The family of Eric Diamond are deeply saddened to announce his peaceful passing on the evening of March 11, 2026 at the Health Science Centre in St John’s. He was surrounded by the love and support of Margaret, Rhonda, Bradley and Gloria. A devoted and loving husband, Dad, Pop, brother, uncle and friend to many, Eric will be profoundly missed.

Eric’s life began on November 14, 1937 in the home of his parents, Robert and Elizabeth Diamond in Puncheon Cove on Change Islands. He joined his brothers Ernest, Carl and Llewellyn followed by his sister Clara seven years afterward.

His childhood revolved around family, fishing and The Salvation Army – strong foundations that shaped his character and values for the rest of his life.

After finally mustering up the courage to walk Margaret Bursey home one evening, a six-year courtship began – time enough for Eric to build the house in Puncheon Cove that would later become their family home. They married on December 5, 1962 and welcomed Kevin in 1964 and Rhonda in 1968.

In 1972, the family moved from Puncheon Cove to temporary accommodation in Skinner’s Harbour while the family home itself was moved from Puncheon Cove to Main Tickle – a memorable event that closed the main road in Skinner’s Harbour on Christmas Day 1972. By 1973, the house finally ensconced in its new location in Main Tickle, and it was reestablished as the family home.

Eric continued his life as a fisherman alongside his brother Llewellyn, and together their families built a true family business - something captured in a 1981 episode of Land and Sea. The 1992 cod moratorium brought profound change, and after a lifetime on the water, Eric transitioned into retirement with resilience and grace.

Interested to see where life had taken his children, Eric travelled to Ontario, Manitoba and England – journeys that brought him great joy and fond memories.

The new millennium brought with it two of his greatest joys: the arrival of his grandsons Bradley and Michel in April 2000, prompting more frequent trips west to Winnipeg in their early years. Eric was delighted when in 2004 they moved back to Newfoundland, allowing him precious time “with the boys”, time that he cherished deeply.

In 2007, Eric and Margaret moved from Change Islands to Pouch Cove to provide support to their daughter and grandsons, becoming more involved in their daily lives. Summers were spent back on Change Islands – often with Bradley, Michel and Nicky the dog - until the family home was sold in 2019.

Life in Pouch Cove brought new friends and acquaintances, as they found themselves involved in various churches, Salvation Army Corps and community events in Pouch Cove and St. John’s.

In recent years, Eric faced a gradual decline in health and mobility. After a hospital stay in 2023, he and Margaret moved to North Pond Manor in Torbay where Eric worked hard to regain strength and increase his mobility.

They were welcomed warmly and cared for with professionalism and compassion, forming many meaningful friendships with both the residents and staff.

Eric’s life was marked by commitment, generosity and service – to his family, his church and his community. He became Corps Sergeant-Major at The Salvation Army in 1968, a role he held for 4 decades until 2008. From 2001-2005 he served as Mayor of Change Islands, dedicating countless hours to community issues. Three stays in hospital since December 2025 signaled a more rapid decline in his health, culminating in his peaceful death on March 11.

He is deeply loved and will be long-missed by his family and many friends.

Eric leaves to mourn his wife, Margaret; daughter, Rhonda (Dave); son Kevin (Chris); grandsons, Bradley and Michel; sister, Clara; sister-in-law Isabelle (Woodrow); nieces, Sylvia (Eric), Gloria (Howard), Marguerite, Rosalind (Sheldon) and Colleen (Berkley); nephews, Basil (Sherry), Barry (Stephanie), Keith, Wayne (Wanda) and Dwayne (Susan); several great-nieces, great-nephews, and great-great nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Elizabeth; parents-in-law, Enos and Hazel; brothers, Winston, Carl, Ernest, Llewellyn; sisters, Edith Mae and Marguerite; sisters in-law Elizabeth, Lillian, Margaret and Martha; brother-in-law, Roy; nephew, Berkley.

The family would like to especially acknowledge the management and staff of North Pond Manor and in particular Cathy, Lori and Sandra during his final days. 

Visitation will take place from The Salvation Army Church in Change Islands on Saturday, March 14, 2026 from 7-9pm and Sunday from 2-4pm. Funeral service on Monday at 11am. Interment will follow at The Salvation Army Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Change Islands Salvation Army Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 70, Change Islands, NL A0G 1R0