Eric Hartley Stokes, 64, of Vestavia Hills, AL and Tuftonboro, NH, died July 10, 2016 after a diabetic episode while fishing on Duncan Lake, NH.  He was born in Northampton MA and was the son of the late Emery Tyler Stokes and Eleanor Constance (Matson) Stokes of Freedom, NH.  He is survived by his wife, Barrie Balzli Stokes, who was his partner in adventure for 38 years. He is also survived by his mother; his three children, Sarah McCarron Stokes (Mitchell Reid), Eleanor (Kellie) Catherine Stokes, and Samuel Eric Stokes; sister Carol Stokes DeMore (Frank), brother, David Lee Stokes, grandchildren Walden and Emery George Reid; and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws.  

During his retirement, Eric dedicated himself to the study of aquatic mercury, particularly how it bio-accumulates in fish species, and affects animal and human health.   Over three summers he fished nearly every day, measuring and preparing 654 fish samples for testing by the NH Department of Environmental Sciences.  As a citizen scientist and gifted teacher, he disseminated his results to non-profit organizations in both Alabama and New Hampshire. 

Though Eric had many interests, he was not a dabbler.  His Christmas lists consisted of 2 or 3 un-buyable items (eg “fishing partner” or “courage”) and 48 books about limnology, Rome in the 3rd century, plant ecology, or the cosmos—depending on his interest of the year.  He devoured information, and was known to flood his family’s inboxes each morning with synopses of daily scientific breakthroughs and important journal articles. 

He was a graduate of the University of Massachusetts- Amherst (BS in Zoology), University of Alabama (Masters of Science in Biology), University of North Carolina (Ph.M. in Aquatic Ecology), and North Carolina State University (Masters of Mechanical Engineering).  He was a materials science engineer at Southern Research Institute in Birmingham, AL for 25 years, working on carbon phenolics testing as it related to the space shuttle and other NASA projects.  He brought a natural brilliance and unparalleled focus to whatever he pursued.

Eric had a joyous curiosity about the natural world.  He spent hours learning the inflections of birdsong from tape recordings and was so excited about viewing constellations that he thought nothing of waking his family to view Saturn's rings.  An Eagle Scout from a long line of Boy Scouts, Eric instilled his love for the outdoors in his family and in Boy Scout troop 226, where he was an Assistant Scoutmaster for several years.   He was most happy when paddling, swimming or hiking, sharing with family and friends the wonders of diverse Alabama wilderness or clear New Hampshire lakes.  All three of his children followed their father’s example, choosing environmentally-oriented careers.

Children brought out Eric's playful nature. He began a girl's soccer team and coached his daughters and later his son for over 10 years.  His children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews remember frenzied water hose battles, captured frogs and snakes, and marshmallows around campfires.    He had artistic and capable hands. He cultivated a yearly vegetable garden, baked bread, crafted furniture, and handily transformed his fish camp on Dan Hole Pond into a peaceful retreat. While in college, his father and he restored an antique 1930 Model A Ford Cabriolet from a thrown away, rusted frame. He could do anything.

He loved tradition and he loved Christmas, booming out carols all year and creating Advent calendar scavenger hunts with clues that rhymed, and sometimes required a compass or periodic table to solve.  His high integrity and disinterest in clothes, social status, or anything else he considered unimportant earned him the respect and love of his friends and family. 

Funeral Services to be held at First Christian Church of Freedom, 12 Elm St., Freedom, N.H. 03836 at 2 pm July 16, 2016.  Reception following.

Lord Funeral Home,Wolfeboro, NH is in charge of arrangements.  If you wish to express condolences or leave a fond memory please visit, www.lordfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations to the Conservation Fund, (please specify Eric’s name and that the funds should be spent in Alabama, per his wishes) at:1655 North Fort Myer Drive, Suite 1300 Arlington, VA 22209-3199.

 Service Information