OICKLE

86, of Bridgewater, passed peacefully in his sleep on November 5, 2025, at Hillside Pines Home for Special Care, Bridgewater. Born in Bridgewater on August 28, 1939, he was a son of Victor and E. Geraldine (Joudrey) Oickle.

Eric grew up with a love of nature and the outdoors that guided many of his pursuits. A Gold Cord Boy Scout, he represented Canada at the World Scout Jamboree in England where he performed for Queen Elizabeth II. Also a gifted athlete, he excelled in numerous sports and was named Athlete of the Year when he graduated from Bridgewater High School in 1957.

Eric was an avid life-long learner. After working with the Bank of Montreal for four years, he had earned enough to pursue a post-secondary education. He attended the University of New Brunswick, where he received degrees in Physical Education and Arts while playing hockey, badminton and archery for the UNB Reds. In 1963, while recovering in hospital from knee surgery, he fell in love with his nurse Mary Brennan, whom he married in 1964. Shortly after, they had three children, Vicki, Patti and Scott.

Eric’s career in education began in the Annapolis Valley as the first physical education teacher at Wolfville High School. He later served as a guidance counsellor at West Kings District High School and as the director of guidance and teacher at Lunenburg Regional Vocational School in his hometown of Bridgewater. He earned his Master of Education from Saint Mary’s University in 1989.

Eric retired early in 1990 to dedicate his time and energy to helping young people achieve their dreams of higher education. He began a rewarding second career with University Scholarships of Canada, through which he supported countless students in realizing their academic potential.

In his later years, Eric found great joy in time spent with family, especially his grandchildren, Lauren, Chloe, Connor, Emma and Griffin. His love of the outdoors and sports endured, as did his close friendships with classmates of the BHS Class of ‘57. Eric will be remembered for his kindness, humour and devotion to family, friends, students and the community.

Eric will be lovingly remembered by his wife Mary; daughters, Victoria (Simon) Roberts, Washington, DC, and Patti (Mike) Conklin, Bridgewater; son, Scott Oickle, Halifax; grandchildren, Lauren Fraser, Halifax, Chloe Conklin, Ottawa, Ont., Connor Conklin, Halifax, Emma Roberts, Halifax, and Griffin Ozmon-Roberts, Halifax; sister, Koreen Whalen, Bridgewater; sister-in-law, Marilyn Oickle, Bridgewater; as well as many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Eric was predeceased by his brother, Douglas Oickle; and brother-in-law Bill Whalen.

A celebration of Eric’s life will be held on December 29, 2025 at 11 am at Sweeny’s Funeral Home, 35 York Street, Bridgewater. A private family interment will take place in Brookside Cemetery following the service. All arrangements have been entrusted to Sweeny’s Funeral Home. The family would like to express their gratitude to Earth Angels and Hillside Pines for all of the excellent care and support.

Donations in Eric’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society.

Online condolences may be left at www.sweenysfuneralhome.com.