Eric David Katz

Eric David Katz was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on August 11, 1972 and died peacefully in the Victoria General Hospital in Halifax on June 26, 2026, almost 54 years later. He spent most of his childhood in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, where he lived with his mother, Wendy Katz, and his stepfather, the late Alan Young. He spent his holidays and summers with his father, Larry Katz, and his stepmother, Ruthie Tamara Levine. Eric attended the Wolfville School and Horton High School. He graduated from Concordia University in Montreal with a degree in music theory and composition. He lived in Toronto for several years before returning to Nova Scotia.

Eric taught English in Japan following university and then travelled extensively, finally arriving in India, where he spent ten years after discovering a love for Indian music and the tabla in particular. He became a skilled tabla player. Music and art were his passions. He played piano, violin, guitar, and tabla. An excellent artist, he worked in paints, charcoal, pen and ink, and batik. He was highly creative, funny, modest, loving, and kind. He was interested in history and well-read in various areas. He loved to engage in conversation and debate, resulting in family dinners in Wolfville that often ended with the table piled with books supporting topics raised during the evening meal.

Eric was loved by everyone who knew him. He said that he had already lived a full life, but it wasn’t full enough for those who grieve his death. He leaves behind his wonderfully devoted and cherished partner, Lisa Dearman, with whom he lived in Riverport, Nova Scotia. He was predeceased by his stepfather, Alan Young, and his stepsister, Eleanor Young. He is survived also by his devoted mother, Wendy Katz; his father, Larry Katz; his stepmother Ruthie Tamara Levine; his stepbrother, Julian Young (Sharon), and his half-siblings, Rachel Levine Katz (Sol Ackerman) and Daniel Levine Katz. Other survivors include his niece Maddie Young (Stephen Cowie) and nephew Austin Fraser (Jessy) and their children; and uncles, aunts and cousins on both sides of his family.

Eric’s family is grateful for the medical care he received during his last illness at the Victoria General Hospital. Special thanks go to his nurses Bryan and Labiba on 3B, who treated him with great care and compassion. Donations in his memory may be made to Feed Nova Scotia, MAZON Canada, or a charity of your choice.