Eric George Atherton, 79, passed February 27, 2021 in a care center in Roseville, CA peacefully from Alzheimer’s.

Eric’s childhood was shaped by World War II. He was born in the French South Sea Island of New Caledonia, 750 miles east of Australia, where his father was stationed to establish a radio communication center for Pan American Airways.  

Immediately after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Pan Am evacuated the employees and their families to the mainland. Eric travelled with his mother on a ship as a 9-month-old baby under the cover of night to Los Angeles. He returned to New Caledonia for the rest of his elementary school years, then at age 12, speaking only French, the family settled in Los Angeles where he graduated from West Chester High School in 1958.

He was a veteran of the United States Air Force 1959 to 1963, stationed at Edwards Air Force base. After he was discharged from the service, he relocated to Palo Alto, CA to live in the family home.

In 1966 he met his true love on a blind date. He married Joyce Irene Salter shortly afterward. They were married for 36 years until her passing in 1997. Together they raised 2 children in Sunnyvale, while Eric worked at Appliance Parts Distributors for 30 years. Eric shared his love for the outdoors taking the family camping and fishing.

Eric also enjoyed 50’s country and rock and roll music, watching action movies, the 49ers football games, Giants baseball games, daily walks, and getting together with friends and family and giving them a hard time!

Eric leaves behind his daughter, Lori Zimmers (née Atherton) and his son Chad Atherton, his daughter-in-law Katie Atherton, his siblings Yvette Cook, Alain Atherton, nephews Derek Atherton and Britton Atherton, and his companion for over 20 years, Vicky Petropoulos. He also leaves behind his grandson, Ames Atherton (12).

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Joyce Irene Atherton, and his parents George and Denise Atherton.