Hayes posted a condolence
Thursday, November 24, 2022
I’m saddened by the news. Eric was one of a kind. Generous, witty and smart, he was a great naval officer. I first met him onboard HMCS Fraser as a new Sub. I was in awe. He and the navigator would go out on epic “‘dins’ ashore”. I worked with him again for some passive acoustic trials and finally I was his COS Ops when he was the West Coast Commodore and we deployed for six months to the Gulf. He was passionate about the Navy but he also had a lovely evil sense of humour. He will be missed.
D
Don Chipman uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, November 24, 2022
/public-file/1714/Ultra/ab586a40-88a3-4a10-8253-e125b7da0ebd.jpg
The Royal Military College Class of 1972 offers our condolences to our friend, Eric. May the wind always fill his sails. He will be remembered.
Don Chipman
Class Secretary
G
Gerry Morey posted a condolence
Thursday, November 24, 2022
Eric was an incredible bundle of energy which he applied passionately to his love of the sea, to the Navy and to those who served. His vision was wide, his tolerance of fools narrow. His wit was as precise and powerful as any other weapon abord. Even we of the “crab fat” fraternity could recognize his light which shone bright. We shall miss his leadership and friendship.
A
Andrea Lane posted a condolence
Thursday, November 24, 2022
My condolences to Eric's family and friends. I feel fortunate to have met Eric while an undergraduate at Dalhousie, when I was one of many students who had their mind opened to the importance of maritime security by Eric's colourful, generous personal interventions. His sharp intellect, ready laugh, and bewilderingly-long slide decks will not be forgotten. He leaves a lasting legacy of "naval-mindedness" in our community of former students. Fair winds and following seas, Eric.
A
Adam MacDonald posted a condolence
Thursday, November 24, 2022
I am very sad to hear of Eric's sudden passing. I met Eric about six years ago when I began my PhD at Dalhousie University. We used to have great, fascinating phone chats and meetings about Canadian defence and foreign policy, specifically in relation to the Asia/Indo-Pacific. Eric also volunteered my named to go on a tour of Taiwan in 2018 which was one of the highlights of my PhD experience. He was a very sharp mind, funny and also eager to talk about complex issues. Condolences to the family and all his friends and peers.
S
Stan Stoker uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, November 24, 2022
/public-file/1713/Ultra/a554fbd4-9dfd-416a-b68a-4a5eb817451f.jpg
I was both shocked and profoundly saddened to learn of Eric's passing. During a Naval career, some people stand out for having contributed socially, professionally and intellectually to our experience as sailors. Such was Eric's influence on me. He was one of the very best of us. His wit and intelligence could always be counted on. He loved the Navy and I think I can say for all who knew him... We loved Eric back.
Fair winds Eric. You were taken way too soon. Rest assured that you made a profound difference us all.
Stan Stoker
Ottawa, ON
B
Bruce Maclean posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 23, 2022
Very saddened to hear this news. Eric and I first met at the beginning of our naval careers in the Training Squadron on the west coast. Sparkling sense of humour, dry wit and just so much fun to be with. Later our careers crossed many times and he never lost that sparkle and exuberance. And, he was such a fine naval officer. Our world is dimmer with this loss. My very sincerest sympathies,
Bruce MacLean
I
Ian posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 23, 2022
My deepest condolences to Eric’s family. Eric was a character and gentleman with a capital g. I first met Eric at CMR when I was a prep and he was in first year. Our paths crossed from time to time until I was appointed to HMCS Annapolis where he was the WpnsO. He was my cabin mate which made for an interesting time. He single-handedly reintroduced passive anti-submarine warfare to the RCN via the Jezebel system. In doing so, he decided our ship needed as many sonobuoys as he could find. He sent me in a Seaking helicopter to CFB Summerside to gather as many sonobuoys as the Air Force could spare. When I got back with more sonobuoys than anyone thought we could get, Eric stored them in every space he could find including our cabin. We were tripping over them continuously. Eric never let obstacles get in his way when he had decided on a path. God rest his soul. He was one of a kind, an outstanding Naval officer and he will be missed. Fair winds and following seas, Eric.
