Dr. Eric Birmingham , 74
Dr. Eric Birmingham died peacefully on March 7, 2013. Eric was born in Glens Falls, N.Y., March 19, 1939, the son of the late Helen Lundstrom Birmingham and the late John Birmingham. Eric met his sweetheart, Joan Dorothy Lord, at the University of Vermont where he studied zoology. He and Joan married in 1960, after which Eric graduated from McGill University in Montreal as Doctor of Dental Surgery.
Eric and Joan lived in Carlisle, MA, and later Bedford MA, where they raised a family and Eric practiced as a dentist for over 35 years. He was a pioneer in laser dentistry, and by using technology and playfulness, he was always striving to make the dental experience better for his patients. For 11 years, Eric battled Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia, a rare form of blood cancer. During that time, Eric never complained. He and Joan spent many wonderful weekends and vacation days in Moultonboro, N.H., surrounded by family and friends.
He will be greatly missed by his sister-in-law Margie (Lord) and her husband Phil King, his sister-in-law Judy (Lord) and her husband Roy Johnston, and 14 grand nieces and nephews. Most recently, Eric and Joan lived in Fort Myers Beach, where Eric made many special friends.
He found an inner peace in Florida, surrounded by the water, sea animals and birds.
He is survived by his wife Joan, his sister Lee Mondale and her husband Jason of Marblehead; his son Bruce of Palmer, his daughter Amy and her husband Neal Foley of Natick, his daughter Diana and her husband Blair McKee of Littleton, his son Scott and his wife Renee Provencher Birmingham of Moultonboro, NH, his dog Honey Bee, and seven grandchildren: Patrick, Shannon and Reagan Foley; Casey, Brandy, and Mitchell McKee; and Daniel Provencher, all of whom will miss him tremendously.
Most who knew Eric would say that he lived life in a BIG way. He went all-out and created fun and excitement around every corner. He was deeply devoted to his wife and family. He gave generously, and he loved tenderly.
He will be sorely missed, but has left a trail of memories that is sure to bring smile after smile after smile.
A service of life celebration took place in Florida. The family intends to hold another celebration in the North during the summer, and requests donations sent to The International Waldenstron’s Macroglobulinemia Foundation at 3932D Swift Road, Sarasota, Fla., 34231-6541. Eric saw every day as a gift.