Eric Richard Jensen

Published 12:14 am Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Sept. 16, 1949 – Aug. 11, 2014Eric Richard Jensen lost his valiant year and a half battle against cancer on August 11, 2014.

Born in Portland, Oregon on Sept. 16, 1949, Eric was the son of Fred and Frances Jensen. A year after graduating from Hillsboro High School, Eric joined the U.S. Air Force where he attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. During his six year enlistment he served in New Hampshire, Thailand, and Germany.

After leaving the service, Eric earned a Bachelor degree in nursing at the University of Oregon Health Science Center. Upon graduating he moved to Bend where he joined the nursing staff at St. Charles Medical Center. There he met and married his wife, Peggy, who is also a nurse. He experienced a great deal of job satisfaction when he became part of the hospitals Rapid Response Team. He loved knowing he was making a difference in patients lives.

Eric was the consummate fly fisherman; his skill extended to tying his own flies. Luckily, he had an understanding wife as his fishing took him from fly-in fish camps in the wilds of Alaska to bone fish, permit, and tarpon fishing in Belize. But his favorite place was his beloved Deschutes River. He didnt know why anyone wanted to live anywhere but Bend, Oregon. Eric did everything well. He was a self-taught master wood craftsman. After retiring, he added working on the wood lathe to his skill set.

Eric was loved and we will miss him. He is survived by Peggy, his wife of 34 years; his brother Norman (Miyuki) Alder; his sister Karen Jensen; his sister Debra (Danny Francher) Coleman; three nephews: Justin Coleman, Kenny Alder and Danny Alder.

There will be a Celebration of Life service at 2 p.m. on Thurs., Aug. 21st at Foundry Church in Bend. All of Erics friends and church family are invited. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to give a gift are asked to make a donation to the charity of their choice.