ERIC NELSON

Eric Reed Nelson, Ph.D  (Age 72)  
Of Kensington, MD, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on October 24, 2018.He loved to travel and immerse himself in adventure, unique foods, wine, music and the arts. He met his future wife, Chony, in Brussels, Belgium in 1974. Eric's career would send them to Africa, Asia and the US before settling down in Maryland with their two sons, Edward and Adrian.Eric was a graduate of Amherst High School, Swarthmore College, Yale University, and a Peace Corps volunteer. As a dedicated developmental economist, his passion was to improve the working and living conditions of people in post-conflict countries throughout Africa and Asia.After retirement, Eric and Chony continued to travel extensively. They would go on to visit over 60 National Parks by car and tent. Most recently, he completed the 1500 km Camino de Santiago by foot from Le Puy, France to Santiago de Compostela in Spain.Eric will be best remembered for his engaging stories, unique wit, sarcastic humor, and great intellect. He is survived by Chony, his wife of 44 years, his sons, Edward (wife, Ashley) and Adrian (wife, Chantal), his grand-children, Koen and Soleil, and sister, Ingrid Wapelhorst. We miss him deeply.A memorial celebrating Eric's life will be held in the Spring of 2019.