Eric Burton McAlary, died peacefully at Ponderosa Lodge on June 14, 2017 holding hands with his wife of 32 years. He had endured a long struggle with Mixed Dementia.
The son of Burton Marter McAlary and Kathleen Kilgour Kirk, Eric was born on June 22, 1935 in Sussex, NB where he was very involved with school and community sports activities and cadets. A degree from the University of New Brunswick in Bus. Admin led him to be scouted by the Hudson’s Bay Company and upon graduation he began his training program in Calgary, AB. There he met and married Muriel Frances Beyer. They had two sons, Michael born in Calgary and Todd, in Red Deer. Promotion took the family to BC where the next ten years saw them in Victoria, Vancouver, Coquitlam, and Prince George prior to another promotion to head office in Toronto. As Principal Buyer for Sporting Goods he traveled extensively in Europe and Asia to attend sporting goods shows and to explore factories, choosing the merchandise for the giant outfit to sell across Canada and in the Northern Stores. For several years he was a board member of the Canadian Sporting Goods Association.
After the death of Muriel, Eric married Lois Machum Campbell in 1984 and moved to Kamloops, BC where for many years they enjoyed an active life together exploring the outdoors. A keen bird watcher, Eric led many Naturalist Club field trips around Kamloops and he and Lois took part in guided birding trips around the continent. Eric was president of the Naturalist Club, a volunteer Warden for Tranquille Ecological Reserve for 20 years, counted spring migrating ducks for Ducks Unlimited, was a member of the board of the Elizabeth Fry Society, and of the B.C. Wildlife Park.
Predeceased by his first wife Muriel, his older brother James McAlary and his wife Shirley, nephew Christopher McAlary, grandniece Sarah McAlary, he is survived by his loving wife Lois, sons Michael McAlary (Colomba) and Todd McAlary, four grandchildren, Nicole, Taylor, Sean and Mason all of Mississauga; nephews Hugh McAlary (Nancy), and Albert Beyer, Edmonton; nieces Nancy McAlary (John Mark Lyons) of Mississauga, and Alane Beyer (Glen Cook) of Edmonton; step-children, Andrew Campbell, Montreal, Graham Campbell (Kristen), Newark, OH and Sarah Campbell Besso and her two sons Nicolas and Charles of Laguna Beach, CA.
Eric was honest and hard-working, kind and respectful to others and enjoyed most sports, as well as Chardonay, sushi, jazz music, and a good laugh.
No flowers by request. Memorials could be made to the Kamloops Naturalist Club or the Alzheimer’s Society. In Eric’s memory please perform an act of kindness towards someone in need.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Kamloops Funeral Home chapel, on Tuesday July 4 at 11:00 am.
7 Tributes
Dear Lois,
It was with great sadness that I read of Eric’s death. I know the last years were difficult for you and I thought of you so often. Eric is at peace now, and while I know you will miss him terribly it has been a very long goodbye. I know how much you loved Eric, your face always lit up when you’d see him as did his. God Bless and keep you Lois. I’ve held you in my prayers for more years than I can count now, and I will continue.
Dear Lois,
Very sorry to hear the news about the loss of Eric from Barbara. Morris and I enjoyed spending time with you both a few years back when we were visiting from Scotland. You are in our thoughts at this sad time.
Love Rosemary xx
Our sincere condolences to Lois and the Family.
We only got to know Eric for a short while after my Step Mother died, who used to work for Eric’s Mother, she always spoke highly of him and on his trips east he generally made it a point to stop to see her. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Anita & Murray Monahan
Lois and family: So sorry to hear of Eric’s passing. Wish we were closer so we could interact directly. Blessings and strength to you all. Bev and Marc Schneider XXOO
SHEER COINCIDENCE, DEAR LOIS, THAT WE WERE IN TOUCH AT THIS VERY MOMENT. YOU HAD BEEN ON MY MIND IN THE LAST FEW DAYS MORE THAN USUAL. I’M KNOWN TO SUFFER – OR SHOULD I CALL IT ‘BE BLESSED’ BY TELEPATHY?
THANKS FOR QUICKLY REPLYING…….I SHALL BE IN TOUCH LATER – WHEN THE TURBULENCE OF
THE LAST 10 DAYS HAS PASSED AND YOU’LL FIND SOME PEACE. IN THE INTERIM: MY CONDOLENCES AND THERE’S MORE TO COME.
ENJOY THE PRESENCE OF YOUR DAUGHTER WHO’LL BE A SUPPORT TO YOU, NO DOUBT.
WITH LOVE AND FOND THOUGHTS.
Hello Lois
Glen and I both are very sorry to hear of Eric’s passing. When we heard, Glen and I reminisced about having you and Eric across the street from us.
Blessings to you Lois.
Sandra Klausing
June 27, 2017
Hello Lois,
I read the news of Eric’s death in the Kamloops’ newspaper so had to send you my condolences. Your husband and I only said ‘hello’ to each other a few times, so I only know ‘of him’ through your eyes. I do remember vividly how you share with me your feelings about him: In one of our sessions, you told me that he had expressed some insecurity about how ‘attractive’ he was to you. You responded “Eric, all you have to do is breathe”.
I am very sorry for the loss of a partner who so enriched your spirit and your life. In Eric’s memory,
I will perform an extra act of kindness towards someone in need
Please do take special care of yourself.
Sincerely ,
Rosemarie Claydon