Eric Brock Obituary

Eric John Brock

SHREVEPORT, LA - The visitation for Eric John Brock will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday, December 5, 2011 at Rose-Neath Marshall Street. A private interment will be held later.

Local historian, author, and historic preservationist Eric John Brock died in Shreveport on November 30, 2011, at the age of 45 as the result of a heart attack. He was born on September 24, 1966, in Berkeley, California, but he moved with his family to Shreveport at a very early age and became one of her most devoted citizens. Mr. Brock, a 1988 graduate of Centenary College of Louisiana, was the author of over 500 articles on Shreveport, Northwest Louisiana, and Louisiana historical topics. His columns "The Presence of the Past," for the Shreveport Journal and "A Look Back" for the Forum Weekly and the sixteen books he wrote on Shreveport and Louisiana history will help to preserve the memory of a life cut tragically too short. The city of Shreveport will forever be indebted to Eric for his numerous contributions preserving Shreveport's past.

A favorite quotation of Eric's was by Jim Hightower: "The middle of the road is for yellow lines and dead armadillos," and it is not surprising that this sentiment resonated with him. Everything Eric did, he did with passion and intensity. With unswerving loyalty, Eric was always ready to engage in battle for any person or cause that he loved, armed with his encyclopedic knowledge of a wide range of subjects and his razor-sharp wit. But those closest to him also knew a quieter, though no less committed, side of him as well. He is remembered by many for his eager willingness to share his vast knowledge of a number of topics, ranging from Shreveport history to classical numismatics. Both his kind heart and his doorway would open to any cat in need of a home, despite his allergies. He will by missed by his beloved cats, Buddy, Huey, Princess, and Allie, and preceded in death by Puddie, Brooki, Baby, and Henry. In one of his final acts of generosity, as Eric began focusing more of his research on ancient Roman history and culture, he donated his extensive collection of historic Shreveport images and memorabilia, collected over a lifetime, to the LSUS Archives, where they will be available for research to the public.

His grandparents Marion Laflin Berg and Warner Edward Berg preceded Mr. Brock in death. He is mourned by his widow, Shannon Glasheen Brock, his mother, Victoria Berg Brock, both of Shreveport, LA; his father, Robert Donald Brock of El Cajon, CA; grandmother, Frances J. Smith Brock of Poway, CA;

The family wishes to thank the physicians and staff in MICU at LSUHSC for their concerned care.

The family suggests memorials may be made to the Oakland Preservation Society of Shreveport at oaklandcemeteryla.org or to The Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary of Rome, Italy at www. romancats.com.

Requiescat in pace.

Published by Shreveport Times from Dec. 3 to Dec. 5, 2011.
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Memories and Condolences
for Eric Brock

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I just read about Eric John Brock in a good book about Shreveport, LA: "Legendary Locals Of Shreveport" by Gary D. Joiner and John Andrew Prime c2016. It has an article about Eric John Brock on pg 11. He wrote over 500 Articles and 10 books. I will buy his books and read them. I love history. I love Shreveport. I love cats. I was born in 1964. We had a lot in common. I am so sad to hear of his passing. Let's take one thing from his articles and books. History is full of interesting lessons for the present moment. Please make good health your first priority. Try doing "Pilates Exercises" (P.E.) each morning before you start your day. - Ted Vegh

Theodore Vegh

Other

November 10, 2022

I just now found out that Eric had succummed to a heart attack in 2011. I had corresponded with him many years ago about Larkin Edwards, a relative. Eric was a great author and person.

Mary Dorothy Pittman Pourteau

Other

September 13, 2022

7/19 thinking of u.

mathilde edwards

Friend

July 16, 2019

Sorry to hear of your loss. Having grown up in Shreveport, I'm always interested in Shreveport things. My mom introduced my to Eric a few years ago through his column in "The Forum", some of which I've kept. I also own some of his books about our fair city. I made a trip this week to Shreveport to see family, only to learn of Eric's untimely death. Through him, I learned more about Shreveport than I ever did in school. He touched the lives of many whom he never knew.

Ed Hill

December 31, 2011

My deepest condolences to Shannon and Victoria. Even though Eric and I only occasionally traded emails - he was an important family connection. I am saddened by his passing.

Stephanie Harvey

December 28, 2011

I met Eric in the Shreveport Humanists in the 1990s, and was impressed by his knowledge, intelligence, and outgoing demeanor. The world is a poorer place without him.

William Watkins

December 17, 2011

A keeper of history and contributor to
the preservation of our past...I enjoyed reading his articles about our city. He will be greatly missed.

Valerie Ervin

December 16, 2011

Dearest Shannon,
Robert and I went to visit the final resting place of our beloved Eric. Under the trees on a hill overlooking the city he loved.The perfect place for Shreveport's great historian. " If you seek his monument, look about you." Forever and a day we will always be there for you. Agatha and Robert

Agatha Fertitta-McCall

December 7, 2011

Eric will be missed,He was a great historian. Shreveport was blessed to have him. Rest in peace Eric

December 6, 2011

I remember Eric as an outstanding, beloved historian of Shreveport and his
consummate knowledge cannot be compared with others. May God console the family of Eric Brock in time of sorrow and grief.

