Eric Richard Jeffreys

Born in England on February 11, 1946, Eric’s adventurous spirit began early when, at just 7 years old, he crossed the ocean with his family on a long freighter voyage to Canada. That move sparked a lifetime of resilience, curiosity, and determination.

Eric’s working years reflected his versatility and commitment. He served as a volunteer firefighter, once applied to the RCMP but was told he was an inch too short, worked at Safeway while attending school, and apprenticed in Prince George as a Business Machine Mechanic and travelled all over BC for his career. He later joined BC Lotteries, where he worked as a Technical Analyst for more than two decades before retiring.

Eric met his first wife, Carol, in his younger years, and together they raised two wonderful children, Toby and Tim, filling their lives with love, sports, and outdoor adventures. In 2009, fate brought Eric and Gertie together in Arizona. They fell in love and eloped to Nova Scotia, marrying on the scenic shores of the Bay of Fundy. Over their 16 years together, they shared countless adventures across Canada and the U.S., and just last year, fulfilled a dream by visiting the small coastal village of La Penita, Mexico.

Eric was a man of many talents and endless curiosity. He found joy in the outdoors — downhill skiing, hunting, trapping, camping, fishing, metal detecting for gold, and tending his beloved garden, especially his famous garlic. Indoors, his creativity flourished through woodworking, drum making, flint knapping obsidian knives, and polishing gemstones at the lapidary club in Arizona and in his home workshop. Whatever Eric took on, he gave it his all — learning, perfecting, and creating with care and pride. He even built his own wooden boat, which he and Gertie enjoyed taking out together on the water.

Known for his warmth, generosity, and unmistakable sense of humour, Eric had an incredible ability to make people laugh. His grandchildren affectionately called him PopPop, and will forever remember his infamous dad jokes, stories, and laughter. Eric had impeccable timing and a knack for slipping in the perfect pun or witty remark, which he delivered with a twinkle in his eye.

Eric was predeceased by his parents, Richard and Gwendolyn, his sister Lynn, his first wife’s parents, Terry and Ray, and his brother-in-law/best friend, Dave Roy, who played a big role in many of Eric’s adventures and fun.

He is lovingly survived by his wife Gertie; her children Marvin (Anna) and Cheryl (Jason); grandchildren Brittany (Carter), Keenan (Ally), Emily, and Rya; and great-grandchildren Brandt and Briar.

He is also survived by his children Toby (Jamie) and Tim (Ashley); grandchildren Morgan (Sully), Brooke, Myra, Isaac, Josef, Rocky, and Wylie; and great-grandchild Charlotte.

Eric will be deeply missed by his brother Paul (Joyce), their daughter Kristen (Darren) and her children. He is fondly remembered by his first wife Carol, and her three brothers — the Roy Boys — who always considered Eric family.

In keeping with Eric’s wishes, there will be no formal funeral service. Instead, a Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 16th, 2026 at the Bon Voyage in Prince George, where family and friends will gather to share laughter, memories, and stories.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the wonderful doctors, nurses, and staff who cared for Eric during his stay at Kelowna General Hospital ICU, to the air ambulance team who brought him home to Prince George, and to Dr. Nadeem, Tamara, Sabrina, and the caring staff at UNBC Hospital. Special thanks also to Fraserview Crematorium and Assman’s Funeral Home for their kindness and guidance.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Eric’s memory may be made to the Prince George Rotary Hospice House, where Eric and Gertie volunteered for many years.

We can still hear Eric’s words, “It’s been a good day.” His life was rich with love, laughter, and adventure. His family and friends will remember him not with sorrow alone, but with gratitude, smiles, and stories — as he so often said, “thanks for the entertainment, but it is time to go!”