After meeting and marrying Nancy, he took up her martial art: Dan Zan Ryu jujitsu. He first earned a brown belt in Judo, and then later studied kung fu for two years. Eric was absolutely delighted by Paisley! Eric and the Martial ArtsĮric’s interest in the martial arts began when he was in his early 20s. Eric’s daughter Micaila, son-in-law Zoey, and granddaughter Paisley. Eric and Nancy Soares took many trips to the Hawaiian Islands. They studied martial arts together and they hiked, traveled, and explored the western United States, Hawaii, and the nearby Pacific Ocean. They created a life of adventure and exploration from their home in El Granada, California before moving north to settle in Ashland, Oregon in 2008. Eric with his sister Camille, mother Mozelle, and brothers John and Marc at his daughter Micaila’s wedding in 2007.Įric married his beloved wife Nancy in 1996. Eric’s FamilyĮric was well loved by his family members: mother Mozelle, sister Camille, brothers Marc and John, daughter Micaila, granddaughter Paisley, son-in-law Zoey, son Alex, stepson Nick, sister-in-law Patty, John’s life-partner Stephanie, nieces Dionne, Kirby, and Kasey, nephew Jake, and numerous cousins, aunts, and uncles.

He retired in 2008 and was soon honored as a professor emeritus. Eric’s Teaching CareerĮric had a highly successful 25-year career teaching business communication and marketing at California State University, East Bay, where he won awards for his outstanding teaching. in Communications at Bowling Green State University in Ohio. He then attended Sacramento State University, where he earned a B.A. Eric’s EducationĪfter a three-year stint in the Navy, Eric earned an A.A. He also really enjoyed playing sandlot football. He had leading roles in several plays at Anderson High School and was a member of the swim team. His love for outdoor adventure began there as he explored the nearby hills and waterways with his younger brother Marc.

Eric’s Early YearsĮric grew up in a rural area just outside Anderson, California. His strong personality and his desire to live life to the fullest left a major impact on thousands of people, from his family members to his friends to the myriad college students who took his classes at CSU East Bay.Įric was truly loved and admired – and he is truly missed. As usual, he was the life of the party.Įric was a great individual. Eric Soares – husband, father, brother, son, and good friend to so many people – passed away on February 1, 2012, of a sudden cardiac event at Stanford Hospital while awaiting surgery to repair an aortic aneurysm.

Erics extreme race