Editors Note: This is our annual tribute to our co-founder Commander Eric John Soares, August 1, 1953 – February 1, 2012. Enjoy!
‘Tis a fearful thing
to love what death can touch.
A fearful thing
to love, to hope, to dream, to be –
to be,
And oh, to lose.
A thing for fools, this,
And a holy thing,
a holy thing
to love.
For your life has lived in me,
your laugh once lifted me,
your word was gift to me.
To remember this brings painful joy.
‘Tis a human thing, love,
a holy thing, to love
what death has touched.
Yehuda Halevi (1075 – 1141)
Such a beautiful poem!
Nine years ago, the wave warrior left us. His spirit lives on in the collective memories of those that knew and loved him.
My life is richer because I got to know Eric and got to paddle with him.
Beautiful Nancy, thank you! Always in the curl of each wave, crash on the beach, silence at sunset and in my heart as wave warrior and great friend!
Your hearts intertwined as one….your laughter and his still resonates the gift of love and joy especially to those who knew you well. I, for one, will always have a special place in my heart for Eric because he truly made one of my best friends very happy. ♥️ You always..The poem was extraordinary!
I love that poem, Nancy. I think of Eric often these days. I remember the crushing sadness I felt when I answered the phone and Chris Cunningham gave me the news. Eric had emailed me the night before from the hospital and expressed his usual courage and optimism about the upcoming surgery. I’m so grateful that I was able to attend the memorial on Half Moon Bay – such a beautiful and bittersweet tribute to a wonderful man. He always had my back, and he was so positive and encouraging when I was getting the National Center for Cold Water Safety off the ground. RIP dear friend.
Dr. Soares was my all time favorite professor at CSU East Bay (Formerly known as CSU — Hayward). I now mentor many young professionals in my career and I still teach the fantastic interview tips that I learned over two decades from Dr. Soares’ Management 4670 course.
Thanks, everyone, for your heartfelt comments. It’s wonderful to be reminded of the positive impact Eric had on so many people. I appreciate all of you.