Eric Nelson

Eric Barton Nelson



Eric Barton Nelson, 75, left this world on the morning of November 3, 2023. Born and raised in Albuquerque, he had finally come back home after a life on the coasts.

Just before graduating high school, a motorcycle accident dramatically changed Eric's intended life course, keeping him out of military service. In May 1970 at the University of New Mexico, shortly after Eric was elected student body president, students kicked off a strike in response to the bombing of Cambodia and the Kent State shootings, shutting down classes and occupying the Student Union Building. Eric's efforts to peacefully lead the strike, manage unruly protesters, and prevent protests from turning violent helped prevent further bloodshed, even after state officials called in the National Guard and eleven people were bayoneted.

After UNM, Eric moved to Washington, DC, where he and his wife raised two sons. They later moved cross-country to California, and divorced. Eric's lifelong interest in early childhood education and natural science eventually led him to work as the director of San Anselmo Preschool, and then to start and run Acorns to Oaks Preschool. Eric remarried during this time, and raised a daughter in Marin County. After another divorce and retiring from a second career in IT, including at Bank of Marin and Petaluma City Schools, Eric returned to his hometown in the Land of Enchantment.

Eric is survived by his three adult children and two grandchildren, all of California, and five siblings still hanging on here in town. A private memorial will be held by the family. Friends are invited to donate to a charity in his name, and all old hippies are encouraged to light one up in his memory. Peace.