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Eric passed away peacefully after a brief battle with cancer, surrounded by his family at Northumberland Hills Hospital in Cobourg.
He is survived by his wife, best friend, and life partner of 64 years, Josephine (Jo); his beloved sons Steven (Wanda), David (Sandra), and Michael (Margot); and his seven treasured grandchildren: Rheanne (Pat), Kelli (Garrett), Jimmy (Anna), Bradley, Kassandra, Maximilian, and Emmalyn.
An accomplished athlete—especially in hockey and baseball—Eric was a proud inductee into the Clarington Sports Hall of Fame. He passed his passion for sport and enthusiasm for life on to his sons and grandchildren.
Second only to his love of sports was Eric’s lifelong passion for standardbred horses. He found great joy in owning and racing them.
Eric dedicated 35 years to education, including 30 years working with at-risk youth at Brookside Secondary School in Cobourg. He concluded his career as the school’s principal before retiring at age 55.
Cremation has taken place, and a private family service will be held at a later date.
If desired, memorial donations may be made to Cobourg Alliance Church or the Palliative Care Unit at Northumberland Hills Hospital. Condolences and donations can be made through MacCoubrey Funeral Home.
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Dad’s Goodbye
— like a sunset
Strength and light that powered the day—
that guided us, warmed us—
now gently fading.
The light of wisdom long shared
slips toward the horizon.
It vanishes here,
but rises somewhere new.
And even once gone,
his colours linger—
a glow of memory
we carry,
we hold.
There is sorrow in the fading,
but joy in having seen the light.
~Mike Carleton
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We love you, Dad.
Thank you for all you gave,
and all you sacrificed for your family.
We were your priority—always.
Dear Jo and Family, condolences and sincerest sympathy to you and all the family on the passing of Eric. May he Rest in Peace.
My sincere condolences, Jo, to you and your family.
Condolences to the Carleton Family. I worked with Eric at Brookside years ago. Always enjoyed seeing him.
Condolence Jo to you and Dave.
Eric & I are sending our sincere condolences Jo & your family. A very special man. His family was everything & took special interest in other people's families. Always enjoyed my conversations with him usually around sports. Treasure your memories. Carol
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Cobourg Alliance Church
I am so sorry for your loss. My condolences to your family.
Jo, my deepest sympathy to you and your family for your loss of Eric. Bonnie
Thinking of you Jo and your family. I will remember all Eric taught me about gardening, he was a lovely person.
To the entire Carleton family, especially Dave and Kassandra. Please accept our sincere thoughts and condolences in the loss of Eric. By the obituary responses, he had an awesome sports background, was a great mentor, and certainly supported all of you in your ventures and sports. Please know you are in our thoughts! RIP Terry & Terra Barrett
Jo,David, Sandra, Bradley & Kassandra. Thinking of you at this difficult time. Sincerest Condolences. Ralph & Norma.
Jo, Steve, David and Mike: Sorry to learn about Eric, always enjoyed meeting him at the arena and ball fields. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
So sorry to hear of Eric's passing. May the God of all comfort make His presence known during your time of separation and grief. Much love to your family.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital - Palliative Care Unit
Dear Jo, Steve, Dave, Mike & families, I am so very sorry to hear of Eric's passing. I have fond memories of him growing up in Creighton Heights and at the Island cottage as a child. He hired me for my first teaching job and it was such a pleasure teaching under his leadership at Brookside S.S. It was a privilege to maintain a relationship with him throughout my life. We were truly always so happy to see each other. He was a gem and I'll always cherish the times we had together. Sending love and prayers to you all at this sad time. Love, Jen xo
I had the great honour of working with and knowing Eric at Brookside School some 57 years ago. He was an amazing man and leader who made such a difference to the lives of so many needy young people. He did it with his heart and with care.......he will always be remembered and esteemed. My condolences to his family who loved him so much as did many.
Condolences to Jo and the family from the Rogers family. Have known you both for many years with memories. Blessings to you both.
sorry to hear of erics passing.had many of laughs with him at the barnwatching the horses
So very sorry to learn of Eric's passing. My thoughts go out to you, Jo, and your family
Jo and Family - Our condolences in the passing of Eric. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this difficult transition.
Our condolences to Jo and the family. Eric was a good team mate of mine with the Rice Lake Oilers back in the early days of Old Timers Hockey. He loved the game and always gave it his best. We will remember him fondly. May he rest in eternal peace.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital - Palliative Care Unit
Deepest sympathies to the family.
So sorry to hear of your loss Jo and family. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
What a privilege it has been to know your dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all as you grieve. Grieve well.
Jo and family - We were so sorry to hear of Eric's passing. He was one of the first people to welcome us to the Probus Club 14 years ago and he always had a friendly word. We enjoyed our Probus activities and excursions with him and appreciated that he organized our trips to the races each fall. We will miss him. Our prayers are with you. Dianne and Gord
So sorry to hear of your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time.
Mike we send our deepest sympathy to you and you family on the loss of your Dad. Janet and Malcolm.
