Eric Allan Woudenberg1955 - 2024

1955 - 2024

Eric Allan Woudenberg

1955 - 2024

Goffstown, NH - Eric (Rick) Woudenberg died suddenly of natural causes in his home in Goffstown, New Hampshire on January 4, 2024. He lived in Goffstown for most of his adult life with his wife, Keiko Nagano, who died in 2018, and his son, Toshi Woudenberg. He is survived by Toshi, his sweetheart, Nancee Bershof, his siblings, Ruthe and Timothy Woudenberg, and step siblings, Lisa and Valerie Shulock.

Rick was a lifelong learner and was always in pursuit of greater understanding. He loved nothing more than conversations with friends, acquaintances, and even strangers. He was a careful yet enthusiastic listener, engaging with everyone he met with avid curiosity. Those close to him knew to expect to stay long after events ended while Rick chatted and made connections with countless strangers who became friends.

Rick was born to Richard and Patricia Woudenberg, grew up in Wayne, New Jersey, and attended Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. He went on to a successful career in software engineering which included working at Bell Labs in New Jersey under his mentor, Ken Thompson. His career spanned the globe, including assignments for various companies in the United States, Norway, Germany, Japan, and Australia.

He was a beloved member of many communities with whom he shared his endless generosity and talents. He was an avid glider pilot and member of Post Mills Soaring Club, as well as an active member of St. Matthews Episcopal Church in Goffstown.

From an early age Rick was a seeker and explored different spiritual practices. He was ultimately drawn to Buddhism and attended many retreats over the years, some as long as three months. He also volunteered as a web developer for Dharma Seed, a small organization that distributes Buddhist teachings, and served many years on its board of directors.

Rick will be dearly missed by his large group of friends, extended family, and most especially by his beloved son Toshi and his loving partner Nancee.

A memorial service and reception will be held on Sunday, January 14, 2024 at 12 noon at the New Hampshire Audubon Center, 84 Silk Farm Road, Concord, NH.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to dharmaseed.org in Rick's memory.

For additional questions, loving messages, and/or to receive a zoom link for the memorial service, please email rickwoudenberg.memorial@gmail.com.