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"I met Erik Jansson in the Friends of the Earth office in Washington, D.C., in 1978 and we remained in touch for 30 years afterward.
I was early on struck by his pure commitment to our natural world and the passion he demonstrated toward preserving our threatened planet. On several occasions I can remember him yelling through the phone at various EPA and other government officials urging them, as he would say, to do their job. He was quite proud once of having one of his opponents call him a member of the ''lunatic fringe." Some of us made up a certificate proclaiming Erik a member in good standing of the lunatic fringe which he greatly appreciated.
I also recall Erik's love of the Xerox machine in the Friends of the Earth office as he spent a lot of time copying numerous items and was on a first name basis with the Xerox repair man.
When I left D.C. in 1979 (with my now wife of 26 years) to move to Maine and start a Friends of the Earth chapter here, Erik gave us a generous financial contribution to get the chapter off the ground. He was also an usher in our wedding in 1981.
Over the past several years I had the privilege of working with Erik on global warming as we tried to get various states to take actions realizing the Congress and White House were doing nothing on the issue. Erik's wide-ranging knowledge and exceptional collection of information impressed many state officials throughout the country. I just forwarded him a letter from the governor of Hawaii in which she stated her appreciation of the comprehensive information and references contained in Erik's paper on global warming. We were working on another mailing to go out soon to all 50 governors but, alas, it may not happen now.
Having served three terms in the Maine legislature, including one term in leadership, I understand the value of committed citizens to moving the debate forward on an issue.
Erik's determination and unending appreciation of nature proved invaluable in so many areas that he focused on.
His passing is such a loss for our planet and the many people he touched in his remarkable life. His generosity and spirit have left a beautiful legacy on his dear planet earth. The world sorely needs many more Erik Janssons.
The day after he died, I was driving my car and a beautiful red-tailed hawk flew just in front of my windshield. I thought this was some kind of sign and now realize it was Erik's spirit soaring through the air, no longer carrying his earthly worries, now free to enjoy this wondrous planet.
Soar high, dear Erik, and thank you for being you.
In fondest memory and deep appreciation of Mother Nature's loving son, Erik Torvald Jansson.
David C. Shiah, Bowdoinham, Maine"
- David Shiah
- Posted: Friday, July 18, 2008
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"Erik was greatly admired and loved as a truly good neighbor to those of us who live on Tower Hill Road, next to Mulberry Fields. He very graciously was always willing to share the land with others for their enjoyment. I would often meet him walking dogs down to the water for their swim. He always had a warm greeting, a ready smile and a twinkle in his eyes. Erik was genuine and a gentle man while still being an effective "persuader". I believe that being an angel crusading for Earth and her creatures, he will still be crusading from the "other side" because a spirit like that can't be stopped.
We will all miss you Erik!!
"
- Alison Taylor
- Posted: Wednesday, July 16, 2008
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"I am deeply saddened to hear of Eric's death. We've lost a great and kind man whose entire life was dedicated to working on behalf of the welfare others and care of our earth, our precious home. I will truly miss him and his friendship. He seemed so happy these days, just returned from travels in Peru and looking forward to his trip to Ireland. Goodbye, friend, I will always treasure our times together. I just wish you hadn't left so soon. Love, Cousin Mary"
- Mary Lennox
- Posted: Sunday, July 13, 2008
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"I have immensely enjoyed discussions with Erik on my last two visits to the United States from Sweden and was was very much looking forward to seeing Erik on my next trip. We did not have a chance to finish our historical discussion nor even get started on Global Warming. Erik was a great individual and will be greatly missed by me."
- Peter af Robson
- Posted: Wednesday, July 9, 2008
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" I have been fortunate to and priviledged to have known Erik for the last 39 years. I will truly miss dinners and the many long discussions we have had. I do not remember how Jonathan and I first met Erik but it led to an instant friendship. Erik was a highly educated and fascinating person who cared deeply for our vanishing green spaces, habitats, clean air and global warming. Oh, how I will miss him."
- Karine Ingersoll
- Posted: Wednesday, July 9, 2008
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"Erik's dedicated efforts to save the planet deserve our support and our applause. His presence will be greatly missed. His early efforts to get allowable exposure standards set at a level that will protect children has been achieved. As we circulate his research and writings, I expect that there will be more educated people on envvironmental issues who will continue Erik's work. We shall also continue to miss his presense. "
- Kitty Tucker
- Posted: Monday, July 7, 2008
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"Erik was a quiet but very effective support for the Potomac River Swim since 1993. He was always a gentleman but knew how to resolve conflicts and was very generous yet unsassuming. He will live on in the inspiration he gave to others. "
- Cheryl Wagner
- Posted: Monday, July 7, 2008
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"I met Erik while organizing Potomac River Swim for the Environment in the early 1990s.
To me he was a humble, quiet true gentleman who had a sparkle in his eye and a contageous smile. I found him someone who could always be counted upon and a very unassuming leader. Erik was gentle. Erik was dedicated and persistent. The forces of nature and people of the world lost a great friend and hero and the heavens gained a worthy comrade."
- Joe Stewart
- Posted: Thursday, July 3, 2008
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"My life began intersecting with Erik's back in the 1980s, when he was a nationally known expert on pesticides, working with the Washington DC organization, Friends of the Earth. More lately, his envelopes of material global warming would come to me here in Michigan, providing information and direction for our local work on moving toward renewable energy. ... In short, I have long appreciated Erik's work ...that has been felt all over this North American continent. This expresses my gratitude, shock at hearing of his death, and hope for peace and joy in the lives of those who carry it on.
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- Sara Leeland
- Posted: Wednesday, July 2, 2008
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"Erik is a long time friend and a dedicated friend to the quality of life for all who live in this region. He will be missed."
- Michael and Margaret Olson
- Posted: Sunday, June 29, 2008
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