Eric Staples
1934-2018
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Eric Staples (age 83) on Tuesday, March 13th, 2018 at the Ottawa Maycourt Hospice, with the unconditional love and support of his children and family. Over the years, Eric expressed his gratitude and appreciation to his healthcare providers and for the healthcare system. He was an inspiration to many, facing hus numerous medical challenges with courage, strength, dignity and humour. He beat the medical odds on many occasions.
Eric is survived by his long time partner Robina Brinson (Gander Nfld), his children Lorraine (Lloyd) and Cheyanne (Christine) and her and her grandchildren. In Ottawa, he is survived by his beloved children Michael(Suzanne: grandchildren Matthew and Monique), Mona, Brenda, Wanda (Rob Kyte) and his children’s mother, Florence (Babineau) Staples. He is pre-deceased by his parents Kathleen (Bonenfant) and Alden Staples and his sister Shirle (John). He is the loving brother of Moonyeen (the late Regis), MaryAnn (Ross), Jean (Jacques), Richard (Lorraine), Sandy (John), Beverly (Harry), Butch (Lynn), Bobby (Cindy), Kathleen (the late Lewis). He will be fondly remembered by his many nieces, nephews, extended family and his many friends.
Eric was born April 21, 1934 in Lachine, Québec. In 1950, he graduated from St. Vincent’s High School, Saint John, NB. At age 16, he attended St. F.X. University where he studied in the General Engineering program(1950-1952). He then became a flight cadet in 1952 at the Canadian Air Force Royal Military College in Kingston and Trenton. This lead him to his “true-calling”, a 35 year career as an Air Traffic Controller (ATC) from 1953-1989. His dedication to his career as an Air Traffic Controller was well known, he earned great respect from colleagues countrywide and developed many lifelong ATC friendships.
At the onset of his career he worked in Goosebay Labrador (1957-1958 / 1962-1963) and on special assignment in Frobisher Bay, NWT (1957-1958). He also worked at the Moncton Airport (1953-1957 / 1959-1962) and the Ottawa International Airport (1966-1988). He had tours of duty in Sault Ste. Marie, Montreal for Expo ’67 and Gander ACC.
He displayed further commitment to Air Traffic Control by holding positions as Branch Chairman of the Ottawa Operations and Secretary-Treasurer of the Canadian Air Traffic Control Association (CATCA) for 17 years. He represented the union on various committees including the Official Languages Committee and interacted with th Air Traffic Controllers from all over the world, attending meetings in various countries including Russia, Cyprus, Egypt, Costa Rica and many European countries. At the end of his career, he trained Air Traffic Controllers at the NAV center in Cornwall, Ontario.
He had a genuine love for Newfoundland and spent many happy retirement years there with Robina. Dad loved life and by his example he taught us to live life to the fullest. He had a wonderful passion for people. His passion for people, along with his passion for travel and transportation (planes and trains), led him to many places where he easily formed friendships all over the world. His charming personality and smile could light up room. He has a great sense of humour and his generosity touched many. He never ceased to amaze people with his incredible memory for names and details, as well as his aptitude with numbers. As his children, we were blessed to meet new people and see new places when we were in Dad’s company. We were fortunate to be in his company for a very long time. We will miss him dearly.
A funeral mass will be held at St. Patrick’s Home, 2865 Riverside Drive, Ottawa, Ontario on April 21st at 1pm with reception to follow. Paid parking is available across the street at Mooney’s Bay parking lot. A private interment will be held Friday, October 19th, 2018 at 2:30pm at capital Funeral Home and cemetery, Ottawa, Ontario.
In memory of our father, please consider a donation to Hospice Care Ottawa www.hospicecareottawa.ca or please give the gift of life and be a Blood Donor. Dad, may you rest in eternal peace with our heavenly Father. Loved forever and never forgotten.