Dec. 6, 1945 – June 12, 2012

Eric Michael Eckberg of Bend, passed away Tuesday, June 12, 2012, at the age of 66. He was born December 6, 1945, to Philip Mercer Eckberg and Mary Ann Eckberg. Eric was born in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and raised as an ”Air Force Brat” in a career military family. He was raised on several airbases around the country, with much of his youth spent at Ellsworth AFB in South Dakota. Upon his father’s retirement, the family settled in Bend, in 1963.

He graduated from Bend Senior High School in 1964, and attended Central Oregon Community College and the University of Oregon. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1966, and spent four years stationed in Colorado, Wyoming and Germany. After finishing his service, he worked in the bar and restaurant industry at many local establishments, as well as in Eugene and Portland, most notably as manager of the Bend Woolen Mill during its heyday. Later, he also trained and worked as a hairdresser.

Eric was a true ”motorhead,” enjoying a lifelong passion for cars and motorcycles. He also spent years as an avid bicyclist. With a keen memory, diverse knowledge, a myriad of interests, and his gregarious and affable nature, his favorite pastime was always a good conversation over a favorite beverage in the company of his many treasured friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Chris Eckberg and Gabrielle Taylor of Bend. He will be greatly missed.

There will be celebration of Eric’s life at the home of his friend, John ”Paco” Serna, at 323 NW Congress Street, in Bend, on Sunday, June 24, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information on the gathering please call Paco at 541-350-8574. Please visit the online registry for the family at www.niswonger-reynolds.com

Eric Eckberg