Eric York. NPS photo.

Park wildlife biologist Eric York was found deceased at his residence in Grand Canyon National Park on November 2nd. A celebration of his life will be held in the park next Thursday.

Eric’s work at Grand Canyon focused primarily on monitoring the ways in which mountain lions use the park and surrounding lands, including the ways in which the lions interact with humans and how human infrastructure affects them.  In addition to his work at Grand Canyon, Eric made many significant contributions to wildlife research and conservation.  He specialized in carnivore studies, particularly focusing on cat species, and was a leader in research capture methods and techniques.  His research lead him to many areas around the world, including Maine, Alaska, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area in Southern California, Pakistan, Nepal and Chile, where he earned the respect of colleagues and worked tirelessly to conserve wildlife.  Eric held a bachelors from the University of Maine-Orono and a masters degree in wildlife biology from the University of Massachusetts. He was an integral member of the National Park Service and Grand Canyon communities and will be missed dearly by friends and colleagues from around the world. 

A celebration of Eric’s life will be held at Grand Canyon National Park on Thursday, November 15th. The ceremony will be held on the South Rim of Grand Canyon at Yaki Point beginning at 5:00 p.m. and including sunset.  The park will provide transportation from the parking lot at park headquarters to Yaki Point beginning at 4:30 p.m.  The ceremony will be casual and will be conducted on the rim regardless of weather.  If you have questions about the ceremony, please contact Linda Jalbert at 928-638-7909.   

Eric’s family will also hold a service in Shelburne, Massachusetts, at the Shelburne Congregational Church on Saturday, November 10th at 1:00 p.m. The family is requesting no formal attire and instead expect to see people dressed in Carhart's or something similar.

Cards, letters and condolences may be sent to Eric’s parents, Tony and Launie York, at Tony and Launie York, 180 S. Shelburne Road, Shelburne, MA 01370.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Eric's name to one of three organizations:

• The Grand Canyon Association, attn: Brad Wallis, P.O Box 399, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023, www.grandcanyon.org
• Felidae Conservation Fund, 14 Cove Road, Belvedere, CA  94920, www.felidaefund.org
• The Wildlands Fund, Division of Massachusetts Fish and Wildlife, attn: Julie, 1 Rabbit Hill Rd. Westboro, MA. 01581

Contact Information
Name: Robin Martin