Eric Olaf Berg

Rick was born in South Portland, Maine on December 15, 1939 to Swedish immigrant Eric Berg and his wife, Elizabeth. A 1962 graduate of Dartmouth College, Rick married Jean Kelly in August of that same year and enlisted in the US Marine Corps. After four years of service, he began a career as an economic developer with Central Maine Power. Weary of shoveling the snow of Down East winters, Rick moved his growing family to the warmer climes of the Southeast, living first in Conyers, Ga. where he continued his career working with Georgia Tech and Oglethorpe Power, until his retirement to Watkinsville, Ga.

Rick was an avid golfer. He was also devoted to soccer - participating as a coach, player, referee, and a supporter - whether watching his favorite professional teams or cheering on his children and grandchildren on the pitch.

To meet Rick was to meet a friendly but quiet man reflecting a serene nature everyone attributed to his Swedish heritage. However, his reserved demeanor could restrain neither his sense of humor - usually off-beat - nor his easy, hearty laugh. A man of few words, Rick never hesitated to convey his gratitude for friends and family, often simply expressed in a ‘Thank you.’ Rick was an anchor to his family, a bedrock, a keeper of the peace, and a reliable helpmate to those who were fortunate to share their lives with him.

In addition to his wife, Jean Kelly Berg, Eric is survived by sons, Ryan M. Berg (Amanda) of Flovilla, Ga. and Eric I. Berg of Athens, Ga., and daughters, Ingrid Hunt (David) of Watkinsville, Ga. and Signe Hall (Greg) of Loganville, Ga. He is survived by six grandchildren: Michael and Patrick Berg, Emma, Simon, and Juliana Hunt, and Macgregor Berg as well. He is also survived by three sisters: Elizabeth Deschenes of South Portland, Maine, Nancy Craig (Rob) of Cumberland Foreside, Maine, and Lisa Meyers of Fairhope, Ala. Rick also leaves behind many friends and extended family in Georgia, New York, and Maine.

The family wishes to thank St. Mary’s Home Hospice care, especially Lori McLean, as well as to Rick’s ‘gentle giant’ Antwone Wright of Why Leave Home Senior Care.

A memorial service to honor Rick’s life will be held at a later time. The family asks that, if you order flowers, do not send them to the family. Give them to your loved ones.

Online condolences may be offered at www.bernsteinfuneralhome.com.

Bernstein Funeral Home and Cremation Service has charge of arrangements.