Son of Frieda and Helmer Hammarberg, he was the last baby born in the Mission Hospital before Burns Lake stole it. His family name was given to the lake that his family homesteaded on, Hammarberg Lake was called T’sau T’se Ien (beaver stand) by the natives.
Eric was 17 when he lost his Dad and when he left the farm, he and his mother moved to Southbank. The road on which they lived is named Hammarberg Road.
Eric had his own sawmill by the age of 15, drove truck and went to work on the Omineca Princess. He always had a keen interest in electronics and anything with wheels or a motor.
Eric was always willing to give a helping hand to anyone, young or old. His home was a haven for those who needed a place, even to the little cats and dogs. Pansies, peonies and daffodils were his favourite flowers and he was always willing to share the plants that grew in the tires by is doorstep.
Eric married Julie Jack and they adopted a baby boy, Jason Albert Hammarberg. Eric married Geneva Wiseman and added her children and grandchildren to his family.
Eric entered the hospital on December 28, 2004 where he remained until his passing on the morning of Spring, March 21, 2005.
Eric was predeceased by his parents, Frieda and Helmer, and his first wife Julie.
He is survived by his wife Geneva; son Jason; stepsons - George (Tenoj) Wiseman, Bret Allen (Sandy) Wiseman, Russell (D’Borah) Wiseman, Justin (Vangie) Wiseman; stepdaughters - Carey Cox, Natasha Bolster, Ruth Wiseman; and numerous step-grandchildren.
Donations may be made to the Canada Cancer Society in memory of Eric.