Fairlee, Vt. — Eccles Veach Pridgen, Jr. (76) passed peacefully on July 6, 2016 at the VA Medical Center in WRJct. after a battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. He was born on March 5, 1940 in Wilmington, N.C. to Mamie Thompson and Eccles Pridgen, Sr., and lived in Norfolk, Va. in his youth. Eccles developed an early passion for music, playing trombone for the band at Granby High School – earning first chair his senior year and playing in the Norfolk Symphony Orchestra.

Eccles attended the University of Virginia where he majored in Electrical Engineering. After graduation he enlisted in the United States Navy Reserve, was promoted to Weapons Systems Officer, and visited many European ports during his four-year tour of duty. Afterward, Eccles attended the Wharton Business School at the University of Pennsylvania, where he met his future wife, Hilary Adams. They were married for 27 years and raised five children together.

Eccles excelled at problem-solving and fast-paced environments, and spent decades as a management consultant. In 2004, Eccles began working in Logistics at the VA Medical Center in White River Junction.

Eccles was a truly generous, spiritual, loving, and honorable man. He frequently wished “love and light” to those around him and found great joy in supporting the pursuits of his friends and family. He is survived by his brother, Gary, sister-in-law, Lynne; nieces, Stephanie and Jo-Ellen; his children, Hamilton, Meredith, Victoria, Jamison, and Margaret; and his grandson, Anton.

A private Memorial took place last Friday. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the VA Medical Center. Checks should be payable to “WRJ VAMC Voluntary Service” (Oncology or Hospice Chorus), should reference Eccles’ name, and be sent to: VA Medical Center, Attn: Voluntary Service, 215 N. Main Street, White River Junction, VT 05009.