Ian C. D. Moffat
J
Jean Latrémouille posted a symbolic gesture
Wednesday, November 23, 2022
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/v2/poppy.png
Condoléances to the whole family. Eric was one hell of a roommate at our junior year at CMR. Brilliant mind and unbeatable joker with serious approach. Will always remember your SMILE.
Jean Latrémouille
C
Captain Steen Jessen posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 23, 2022
Am very sorry to hear the news about Eric. He was a fine officer with an extremely inquisitive and quick mind who served with distinction in numerous appointments ashore and at sea. He was also an especially good Captain when he and I served together in the First Canadian Destroyer Squadron. He will be missed.
Our condolences to Nancy and the family.
Steen Jessen and Gail Ross
Victoria, BC
J
Julie H. Ferguson posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 23, 2022
Eric was in and out of James's and my life a lot. He became a great favourite in our family: Crazy, fun, kind, and much more. When Lindsay was born (his god daughter), he arrived with a huge Polar Bear that was ten times bigger than the baby. Lindsay grew up with it and now Bear still lies on my granddaughter’s bed, and Ariana is ten-years-old! That much-loved bear was sensational and has survived much including going in the washing machine several times!
Of course, James and Eric were great friends for decades, and James introduced me to him in 1979 when I cooked breakfast at his place for about 20 people. A Sunday brunch. I also remember Eric spending hours helping me in Ottawa when I was writing my second submarine book. I needed much assistance regarding the threat in 1999 and onward, geopolitics, and more. He was patient and his intellect made the end result successful.
I send along my deepest condolences to the family and all those who knew Eric. RIP.
J
Jürgen Duewel posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 23, 2022
A twinkle in his eye and an infectious laugh is how I will always remember Eric.
Jürgen Duewel
K
Kim Davis posted a symbolic gesture
Wednesday, November 23, 2022
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/v2/canada.png
My deepest sympathies to the Lehre family for your loss. I met then Lt. Lehre as a young sailor in HMCS Fraser in the 70’s where his ability to balance professionalism with wit and humour always made for great memories. A middle watch on the Bridge was always far less tedious when he had the watch, salty dips mingled with his intellectual perspective on varied topics still make me smile. Later in our careers on the West Coast with him then a Commodore we met again, that wit and humour was still intact only quicker and more refined. Rest in Peace Commodore, Respectfully, Kim Davis CPO retd.
D
Dean Johnson posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 23, 2022
My condolences to Eric’s family. Eric and I shared many hours together when we were at RMC and his sense of humour is something I will always treasure. His impish outward demeanour sometimes obscured a brilliant mind but it was no surprise that Eric rose to high rank.
He will be missed greatly.
Dean Johnson
E
Emily Lerhe planted a tree in memory of Eric Lerhe
Wednesday, November 23, 2022
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-store/memorial-tree.jpg
Love you and miss you
Please wait
C
Chris Dunn uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, November 23, 2022
/public-file/1711/Ultra/7b1b0e2c-eeae-4f5d-b668-a10ce4cb67c8.jpeg
I will always remember Eric from my time in Athabaskan 1986/87. He was XO and always took a keen interest in who was invited into the Wardroom as guests. In 1986 Canada was selected as the “ Most Favoured Nation” by the organisers of the Norfolk Azalea festival in Norfolk Virginia. During our stay in Norfolk one of the officers bumped into Alex Lifeson ( lead guitarist of Rush) and invited him back to the ship. When Eric saw the “long haired stranger” in the wardroom and heard he was a rock musician Eric casually asked him if he wanted to use his cabin to do drugs! (all very innocent). Eric was informed later that Alex was in fact the lead guitarist for Rush and a multi millionaire. This didn’t phase Eric at all, not much ever did.
