Mr. Eric Wallace Hedberg

Eric Wallace Hedberg, 59, died April 25, 2013 after a short illness at his home in Asheville, NC. Eric was an extraordinary individual who impressed everyone he encountered with his brilliant insight, candor, and concern for the welfare of others. Through his music he expressed his sensitive soul, online he communicated his passion for his life’s ideals, and he always enjoyed lively conversation. Not one to force his beliefs on others, he simply put forth well thought out arguments for often unpopular positions and never wavered in his call for social justice and meaningful political and economic change. His compassion for both animals and mankind made him an exceedingly humane individual. May his light forever shine upon all who were blessed by friendship. Eric was born in Akron, Ohio, and spent his childhood and youth in Sweden, Akron, Jamaica, Italy, and Germany. He received his high school education at the Overseas School of Rome in Italy, graduating in 1972. He attended Florence College in Italy and the University of Missouri, Columbia, MO. A resident of Asheville since 1984, he was employed by Earth Fare and Greenlife groceries managing their bulk food departments. Eric loved playing his saxaphone and guitar and, with his keen ear for jazz, he could identify anyone playing an instrument just by hearing a few bars. He was also a lifelong Beatles fan. Eric is predeceased by his parents, Bertil Helmer Hedberg of Stockholm, Sweden, and Patricia Wallace Hedberg of Akron, Ohio. He is survived by his loving brother Cris (Anette) of Järna, Sweden and beloved sister Karin (Gerald Hyatt) of Weaverville, NC, as well extended family in Sweden and many, many devoted friends spanning the globe. In celebration of Eric’s life, a musical gathering will be held at The Altamont Brewing Co. at 1042 Haywood Road in Asheville on Saturday, May 4, 2013 from 2:00 to 5:00 pm. All are invited and musicians are encouraged to bring their instruments. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested in Eric's name to any of the following organizations in the Asheville area: Western Carolina Rescue Ministries, ABCCM, Brother Wolf Animal Rescue, Animal Compassion Network, the Asheville Humane Society, or the Asheville Music School

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Mr. Eric Wallace Hedberg

September 26, 1953 - April 25, 2013