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Eric Maher Obituary
October 13, 1956 ~ April 28, 2015
Sacramento, CA
Eric was born on October 13, 1956 in Fairfield, CA, the first-born son of Delbert and Marlys Maher. He spent his childhood in Arcata, CA amidst the Redwoods loving the Boy Scouts, Sierra Club and all outdoor activities. Family adventures centered around exploring new wilderness (and new libraries).
Eric pressed his way through many challenges in life. He was a fighter who didn't let asthma or Hodgkins disease stop him. Diagnosed with cancer, he spent his fifth grade year at Stanford University hospital, with Mom by his side. Eric was one of the first Hodgkins survivors and went on to live cancer-free all his life.
Nothing stopped Eric. He simply worked harder. Driven to succeed educationally, he graduated with high honors first from U.C. Santa Cruz with a B.A. in Environmental Planning then from C.S.U. Sacramento with a Master of Business Administration.
Eric spent more than 30 years fighting on behalf of Mother Earth in the State of California: first at Coastal Waste Management Board and Coastal Commission, then as an Associate Environmental Planner in the Office of Environmental Analysis in the Office of Legal Affairs, and finally as a Senior Hazardous Materials Scientist in the Department of Toxic Substances Control.
This involved his personal involvement in more than 850 permitting or clean-up decisions. Eric provided statewide technical expertise, consultation and assistance to regional and headquarters staff, and the public, on the application and implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). He also participated in complex Hazardous Waste Management and Site Mitigation Projects. Eric earned numerous accolades for his conscientious diligence, including several awards for Superior Accomplishment.
Eric died at home in Sacramento, CA. He is survived by his mother, Marlys Maher, brother Stephen Patrick Maher and sister Karen Ruth Maher Cameron.
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Memories and Condolences
for Eric Maher
Sponsored by santacruzsentinel.com.
5 Entries
Luis Espinoza
September 11, 2015
Eric was a regular fixture in our neighborhood for so many years. He always had a smile on his face. I'm so very sorry for your loss.
June 2, 2015
Dear Marlys and family,
My deepest sympathy for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Marione Browning
Bonnie Amoruso
June 1, 2015
To the Maher Family,
I have known & worked with Eric for over 25 years; working with him at DTSC. I was shocked and saddened to hear of his sudden passing. He was a very smart man and I enjoyed many conversations with him. My heartfelt sympathy to you in this most difficult time. May you cherish all the wonderful memories you have of Eric & keep them forever in your heart.
May 31, 2015
I would like to express my sincere condolences to the family of Eric. May the God of all comfort,comfort you during this time. Know that I am thinking of your family an am keeping you in my prayers.
Sally Meeker
May 26, 2015
To Eric's mother Marlys, his brother Steve and sister Karen - Eric left us too soon. It seems like yesterday he was out in his front yard, coffee cup in hand viewing any and all events happening on our street. On at least two occasions, he saved my dogs from wandering off. I have always been grateful to him for that. Eric loved conversation and adored debate. Often, I would see him and another neighbor discussing whatever the topic of the day was. Oh, he loved to debate. I lived next door to Eric for about 23 years before I moved this past fall. He taught me how to fix my water sprinklers and was a great help when I needed to cut down a tree between our yards. The last time I saw him, I told him that it was my pleasure to have been his neighbor all these years. Since my move, I have missed him and that smile of his. As long as we carry his memory in our hearts, he continues to live within us. I am so very sorry for your loss.
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