BJERKE, Eric Edward

The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, Arizona Wednesday, August 08, 2012 Eric Edward Bjerke of Wickenburg died July 28, in Seattle, Wash., of a heart attack. Born in Akron, Ohio, on Sept. 30, 1950, he was the son of Patricia and Allan Bjerke. Eric grew up in Hudson, Ohio, and graduated from Hudson High School. He graduated magna cum laude from Eisenhower College, Seneca Falls, N.Y., with a bachelor of arts in economics. Eric received a Master’s in International Management, with honors, from the Thunderbird School of Global Management in Glendale, Ariz. In 1982, he married Susan Gant of Wickenburg. The couple has two sons. Eric’s career as a chief financial officer in technology manufacturing included positions with several firms based in Cleveland, Boston, Phoenix, Tucson and Las Vegas. Most recently he was the principal of his firm, Productivity Partners. Eric loved his family and friends. He relished having them join him in pursuing a wide range of interests including working on the family race car with his brothers, leading an expedition to dig mussels on Cape Cod, or organizing a party for all at the ranch. His talents were as diverse as his interests. He could speak Japanese, catch and pickle herring, do needlepoint, tune up a classic automobile or beat you in backgammon. He enjoyed traveling to see his family in Norway and was interested in researching his Norwegian ancestry. Eric enjoyed golf, tennis and motor sports. He shared his love of musical theater with his wife and sons and made many trips to Broadway throughout his life. He was a member of the Desert Caballeros, completing his 15th ride in April 2012. Active in the organization, he sponsored several people for membership, including his sons, and entertained the Los Caballeros camp group at his home. The DC Ride was a highlight of Eric’s life, and he enjoyed participating with his sons and brothers-in-law. He was a significant contributor to the camaraderie and friendship shared there and throughout the year. He is survived by his wife Suzy of Wickenburg and sons Nathan of Seattle and Andrew of Jersey City; his brothers and their families, Chip Bjerke (Linda) of Hudson, Ohio; Jack Bjerke (Sherry) of Columbus, Ohio; David Bjerke (Linda) of Birmingham, Mich.; and Kevin Bjerke (Jean) of Dunstable, Mass.; his brothers and sisters-in-law Rusty Gant (Jan) of Wickenburg; Michael Hayman (Marcia) of Washington, D.C.; Patrick Hayman (Carol) of Princess Anne, Md., and Prescott Ariz.; and Louise Hayman of Annapolis, Md. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to The Thunderbird School of Global Management, Glendale, Ariz. A memorial service is planned in Wickenburg for October. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, Arizona Wednesday, October 03, 2012 A memorial service for Eric Bjerke will take place Saturday, Nov. 3, in the Sonoran Room at Rancho de los Caballeros. The service will begin at 3 p.m. with a reception immediately following. Anyone who would like to speak during the service should contact Suzy Bjerke at suzy.bjerke@gmail.com. Suzy is also on a quest for pictures of Eric - family, college, DC Ride, Boston, etc. Send them to her electronically via email.