Eric VERSTAPPEN Obituary

I met Mr. Eric at a conference in Tauranga. Being New to New Zealand, i was a bit lost and He along with John Duder have welcomed me in and that small talk has given me a boost and helped me network.
Thanks Eric, you made me make New Zealand my home.

we miss you.
My condolences to family.

Dear Heather and family
I have recently learned of Eric's untimely passing, and send my most sincere condolences. He (and you) were great to live near during my time in Nelson. Eric's optimism, energy and commitment to community and the environment were inspiring. He had a knack of uplifting people, and will be sadly missed. Arohanui, John Blincoe

I had the privilege of working with Eric a lot in recent years and like so many others was both stunned and deeply saddened to hear of his sudden passing. I enjoyed Eric's company immensely and also held him in high regard as a colleague. A very decent human being. Also very knowledgeable and a strong commitment to good outcomes and change; even when it involved a fair bit of abuse and difficulty, all taken with his trademark good humour and generosity of spirit. Was very moved by all the tributes at his well-attended funeral and amazed at the breadth of his contribution in so many areas, knowing him only through our shared passion for the coast. I will genuinely miss him. My sincere condolences to his family.

I had the privilege of working with Eric over recent times at TDC and appreciated his diligence and dedication to ensuring the best direction forward for the natural environment within his community. As a fellow beekeeper we also shared some interesting discussion over the craft and I am thankful for his wisdom and advice. My sincere condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. Kia kaha.

I knew Eric through the NZ coastal society and could see first-hand his dedication to the society and the wealth of knowledge he had accumulated. Eric always gave a pragmatic, logical and thoughtful response to any issues that would arise. I learnt a lot from Eric over that time and always enjoyed his company and discussions. My condolences to the family, while he will be missed by many, non-more so than those he loved.

Eric was a warm kindhearted peer who will be sadly missed and my very sincere condolences to Eric's family. A very unexpected passing and sad time for you; and we will remember and miss Eric's friendship. I have known Eric for maybe 30 years at numerous conferences, mainly coastal. His deep knowledge of coastal processes in the Tasman Bay was always interesting and helpful in our tasks at work (In similar coastal hazards challenges BOP Regional Council). Also closely identified with his distance running. Kia kaha! Pete

It was in the mid 80's when I returned to the sport of Harriers after after a 10 year break, when I first became acquainted with Eric. We ran at about the same level, and we had many a "race within a race". He was always a good sportsman, handshakes at the finish and a drink at the pub afterwards. Due to a persistant injury I had to give it up in 2000. His role evolved into administration,organising events, and fronting up on race day with a clipboard in one hand and a stopwatch in the other. He readily gave back to the sport that he enjoyed so much over the years.I read Vern Mardon's tribute to Eric, and that says it all.I used to cross paths with Eric up Richmond at lunchtime and he always had a cheery greeting for me. I knew he was a water scientist with the TDC, and on reading the tributes from his professional colleagues, I realise what a high standing he had within his profession. He was one of the top scientists in the field of coastal hydrology in New Zealand. I extend my sympathy to Heather and the family. Eric will be missed by many.

Hello Heather and family - from a fellow Enderley Lodge resident with fond memories of Eric (and Peter, who also lived with us for a while). Eric's enthusiasm and hearty approach to life made him an ideal flatmate. I've uploaded a few photos, including one of Eric with his pet possum' peeping out from his jersey. A few wedding photos too - happy occasions shared with you both. Will be thinking of you and your family as you gather to farewell Eric. With warm wishes, Anne

You are very much in our thoughts at this sad time Heather, Andre & Jennie. For one of us the connection with Eric goes right back to school days in Tokoroa but we both have many memories from Hamilton days - which might even include the odd wine story. Then there are all the tramping stories from different parts of NZ as recently as the Rangipo reunion at Mt Ruapehu in 2012. We remember Eric for his genuine interest in people not to mention his hearty laugh and we feel sad that he has been cheated of his retirement and you have lost someone dear to you. We will be thinking of you this afternoon as you celebrate a life well lived. Kia kaha.

Heather, Jennie and Andre I am deeply saddened to hear of Eric's passing. The Nelson running community has lost a very loyal and hard working volunteer and myself personally, a great friend. Everything was always good with Eric. He was always positive and extremely helpful and generous. A genuine good kiwi bloke who had a way with words, very eloquent and yet down to earth. We will long associate a good bottle of wine with Eric. You will be greatly missed by all your friends from Athletics Tasman Eric. May you rest in peace. Debbie Lautenslager

Dear Heather, Jennie and Andre. Such a shock to hear this sad news. Eric was larger than life and had a smile to match. My favourite memory of him was singing his heart out at a tramping hut on Mt Ruapehu.
...And eating baking trays full of baklava. Such a zest for life and a life well lived. Love and condolences. Xxx

I am fortunate to have been able to enjoy Eric's company on many occasions for over 30 years. With a shared interest in coasts and red wine among other things, our meetings were always great fun, lively and satisfying. Eric's constant good humour and genuine smile, which as others have said, could lighten up a room, made friendship with him very special. Although I did not know his family well, Eric's untimely demise leaves a huge gap and I offer my sincere condolences to Heather and family.

