Eric Lloyd Nash

ERIC LLOYD NASH April 14, 1957 -October 27, 2014 Eric Lloyd Nash, age 57 of Park Rapids, MN, formerly of Virginia Beach, Virginia, peacefully slipped into eternity on Monday, October 27, 2014 at his residence in Park Rapids with his devoted wife, Diane and other loved ones at his side. Eric was born on April 14, 1957 in Billings, MT to Robert and JoAnn (Gebhardt) Nash. He attended high school in Glyndon, MN, graduating with the Class of 1975. He enlisted in the United States Navy where he proudly served his country in an illustrious career that spanned over 22 years. Eric established himself as being an elite sailor by being appointed the chief of the nuclear submarine he served on. He retired as a Master Chief Petty Officer, the highest rank an enlisted man can achieve in the Navy. During his years in the military, Eric resided in Scotland, Hawaii, Washington State and Virginia Beach. While serving in the Navy, Eric earned his bachelors degree in Psychology and Sociology. Following his retirement from the Navy in 1997, he started Nash & Sons Trucking, Inc. in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Eric's life was made complete in his marriage to his soul mate and best friend, Diane Logan. He operated his company until 2006 when he moved with his family to Park Rapids, MN. Eric gained employment hauling heavy equipment for the RDO Potato Company for a number of years. He also drove for Farrington Trucking in the North Dakota Oil Fields for several years. Throughout his life, Eric gave 100% to everything he was involved with; the military, his business, his employers and his family. Eric was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in June of this year. He fought a valiant battle against this aggressive disease with the same fervor and enthusiasm he gave to everything else in his life. He is now fully healed in Heaven. He loved the outdoors and especially enjoyed fishing and camping with his family. He naturally acquired his father's love and horsemanship skills in working with horses and always felt the outside of a horse was the best thing for the inside of a man. Above all else, Eric devoted his life to his wife and family who he loved with all his heart. He will be lovingly remembered by his loving wife, Diane of Park Rapids; his eight children: Elise (Alex) Ferre of Germantown, Maryland, Caitlyn (Andrew) Gendron of Jacksonville, NC, Erin (Robert) Waterman of Lakewood, WA, Jared Nash of Duluth, MN, Zachary Nash of Park Rapids, MN, David (Heather) Brahler of Little Rock, AR; Josh (Linsey) Brahler of Benton, AR and Amanda Brahler of Park Rapids, MN; a special niece and nephew, who he took into his home and heart as his own: Sarah Logan and Cody Leedom; two grandchildren: Lily Gendron and Merida Brahler; his dearly loved parents: Robert and JoAnn Nash of Park Rapids; four siblings: Linnea (John) Castro of Boca Raton, FL, Bonnie (Greg) Van De Mark of River Falls, WI, Britta (Cary) Anderson of Glyndon, MN and Eivind (Rachael) Nash of Two Harbors, MN; as well as other dearly loved nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, aunts and uncles. A celebration of Eric's life will be held 11 AM Friday, October 31 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids. His urnbearers will be his parents, Bob & JoAnn Nash. His honorary urn bearers will be his children and their spouses and his grandchildren. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service. The Star of the North Marine Corps League will be providing Military Honors, Ray Vaadeland will play "Taps". A lunch will be served at the Otto Hendrickson American Legion Post #212 following the service. Memorials can be given to the Eric Nash Memorial Fund at TruStar Federal Credit Union in Park Rapids, MN. To leave on line condolences please visit www.jonespearson.com