Perhaps the biggest surprise came as he chose to enroll in the Soroti School of Flying in Uganda, established by the United Nations, and contrary to everyone's expectations of him pursuing a career in the medical field.
The disbanding of the Flying School under the tyranny of Iddi Amin pushed him on to enlist in the Kenya Air Force, and continue the pursuit of a career in aviation and of military service on 9 August 1974.
Eric's service in the military saw him flight instructing for many years, attend many courses, get posted to numerous appointments, and rise through the ranks from 2nd Lieutenant in 1974 to Brigadier in 1999.
Many appointments took him away from home, traveling around the world but all the while remained an available father, friend and colleague.
Among his notable appointments was the Shorts Tucano Ferry flight that sent him away from home for many months, and which highlighted his leadership, risk management and teamwork qualities in a mission that was not free of issues.
Eric continued his service in the Kenya Air Force for many fruitful years, until retirement in January 2002.
Eric took his talents to the Security portfolio of Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) where he carried out duties in the spirit of service to others; exemplified by his evacuation orders of endangered employees during the election violence in 2007.
Moving on from KCB to the Kenya Airport Authority once again showcased his leadership talents and soft people skills in a staff re-structuring that saw the Agency grow in employee numbers, and raise the security ranking of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). Many of Eric's KAA colleagues became his work family, and to this day pass their warm regards to Brigadier long after his retirement.