Saturday, March 26, 2022
We join Erik’s family and many friends in celebrating his enriching life!
Valerie and I have good memories of our friendship with Erik.
Erik, Maureen and our common friend David came to Ottawa for the August long weekend several times. We spent those long weekends on our deck enjoying delicious food and great discussion. We did not neglect good red wine, either. Erik would usually cap off the evening with a Guiness or 2. We learned to have those in sufficient supply.
Erik exemplified an empathetic friend, always extending a helping hand to his friends and colleagues.
He was interested in a wide variety of issues, ranging from Greek philosophy to astronomy and everything in between.
During my many years of social policy work, I could count on Erik for a sound and analysis-based opinion.
I resorted to him and his wisdom often. For example, I discussed with him many concepts and measures during my work on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Erik made a great contribution to social justice through his efforts to set up a solid employment equity system in Ontario and throughout Canada.
His friendship is greatly missed!
Vangelis Nikias and Valerie Marsh
