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Eric Svenson Obituary
10/9/1943 - 4/9/2008
Husband, Father, and Friend
Mr. Svenson died Wednesday, April 9, 2008, at his Charlotte, North Carolina home surrounded by his family. Eric was born in Newark, New Jersey, to Andrew Edward Svenson and Marian Stewart Svenson.
Blessed with the joy and excitement of a large family, Eric's youth was filled with such pleasures as Hopalong Cassidy, radio story hours, and the normal boyhood adventures of pre-television America.
After graduation from college in 1966, Eric married Barbara Marks and relocated to North Carolina to serve as a Sales Representative for Doubleday & Company, book publishers. In 1970, Eric and Barbara began a 27 year friendship with book lovers and readers when they began opening the Charlotte locations of the Chapel Hill-based Intimate Bookshop Group. For the last 10 years, Eric and Barbara worked side-by-side at the Cypress Club of Charlotte, a Continuing Care Retirement Community. Eric served in many capacities while at the Cypress, but he will be remembered best for the friendship and respect he gave to his co-workers and the Cypress members.
On Friday, April 11th, the Cypress community embraced the Svenson family in a heartfelt tribute to the memory of their dear friend.
Eric is survived by his beloved wife of 42 years, Barbara Marks Svenson. They were lifetime best friends and sweethearts.
He is also survived by his 4 sisters and their spouses; Jim and Laura Svenson Schnell of Cape Coral, Florida, Art and Jane Svenson Kossmann of Scituate, Massachusetts, Alfredo and Eileen Svenson de Zayas of Miramar, Florida, and Carey and Ingrid Svenson Herdman of Monroe, North Carorlina; and a sister-in-law, Joy Jeannine Svenson of Montgomery, Alabama; 2 sons, Eric Richard Svenson, Jr. and his wife, Tina Pace Svenson of Inman, South Carolina and David Lawrence Svenson and his wife, Julie Barbee Svenson of Locust, North Carolina. Eric cherished his 5 grandchildren, Andrew Pace, Matthew Doak, and Caroline Ramsey, all of Inman, South Carolina, Abigail Grace and Jacqueline Honor, both of Locust, North Carolina.
In addition to his parents, Eric was predeceased by his brother, Andrew Edward Svenson, Jr..
The life of Eric Richard Svenson will be celebrated on Saturday, April 19, 2008, at Carolina Presbyterian Church in Locust, North Carolina.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Eric's memory to Hospice and Palliative Care, Charlotte Region, 1420 East Seventh Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28204. The kindness and compassion of this organization allowed Eric and his family to end his journey with the grace and dignity they so desired.
Isaiah 41:10
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Eric Svenson
Jennifer Jones
February 11, 2009
I used to work for Eric Svenson at the Intimate Bookshop over 10 years ago. I looked him up online recently to thank him again for his kindness as a boss. I can't tell you how sorry I am to hear that he is no longer with us. I have since worked under people who were not close to Eric's caliber. It really makes you realize just how extraordinary he was.
I remember how he catered our lunches in during the holidays so we wouldn't have to fight the food court lines. He would stay all night with us during inventory, telling stories and talking as we worked. He was always someone you liked to be around. I don't remember him being curt or rude with us or ever having an off day.
His wife, Barbra, was just as extraordinary. My heart goes out to her and all of his family and friends for their loss. He touched my heart and filled people around him with confidence and kindness. His love and respect for people will live on forever.
David Brauner
November 29, 2008
Ingrid and Family, Please accept my condolances on the news of the passing of your father.
Laura Brunnemer Foust
May 13, 2008
Dave,
I was saddened to learn about your father. I met him years ago and just remember what a kind warm loving soul he was. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Ana Suarez Fleming
April 17, 2008
Dave,
I was saddened to hear about the loss of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with your entire family. God Bless you.
Brentley Stephens
April 16, 2008
I owe so much to Eric Svenson that I cannot express my gratitude. I worked for Eric at the Intimate Bookshop and it was he who encouraged me to reach higher and supported me in that quest. He recommended me for a position in publishing where I thrived. I could never thank him enough for his support. My prayers go out to his wife and family.
I think the quote by Dizzy Gillespe upon the death of Louis Armstrong fits my feelings here:
"No him, no me."
Eileen Becker
April 16, 2008
My sincerest condolences to Eric and his family in the loss of his father.
Michael Spradlin
April 16, 2008
The thoughts and prayers of the entire Spradlin family are with my colleague Eric and his family.
Ian Matchett
April 14, 2008
Mr. Svenson was always kind and welcoming to my wife Tiffany and I. Please accept our very sincere condolences. God bless.
Katherine Crowley Dickson
April 14, 2008
I was just thinking about you and Eric last week. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Bob Hall
April 14, 2008
Eric was a good friend for a number of years and I'll always remember his warm smile and good cheer. He will live on thru my memories as well as everyone else's who had the good fortune to meet him. My deepest sympathies to Barbara and the rest of his family.
Abi with her biggest fan...
Julie Svenson
April 13, 2008
Eric was my father-n-law... What an incredible man who taught all of us the true meaning of being a servant. Our family is so sad to lose him, but we truly rejoice that he is with the Lord and free from cancer forever. My daughters Abigail and Honor were blessed to have such a fun and loving granddaddy. THe picture included was taken before Abi's first soccer game 3 weeks ago.
Eric and the butterfly
Dede Hall
April 13, 2008
Eric's warmth and smiles will be in our hearts and memories forever! We will be with you Saturday if we can--if not you will be in our hearts!
Dede Hall & Tom Lynch
Bill & Joyce Speri
April 13, 2008
We've been friends with Eric since Keuka days, but we feel the loss of a brother now as we try to comprehend a world without Eric. Such love and joy he brought to all!
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