I first heard the name Verstappen when my 1981 4th Form English teacher changed her name to it. Then much later through the Wine Club. Eric was a super nice and very generous guy. I thoroughly enjoyed sharing great old wines with him on occasion and he'll be missed a great deal. Saddened and shocked at his unexpected passing and deepest sympathies to Heather and family.

I will miss Eric, he was always so supportive and kind. I really enjoyed working with him at NZCS and will always value the way he treated me with such respect. He was a very special person.

So sorry to hear of Eric's passing. Always smiling, and always had time to say hi and catch up. Thinking of you Heather, Jennie and Andre. Brigitte Murdoch (Helm)

Such sad news, I first met Eric as a 15 year old (38 yrs ago)as a runner, he has always played some part in my life throughout the years through running, marshaling & Athletics Nelson, he will be sadly missed by many people who knew him as he was the kindest person you could have ever known.
Thinking of you all at this time, rest in peace Eric

Eric has been a jovial, supportive and encouraging mentor to many young coastal engineers and scientists, myself included. He was always ready to chat and offer sage, if not long-winded, advice :-). I feel honoured to have known you and worked alongside you with the NZ Coastal Society. Go well Eric. Sincerely, Mike

We had the pleasure of knowing Eric for many years as the face of Athletics Nelson, and our nearest neighbour. He was always pleasant, knowledgeable and courteous. H will be sorely missed by many throughout the Community and we send our sincere condolences to his family and friends.
SeniorNet Nelson Committee and Members

So very sorry Heather , Jenny and Andre. Eric held a special place in the hearts of all who knew him. His generous nature and commraderie ensured he had many many friends, who will all miss him terribly. His spontaneous "big bear hug",his trademark greeting, can never be replaced.
My heartfelt sympathy and condolences to all of your family.

Dear Heather and family,
My wife Maria and I are very sorry to hear of Eric's passing. We send condolences to you and family. Eric flatted with us for about two very happy years at the famous Enderley Lodge in Hamilton whilst Eric was finishing his engineering studies. A most companiable, loyal, positive, and decent flatmate and friend. I played the cornet at your wedding - Handel's Largo I think - in the old church in Te Awamutu. Happy days to dwell on.
Yours,
Prof David Lowe and family

Eric will be remembered (and sadly missed) by those who knew him at Stoke School Pilates classes (and Nayland College before that). Always happy and full of life.

Its so sad that you have left us Eric. The New Zealand coastal community will remember your efforts working with engineers, planners and scientists to make the coastal space a better place for communities to live. You will be a huge loss to the Tasman District Council and the NZ Coastal Society for which you served for over 25 years. I will miss your friendship and the times we shared discussing coastal hazards, a run at the end of day and a fine Sarah or single malt later in the evening.
Dr Terry Hume

Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to Heather, Jennie, Andre and extended family. Eric was the most wonderful man, with a huge smile that could light up a room and the kindest heart. Gavin and I feel so blessed to have known Eric and he will be sadly missed by everyone. Till we meet again Eric ❤

I first met Eric at the Nelson Wine Club and saw him again many times at wine tastings and social events. He always had perceptive,interesting and challenging questions/comments on mine and other wines! It was also a pleasure to deal with Eric back around 2004/5 when we were planning to extend our then winery - right on the bank of the Wairoa River. Of course flooding was a potential issue and it was Eric's job to assess the risk. He was positive and helpful but I am glad we built a new winery elsewhere!
I was shocked to read of his death in the Wine Club newsletter and extend my deepest sympathy to you Heather and to his family.

Heather I was so sorry to read of Eric's unexpected passing. I send my love and sympathy to you.

Eric will be greatly missed by all . A great guy and a fine wine drinker ... a nicer man would be hard to find ... go well good friend yours Tim and Janet

Heather and family, we were so shocked and saddened to hear of Erics passing. We were only laughing and joking with Eric last week. Such a huge loss for yourselves and the whole community.
Our thoughts to you. Diane and Lyndon

It is with deep sadness that we have lost Eric and my thoughts and prayers go out to Heather and the family. Eric will be a huge loss to the Tasman District Council and indeed the wider NZ coastal practitioner community that he served and contributed to over decades.
My journey with Eric started when we were in the same Civil Engineering class at the University of Canterbury in 1974-76, sharing in a joint project in our final year. I have enjoyed the many interactions we had over the phone or in person with Eric about coastal hazards, beaches, rivers ...., and latterly sharing some deeper moments on transitioning into retirement over a few coffees in Richmond. Eric- you will be sorely missed and my sympathy goes to his family and colleagues at TDC.