Obituary of Eric Wilkie Mollins

Eric Wilkie Mollins of Saint John, husband of Margaret E. Cobham-Mollins: the anchor was lifted, and wing on wing, under gentle winds, he set sail on his final journey on Thursday, July 1, 2010. Eric was born in Saint John on October 26, 1946, and began his career with the Saint John Fire Department. He subsequently joined the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in 1967, which took him to Regina, Saskatchewan, Red Deer, Alberta, Beausejour and Winnipeg, Manitoba, and Grand Falls, Newfoundland. Eric then trained at Ottawa Headquarters and Carleton University to become a member of the Forensic Identification Section of the RCMP. In that capacity, he served in the Truro and Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia Detachments, and the Codiac Detachment in Moncton. He retired in 2001, having had a exemplary 34 year career of dedication, not only to his career, but to his country. Eric’s love of life was a full circle, from sailing the high seas, to tenderly tending to his gardens, to his gentle way with his dogs and cat. He was an Executive Member of the Royal Kennebecassis Yacht Club, and the Canadian Power and Sail Squadron. He was a member and served on the Session of Portland United Church, and was a great story-teller and writer, having had one of his sailing stories published. In addition to the love of his life of 40 years, Eric’s pride and joy were his family: Shawn J. Mollins (Brenda Maynard-Mollins) of Rothesay, grandson Spencer (Eric’s sailing buddy); Shane J. Mollins (Connie) of Saint John, grandson Samuel (Eric’s shopping buddy), and born in March, his special granddaughter, Julia; his mother-in-law, Frances Cobham of Saint John; his brother, David Mollins (Joan) of Winnipeg; his sister, Hazel MacNamara of Saint John; sisters-in-law Donalda Bradley (Dan) of Quispamsis, and Valerie Cobham-Richards (Bruce) of Saint John; and several loved aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews, and cousins; and many special friends who will have many fond memories of their times together. A gathering at Brenan's Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424), will take place on Sunday from 7-9 PM and Monday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. A celebration of Eric’s life will be held on Tuesday, July 6, 2010 at 12:00 Noon from Portland United Church, followed by a reception to share stories and memories. Interment will take place in Fernhill Cemetery. For those who wish, remembrances to the Saint John Animal Rescue League or the Children’s Wish Foundation would be appreciated by the family.