Sign In
Eric James Lerhe
<p>Cmdre Eric James Lerhe OMM, MSC, CD, PhD Ret'd died suddenly in Halifax on 21 November </p><p><br></p><p>after some months of declining health. Eric was a naval officer of a generation which deeply</p><p><br></p><p>loved the Navy, and he was profoundly committed to the Service, and to Canada until the end.</p><p><br></p><p>He enjoyed a splendid career, commanding HMC Ships SAGUENAY and NIPIGON, the CF</p><p><br></p><p>Maritime Warfare Centre and Canada's Pacific Fleet. He also served with distinction in National</p><p><br></p><p>Defence Headquarters as Director of NATO Policy and in other senior roles. Eric possessed a</p><p><br></p><p>fine mind and a quick wit. His lightning repartees and hilarious stories, generally at his own</p><p><br></p><p>expense, were legendary. In retirement, he completed a PhD, wrote extensively on naval and</p><p><br></p><p>international security issues, and was an ongoing and committed champion for the Navy and</p><p><br></p><p>for Canada's international interests. Eric's hobbies and interests were diverse and eclectic: from</p><p><br></p><p>skilled woodworking and construction to diving, kayaking, target shooting, drawing and</p><p><br></p><p>watercolour painting. Eric was a gentleman, a term we hear little of these days, and his life was</p><p><br></p><p>marked by respect and care for others. He was a great and memorable friend to many. Eric will</p><p><br></p><p>be forever loved and missed by his wife Nancy Lerhe of Blue Rocks NS, his brother Michael</p><p><br></p><p>Lerhe of Victoria BC, his sister Margaret Lerhe of Ottawa ON and all members of the family. Eric</p><p><br></p><p>was predeceased by his parents Spencer and Viola Lerhe of Galiano Island BC.</p><p><br></p><p>Arrangements have been entrusted to Sweeny’s Funeral Home, 35 York Street, Bridgewater.</p><p><br></p><p>At Eric's request there will be no funeral or memorial service. </p><p><br></p><p>Online condolences may be made by visiting www.sweenysfuneralhome.com.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>To everyone who paid tribute here to Eric -</p><p><br></p><p>Your expressions of love and respect for Eric touched our hearts and provided some comfort to us during this difficult time.</p><p><br></p><p>Thank you for your thoughtfulness. Sincerely, Nancy Lerhe for Eric’s family.</p>April 3, 1949 - November 21, 202204/03/194911/21/2022
Share Obituary:
Eric James Lerhe
Tribute wall
4 trees planted in memory of Eric James Lerhe.
Loading story for Eric James Lerhe