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Eric Dahlin Obituary

On Thursday December 13, 2018 Eric passed away in his home at the age of 72. Eric was born in Vancouver Washington on December 25, 1945. He is survived by his wife Cheryl, his goddaughter Katie Vaclavek, and his cat Friendly. He was a ceramic art teacher for 34 years at Encina Preparatory High School and retired in 2004. Eric continued to create his ceramic sculptures after retirement until his death. Art was his passion and clay was his medium. "I know that everything I make is a piece of me". Eric was also an avid fly fisherman, a member of The Sutter Club, and had friends too numerous to mention.Special thanks to Dr. Dazhi Cen and his staff at Kaiser Permanente Oncology Department, who cared for Eric and guided him through the last 21 months of his life. In accordance with his wishes no funeral services will be held. Remembrances can be sent to Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary at 6001 Folsom Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95819.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Sacramento Bee from Jan. 4 to Jan. 6, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Eric Dahlin

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Charles Duane

December 26, 2019

I began my senior year at Encina in 1977. I was in a tight spot. I was significantly short of units needed to graduate. I took on a full schedule of classes, plus two night classes. I met Eric Dahlin in a night class. He was an engaging teacher. He gently nudged me along, until I found my creative side. Despite my efforts, in the spring I found myself still short a few units. I went to see Eric. In an arrangement of his design, I provided him with a number of finished projects.
He gave me the units.
I graduated with my class. I then graduated college. I recently retired from a thirty year career in law enforcement.
Eric Dahlin helped me in my journey.
I will never forget him.

Debbie Sehnert (Frey)

March 21, 2019

It is with fondest memories that I recall my days in the Encina art department from 1969-1972. Gary Pruner, Eric Dahlin, Ron Peetz, Bill Chambers, Joe Patitucci, and the countless students these gifted artists and teachers inspired was truly a Golden Age for Encina. Offering both a safe haven and unconditional acceptance to the, shall we say, less conventional students, these teachers inspired many future artists to fully realize their potential and unique viewpoints.
Eric Dahlin was an integral part of this extraordinary group and will be greatly missed.

by Eric Dahlin (Jennifer Church Collection)

January 8, 2019

Eric's twinkle lasted a lifetime

Andrea Class of '73

January 8, 2019

I don't know how Eric survived his career at Encina after all the clay lobbed at the classroom clock. Classroom memories with Eric are unforgettableespecially the ones where the clay made it to the kilnand the twinkle in Eric's eyesthank you Cheryl for sharing the photos.

Becki Bremerman-Clemmer

January 7, 2019

I was a student in the early 80's and returned to substitute once for Mr. Dahlin. He struck me as kind and very caring about the kids in his classes. Thank you, Mr. Dahlin, for being a teacher who really connected with kids.

Jan Machen

January 5, 2019

I did not know Eric, but I am wondering if he is related in some way to Ron Dahlin. Somehow I see a resemblance. I went to El Camino with Ron who has also passed.

Jennifer Berg

January 5, 2019

He was my ceramics teacher while I was in high school in the early 80s. It was very cool and fun in his classes. I remember all the students enjoyed him as a teacher. Rest in Peace.

Toidd Setzer

January 5, 2019

While our paths never crossed, I love your art, I still have three of your fun and creative pieces....
RIP....

January 5, 2019

Wonderful man.

Greg Boltz

January 4, 2019

Thank you.

Tricia Simms

January 4, 2019

Missing your teasing Cheryl, your smile and laughter. There has been many years of joy spending time together. Rick and I always appreciated naming our son after you. He has followed in your footsteps and grownup to be as kind, thoughtful, caring. and generous as you. Cheryl and Friendly, my thoughts, blessing, and love are sent to you.

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