Charlotte Webb

December 6, 2011

Eric Brock did a brillant research of the Ark-La-Tex Antique & Classic Vehicle Museum site in the George T. Bishop Building at 601 Spring. He was a historian with such personality. Louisiana's loss is heaven's gain. My sympathy to his family.

Francene Miller

December 5, 2011

What a wonderful friend Eric was to our family. He was a fine man and a great contributor to the Shreveport community. We will miss you, Eric. God bless you.
Guy and Donna Sample

December 5, 2011

Our deepest condolences to Eric's family and friends -- it was our distinct honor to work with him.

The Staff of Arcadia Publishing

December 5, 2011

My husband and I will never forget the last time we talked to you. It was in the little zoo-like section of the Louisana State Fair just a few weeks ago. You and your wife were strolling around checking out the interesting animals and holding hands. That was nice. We also remember you and your efforts in researching the history of all the stain glass windows at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. We will miss you and your wonderful articles!!

The Elfords

December 5, 2011

I enjoyed reading Eric's articles and books on the history of Shreveport and am truly saddened to hear of his passing. He was such an asset to our area and we were all blessed to have him. My prayers and sympathies to his family. May his memory be eternal.

Georgia Booras

December 5, 2011

Eric J. Brock passed away on November 30 and Shreveport has lost a truly valuable member of the community. Mr. Brock was an intelligent, thoughtful man with an infectious passion for history and culture, of Shreveport in particular. I met Mr. Brock on several occasions to research family history.

In 2000, I decided to attempt genealogical research on my family. I had been given his email address from a fellow genealogical researcher, who told me that Mr. Brock was an expert on Shreveport history and culture. He was.

I wrote to him, giving him the particulars of the data I had on my Hyams family of Nachitoches. Unexpectedly, Mr. Brock knew quite a bit about my family, because they were Jewish, and Mr. Brock suggested we meet at the Temple Archives on Southfield in Shreveport. He helped me locate the Hyams in Stern's First Jewish Families of America. I literally left with a pedigree of my family documenting the first Hyams to emigrate to America and the generations up to my great grandfather. I was stunned.

Mr. Brock told me that my gg grandfather helped to establish and build the first Jewish temple in the city. He also knew that my family established a bookseller and stationery business in Shreveport. He had a photograph that included the storefront. He had a Louisiana Confederate note signed by gg grandfather as treasurer. As a result we had theorized that since Shreveport was the last capital of the Confederacy, that my gg grandfather was also likely the last treasurer as well, although we could never prove it.

He met me at the LSUS archives where we found several newspaper articles which revealed whole new lines of research. He showed me how to operate the microfiche and film machines. I was able to determine that my gg grandfather was buried in the cemetery behind the Methodist church downtown, and visited his gravesite.

All of this was astounding to me, because I thought my family was from New Orleans and Catholic. And they were, but by way of Charleston, SC, and Shreveport, LA. It was just a coincidence that I moved to Shreveport. I had lived in Shreveport for 20 years and never knew that my gg grandfather was a resident and businessman here.

None of this would have transpired without the invaluable assistance of Eric Brock. He was excited to tell me all he knew about the Hyams family. He took great pleasure in recounting the history of Shreveport and the culture of its people. Everyone who left a conversation with Eric Brock was smarter than they were before. He was a master storyteller, with a true passion for the preservation of Shreveport's past.

I wrote this because I wanted every citizen of Shreveport to know that Eric Brock touched lives in great and small ways. His books have forever preserved much of Shreveport's heritage. He was a mentor to me, and gave me a wealth of knowledge simply for the satisfaction of passing on something of great value to someone who appreciated it very much. It is with a very heavy heart that all who knew him shall mourn his passing. Shreveport has lost someone who made a difference in the lives others, but we can continue to learn from his books and give thanks that he was one of Shreveport's own. He will be missed.

Godspeed to Eric.

Allison Bartsch

December 5, 2011

Ben Franklin said,"If you would not be forgotten as soon as you are dead and rotten, either wright things worth reading, or do things worth the writing", and I believe that Eric Brock and Ben Franklin did both, very well, indeed.

Wendell Carrick

December 4, 2011

Eric was a good man. His compassion for the people he loved was like no other. He was kind, smart, funny, and direct. I will miss you old friend. One thing is for sure, Heaven is about to get one heck of a history lesson! Much love to Vicky and Shannon. Be strong, you are both in my prayers.

Matt Hazelton

December 4, 2011

Eric Brock has brought Joy to this world since he was born. I have watched him grow from a darling baby into a true Renaissance Man. The world has lost a shining light. My deepest condolences to both his Mother and his wife.

Stephanie Murray

December 4, 2011

I can't tell you how heartsick I am at Eric's passing. He was generous with his knowledge of the city's past; so quick to answer emails with excitement and encouragement. I'm eternally grateful for his legacy of books and collections and his life's work for us to remember and honor through preservation. My prayers are with his family for comfort and strength.

