In Memory of Eric York
May 2, 1970 - November 2, 2007
Wildlife biologist Eric York died on Friday November 2nd, 2007 at his residence in the Grand Canyon after becoming ill on Oct. 30 and calling in sick for a couple of days. Eric never missed work. Colleagues became concerned and checked on him the next morning. They found him unresponsive. Tests were positive for the pneumonic plague.
Eric was a unique individual who could work well with different personalities and in different cultures. His connection to wildlife and his unassuming manner were rare gifts and pleasures to witness. His endless knowledge caught anyone off guard because of his quiet nature. He showed a caring and thoughtfulness toward others that his rugged nature sometimes disguised from those who did not know him well. His work ethic was unmatched and his field capabilities were extremely special.
Eric was one of the most extraordinary individuals I have ever had the pleasure of knowing, and his contributions to conservation were not broadcast widely enough. He was preparing to join Felidae in Patagonia on December 15th to lead a capture team in the launching of a long-term ecological study where pumas will be a central focus.
Eric was often referred to as analogous to the animals he studied, in that he moved within their world so naturally. He pushed all of his limits to navigate impossible, and at times, risky terrain that required long field hours, with a firm dedication to answering some difficult conservation questions.
View more pictures of Eric doing what he loved here.
If you have pictures of Eric that you would like to share with his community please email them to info@felidaefund.org and we will post them here.
Below are letters we have received in response to Eric's death.
If you would like to post a letter please email it to us at info@felidaefund.org
Quintin Kermeen
Kate Vetter Cain
Dr. Tom McCarthy
Ashiq Ahmad Khan
Jaffar ud Din
Dr. Javed Khan