Sorry for your loss Dave & Sandra, & family Your dad was wonderful family man. May Eric Rest in peace. 🩵 forever in your heart
Jo and family, our sincerest condolences on your loss of husband, father and grandfather. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
So sorry for your loss Jo and family. Thinking of you during this difficult time. Kathy and family
Condolences and sincerest sympathy to you, Jo, and all your family, on the passing of Eric. May he Rest in Peace. 🕯️
So very sorry to hear of Eric's passing. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you.
I was deeply saddened by Eric’s passing. We met Eric and Jo on a ski trip over 50 years ago and became close and lasting friends. Tom and Eric played Oldtimers hockey together, we went on ski trips, cottage times, and cards. Eric was an amazing guy who did not hesitate to speak his mind. He always wanted the best for his family. Rest in peace Eric.
Jo, Steve, David,and Mike and families are condolances on Eric's passing.
0ur sincere thoughts go out to you Jo and your family at the loss of Eric. Memories of the times we spent together over the years will always be with us. Eric will truly be missed. Sincerely, Donna & Fred
Sorry to hear about Eric. I'll always remember his love of sports. Thinking your family at this difficult time.
Steve, Wanda and Carleton Family - Our sincere condolences. Very sorry for your loss.
So sorry for your loss Jo and family. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
Jo and family please accept our condolences. Our thoughts are with you
Jo, Steven, David & Michael We are so sorry to hear of Eric’s passing. Sending our condolences to You all. Hoping he is reminiscing with Dad (Lester) and having some laughs Marilyn, Ken & Penny Stevenson
Jo and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Eric was such a kind and gentle soul. He will be sorely missed.Murray & Lesley
Dear Jo and family: deepest sympathies on your loss. In the eleven years we’ve known you both, we enjoyed Eric’s friendship and his humour. Hugs, Sue and Ossie
My deepest sympathies Jo , Steve, Dave,Mike and families always enjoyed a chat with Eric, I hope that fond memories comfort you at this difficult time
Jo and family - our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this very difficult time. We have wonderful memories of many special get togethers with both Eric and Jo over many years. Eric will be missed. Hugs, Barb & George
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital - Palliative Care Unit
Jo & families, with deepest sympathy Jo and your family, our love and prayers go out to all of you, such a great guy and will be sorrowfully missed in our card group.
Thoughts & prayers are with the family at this difficult time... enjoyed time spent with Eric at Brookside when he was principal.. always a kind word and a smile when I visited the office
Jo and Family, We Send our Love and Prayers to each of you. Take Care of each other. Hugs Marilyn and Family.
Our deepest condolences are with you all. Eric lived a life that was full and it was obvious that family was always his greatest priority. He will be missed.
To all of Eric's family, We would like express our condolences to you all. May all your memories help at this difficult time. Our prayers are with you all.
We are deeply saddened by Eric’s passing. Friends for more than 50 years and many good times together. Condolences to Jo and the Carleton family. Marg and Brian
Eric was a very special brother!! We enjoyed some great family holidays & super cottage time together! I know he will be greatly missed by Jo & his fabulous sons, their spouses and his wonderful 7 grandchildren!! Love Terry, Cathie & Family
Josephine and family so sorry for loss.
My sincere condolences to Jo and family. He will be missed by family, friends and neighbours. Great father figure for my sons. His love of life will live on in his family.
Very sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with your family.
So very sad! I knew Eric through our professional life as educators. Always the quiet, gentle man! Will miss him.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I remember the ski trips. ✌️❤️🙏
Our Deepest Sympathies to Jo & the family! Ed played hockey with Eric and he was was my principal for a few years at Brookside Secondary school! We have good memories of our weekend retreats at their cottage. God Bless!
Good memories of Eric as Principal in my early years at Brookside. Firm but fair with the youth. An excellent leader. My condolences to the Carleton family.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Cobourg Alliance Church
Sorry for your loss to the entire family.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital - Palliative Care Unit
Jo we are very sorry for your loss . We allways enjoyed our time together, thinking ove you and your family our love Merilyn wally
Dear Dave, Sandra and Family, We are sorry to hear of the passing of your father. May all your special memories bring you peace and comfort at this difficult time. Anne Marie, Mike & Rhianna
We will truly miss Eric’s bright smile ,passion for kids and devotion to his family. Our condolences to the Carleton family.
My deepest sympathies to you Jo and family. I know how much Eric meant to my parents and all of us. I have such fond memories of Eric from when I was younger, and I know he was a special person to everyone who knew him. I hope happy memories will help comfort you and your family during this difficult time. Sending warm hugs. From Carol Lynn and Sharon Lynn
Our deepest condolences to the Carleton family
With our deepest sympathies. We appreciated Eric’s generosity and care during our time at the cottage. We had many engaging chats while we visited Mike, Margot and the kids. Love and hugs, Paul, Cheryl, Tristan and Marae
Very sorry to hear about the passing of Eric. Thoughts to the whole Carleton family! Eric was very involved with the horses and we loved seeing him everyday at Smith Stables!
Dear Jo, Steven, Dave, Mike and families, please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your dear husband, dad and grandfather. May you find comfort in your wonderful memories of him in the days ahead.🌹