Jan Harville

December 4, 2011

Eric, My great Friend, I will miss you greatly. Eric has contributed greatly to my pictorial history of important people and places in Shreveport, Bossier. We will always remember your awesome kindness to our Shreveport/Bossier area. You was truly an Icon for our area. May you rest in your Heavenly Home.

James Shafer

James Shafer

December 4, 2011

Eric was truly gifted and we are not likely to see someone with his passion or dedication for our areas history again any time soon. His books and articles were true treasures. He will be missed. RIP Eric

JoAnn Harris

December 4, 2011

Shannon, I'm so sorry about the passing of Eric, he was always so nice to me, and always very talkative when I would run into you and him around town.He was without a doubt, one of my favorite people on the planet.He will be missed by many. I want you to know that you are in my prayers.

Mark Christopher Pizzolato

December 4, 2011

Eric became a regular at our store, Campus Collectibles, since we opened in 1999. His visits were always a learning experience for all those who were in earshot. He would both purchase and sell items he enjoyed or had too many of. Eric was always willing to stop by and identify or educate us on a myriad of memorabilia that would come through the store. Whenever we got a Shreveport item in, Eric would be the first to come by to usually buy it for his collection or ask if we wanted another one. Shannon, we will miss his visits, his knowledge and his sense of humor. Shreveport has truly lost one of its sons.
..... John and Dru Matthews and Richard King

John Matthews

December 3, 2011

Oh, my goodness. We have a great loss of such a fine talented, young man. I met Eric when he was a young boy. He lived next door to my husband and I on Dudley many years ago. He would visit with me and talk about his stamp collecting. Years passed and I had different opportunities to visit with him when he was in college and after his graduation. I was so glad to see him develop into the talented writer and historian. He had such a gentle and kind spirit. My prayers are lifted up to his wife and family.

Kathy Long

December 3, 2011

Although my husband and I didn't know Mr. Brock personally....we were both very big fans of his historical works. Shreveport and the local areas have truly lost a historical hero. May God be with you and your family and may you be comforted to know others quietly mourn his passing and lifetime commitments also. I also lost a family member at this time of year. May it comfort you to know that Eric now has the ultimate historical experience ahead of him as he celebrates the true "Chrst"mas experience this year. You will be in our daily prayers.

Anonymous Admirer of his work

December 3, 2011

To my friend and fellow Historian, thank you for your friendship and your numerous contributions to the better understanding of Shreveport history. Of all who talk about history or historical preservation in the old city, you are one of the few that actually did something about it. You made a positive difference. Will miss talking with you about Shreveport's old buildings, in connecting historical dots, exchanging ideas, and gaining your keen observations. Will also miss seeing you at the grand old lady, the Strand Theatre. Oh yes, your great sense of humor was appreciated when discovering the “509” misprint. And lastly what I said to you when your beloved grandmother Marion passed, the same sentiment applies to you as well my friend. Eric, rest in peace. You will be greatly missed.

Lane Callaway

December 3, 2011

Rest in Peace gentle man.

Teresa Willcox

December 3, 2011

I met Mr. Brock over 15 yrs ago when I worked for HNB, he was a favorite customer of mine. I always enjoyed him coming in and talking about bits of the history of Shreveport. He would sometimes leave me articles that he had written or information he had gathered about some of our local cemeteries. I have enjoyed his books and treasure our conversations. He is a great loss to our city.

Cheryl Denise Fischer-Hollingsworth

December 3, 2011

Dear Sweet Shannon,
Our prayers are with you and the family. Robert, Patrick, Nina and I loved Eric so much. He will be missed so very much. I guess God knows best, but it so hard for us to understand why. Be strong and know we are always here for you. Much love, Agatha

Agatha Fertitta-McCall

December 3, 2011

My prayers are with Eric's family. I went to school with Eric at First Baptist and he was a great person. Rest in Peace.

Michelle Cox

December 3, 2011

I have known Eric for 20 years. We followed each other from magazine to magazine, sent advance copies of our newest tomes to the other before we released them, we did everything from weekly Trivial Pursuit games to quarreling over the pronunciation of "Nabokov" and shared a friendship that saw us through heartbreaks and successes. I can attest that no Shreveport soiree will ever be the same without his elegance and eloquence. Crossed legs and waving a cigar as he spoke, that Southern drawl like a kicked bottle of ribboning syrup...that is My Eric. The Eric I shall cherish forever, until I see him again. Rest in peace, dear Eric. Rest in peace 'til I get there...

Charlotte Rice

December 3, 2011

I have known Eric for many years and this came as a shock. I knew him when i was in the Sons of Confederate Veterans, and fighting to keep the flag at the courthouse in Shreveport, as we both knew that that location was where the last Confederate army, under Gen. Kirby Smith, disbanded as the war was lost. Eric was a great historian and patriot; and as a friend and a past Lt. Cmdr. of the Louisiana Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans, i wish him well as he goes with God! Amen.

Nat Baggett

December 3, 2011

I did not know Mr Brock personally but, I enjoyed reading everything he wrote, from the Forum to his books. He will be trully missed.

Christy Lincoln

December 3, 2011

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