October 7, 1954 - November 16, 2022
Eric Havard was born In Smithers on October 7th, 1954 and grew up on the small family farm on Newens Road where the whole family enjoyed living on Canyon Creek fishing and swimming. He passed away November 16, 2022 at the age of 68. Eric was predeceased by his parents David and Rosa Havard and is survived by his daughter Erika Havard and her mother Deborah, son Magan Havard (Evangeline). granddaughter Milliana and by Magan's mother Sally. And also his siblings: twin sister Anne, brother Thomas (Phyllis) and sister Megan, plus many nieces and nephews.
Eric filled his life with all sorts of pursuits and more than anything loved to be outside in the wilderness especially hunting and fishing. From a young age his adventurous nature led him down many paths less travelled.
Eric's working life was bookended with careers as an equipment operator. He was employed at Red Chris mine at the time of his passing. He was also an accomplished faller, professional driver and a trained and skilled butcher. His happiest working years were those when he worked as a hunting guide, and during those years his passion for horses and the wilderness led to many adventures. For a time, Eric was a contributing member of the "Iskut-Stikine Land Resource Management Planning Committee" and his local knowledge was invaluable.
Eric befriended folks easily, had a great sense of humour, and always gave a hand up to those around him who were in need. He also had no qualms about "Robin Hooding" those whom he felt abused their privilege. He had no time for "civilized pretentiousness". His personality was colourful and he has been described more than once as a legend in the northwest.
Ever since they were toddlers, Eric made sport of pulling his twin sister's chain which at times would bubble over into all sorts of sibling tensions, but there was also always a bond between them.
Eric was a born entertainer and could recite poetry from memory. He penned a few poems himself, and his family enjoyed listening to him recite his favourite which he called "The River That Knows".
Eric led a fast and rowdy life. In the words of an old childhood friend, "Eric was larger than life. He was his own brand, forged his own path, and spoke his own truth. The people who knew him Will tell his story with a touch of admiration and a liberal peppering of respect"
One of Eric's favourite sayings was "THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS TOO MUCH FUN"and he devoted much time and effort living up to that statement.
Ho also often said "NEVER SAY WHOA' IN A MUDHOLE". Eric made it through his last mudhole and can now rest in peace. A celebration of life will take place in 2023, TBA.