Eric Dyson Emerson

Eric Dyson Emerson, the man with a big presence and an even bigger heart, has passed away at the age of 63 on 22 July 2023. Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on 4 December 1959 to Bonnie and Warren “Buzz" Emerson, Eric loved and was loved by all who knew him throughout his globetrotting life.

Eric married Vera, the love of his life, his paixão, on 7 September 1988. In Eric’s words, the couple’s romance got off the ground on 6 May 1985 on a jet in the Houston airport. According to Eric, he saw a beautiful girl walk on board and he hoped that she had the seat next to his but she just passed him by. When the plane landed in Miami, Eric saw Vera throughout the airport and tried to “accidentally” meet her in the Miami airport terminal. But as fate would have it, he and the beautiful woman were booked on the same flight to Brazil. Eric and Vera arranged to sit next to each other on the plane and they talked throughout the whole nine-and-a-half hour flight to Rio and got to know each other. Little did they know that their time spent in the airport and on the plane would be their last for more than two years. During these years they exchanged letters and worked to save money for flights. This work included an appearance by Eric on a television game show, where he won a round-trip ticket to Brazil from multi-millionaire Percy Ross. All who know their story are left believing in the magic of soulmates.

While Eric, Vera, and Brendyn traveled the globe for his work, their true accomplishments were the friends who have become family along the way. Eric was the definition of a true friend, maintaining relationships even as decades passed and distances grew. It’s difficult to put into words just how impactful Eric was on those around him. Brendyn learned the value of showing up for people from Eric’s example. Eric had a quiet way of ensuring those around him had all the support they could possibly need. From acquaintances, to friends, to family, Eric was the people's champion.

After his family and friends, Eric loved his work. Eric obtained a Master’s in Petroleum Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines and lead a glowing and rewarding career in the oil and gas industry. His career took he and his family to Thailand, Indonesia, Scotland, Brazil, Angola and the US. Eric absolutely adored detail, healthy debate, problem solving and of course, more debate. Throughout complex projects and roles of increasing responsibility, Eric maintained that his final role in a mentoring capacity was his most rewarding. He always held a special place in his heart for his time spent with both Unocal and Chevron. Eric and Vera retired to their dream home in Palm Coast, Florida, in 2020.

While we have been blindsided by this, we are comforted in the knowledge that Eric had been profoundly happy. In the days leading up to the incident, his family noticed how content, fulfilled and tranquil Eric was.

Eric, ever the planner and orchestrator, relished control.

Eric is survived by his wife, Vera, son Brendyn, daughter-in-law Mary, granddaughter Josephine (he is Aca to her), brother Scott, brother-in-law Brian, aunt Dede and his dog and constant companion, Beau.

We are eternally grateful and warmed by the support and love we have received from Eric’s network. Thank you all for your messages and memories. Thank you, most of all, for being a part of Eric’s life and story.

Eric was a giver, a pragmatist, a planner and fiercely loved man.

A Memorial Gathering for Eric will be held Sunday, July 30, 2023 at 12:00 PM at Hammock Dunes Club, 30 Ave Royale, Palm Coast, Florida 32137.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.craigflaglerpalms.com for the Emerson family.