LCDR Chris Dunn RCN retired
E
Emily Nicole uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, November 23, 2022
/public-file/1712/Ultra/Image_jpeg.jpeg
Love you very much Uncle Eric. You were quick-witted, bright, supportive and generous. You will be missed by many and I’m sorry there was so much suffering in the end. I hope you at peace now ❤️ I will have some champagne in your honour as you and Nancy so graciously gave me a bottle and glasses this summer. All my love, Emily
L
Lynn Burkart planted a tree in memory of Eric Lerhe
Wednesday, November 23, 2022
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-store/memorial-tree.jpg
Nancy, Margaret, Michael and families, I am so sorry to hear of Eric's sudden passing. i am thinking of you in this difficult time.
Please wait
L
Lynda and Edie planted a tree in memory of Eric Lerhe
Tuesday, November 22, 2022
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-store/memorial-tree.jpg
Margaret - We are so sorry to hear about the loss of such a wonderful brother. We think planting a tree is a lovely gesture for you and him!
Please wait
W
With our love and support, Laurene & Pete Lovick planted a tree in memory of Eric Lerhe
Tuesday, November 22, 2022
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-store/memorial-tree.jpg
Have wonderful and fond memories of the Lerhe and Lovick get togethers. So terribly sad to hear this news. Our thoughts are with you all.
Please wait
K
Ken Bowering posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 22, 2022
This is very sad. Eric was a great naval officer and a dear friend, even though we never served together in uniform. My encounters with Eric began when he was CO of the CFMWS and there wasn’t a better person anywhere to hold that position. His office, with his barber’s chair, will always be associated with him. Eric, so sorry to hear you suffered, but may you now rest peacefully. And, bon voyage.
A
Al Malcomson uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, November 22, 2022
/public-file/1710/Ultra/3fa6aecd-bb2a-4c02-ab2c-d2926f1e9cdf.jpeg
I remember Eric when he was a sub lieutenant on HMCS Restigouche back in 1974. He was an occupant of the quad cabin and filled the role of Tokyo Rose as a first class humorist that kept us all in stitches during our many nights at sea. He was also director officer for the forward mounting and I was the 102 Aimer and we made a good team. Our ship won the coveted Murray Trophy for gunnery that cycle. Sorry to hear of his passing
R
Randy Watts posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 22, 2022
Served with Eric on board Chaudiere when he was a S/Lt.early 70s.Excellent officer.Sorry for your loss.RIP.
D
Dusty and Ann Miller posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 22, 2022
Dear Nancy
Eric relieved me as Commanding Officer of HMCS NIPIGON.I was delighted and could not think of a better more intelligent or lively fellow to turn a ship over to. Have always admired his intellectual ability and his successful completion of a PhD. He contributed hugely to the RCN before and after retirement. He was a very principled man always standing up for right and advancement of the Navy. I will remember him always as an outstanding Naval officer and great contributor to the strategic advances the Navy made over the years. Will miss him.
All our sympathy and condolences to you Nancy and brother Glenn as you grieve for a very fine man and Naval Officer.
Dusty and Ann Miller
B
Barry Walker posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 22, 2022
I first met Eric when he was posted into MARCOMHQ around 1987. A few years later, he was part of the Directing Staff for my Command and Staff Course in Toronto, and from that time on, our careers meshed at several points, most lately in some of his work with the Naval Association of Canada. I always enjoyed his wit, (“Works like dog when cornered like rat” springs to mind), his keen and piercing intellectual acuity, and I am most grateful for his leadership and friendship over more than 30 years.
Nancy and family, you have my deepest sympathies at this time of grief.
Barry Walker
Ottawa, ON
L
The family of Eric James Lerhe uploaded a photo
Tuesday, November 22, 2022
/tribute-images/2929/Ultra/Eric-Lerhe.jpg
Please wait
