Adios to a Friend of Ocean Beach
At the risk of embarrassing him – it’s worth the risk – I would like to wish one of our community members a fond farewell, and hope that he will find success in his new endeavor. Many of you know Eric Gerhardt because of the many volunteer projects he has been involved in in the area.
In the early morning hours you can usually find him at the beach picking up trash that others have left behind. Or you can see him helping erase the graffiti that others have “colored” the area with; or you can see him at Mission Bay counting the Least Terns, or volunteering to work with Alzheimer patients to make their days more pleasant. And I know there are a whole lot more things he has done for the community.
Those of you that worked on the “San Salvador” know that Eric was the Volunteer Coordinator for that momentous project. He made sure that schedules were followed and never really got the plaudits he deserved in his undertaking.
Without giving away too much of his new plans, suffice it to say that he is moving to the state of Washington, to new digs that are on an island with fantastic views, room to grow a garden, and healthier air.
His leaving will leave a void in the community, but I know we all wish him well. And if it gets too cold, too rainy, or the tsunami reaches his new property, he is always welcome to return. Good luck, Eric.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Never got the opportunity to meet you and want to thank you for all you did while in San Diego. Wishing you well!
Eric, you are a role model for all members of our community. He routinely contributes his time and energy for the benefit of others, and without ever seeking attention or praise.
OBecians will miss you, more than they yet realize.
Eric was a quick friend of the OB Rag. He bought so many of our T-shirts, I don’t know what he did with them. He gave OB Rag staff free tours of the San Salvador construction site as Judi says, was the volunteer coordinator for the project. Damn, Eric, why do you have to leave?
I had a crush on Eric when we were in the sixth grade. He was such a nice guy even then. I had no idea he was still around and now he is off to greener pastures. Thanks for all your work on the San Salvador, Eric, it is thrilling to see it. Bon voyage!
Eric>> Good Luck on your new Journey~~ I sure will miss you, thanks for all your help in our little town of Ocean Beach~~ Claudia
Please accept a hardy THANK YOU for all the kind comments and the occasional get the
f … out. OB is always an important part of my inner being. All the best!
Please stay in touch with us and OB. There’s always the comment sections.