Dr. Eric James Softley, 79, of Palm City, Florida, passed away peacefully in his sleep Friday, January 22, 2016 at his home.

Born in London, England, in 1936, he grew up through the Battle of Britain during WW-II. He had stories of collecting part from planes that were damaged during the battles. He dreaded when the engines of a V1 buzz bomber stopped over his neighborhood, and the the silence before a V2 rocket landed and completely obliterated several houses. Using an offered scholastic scholarship, he moved to the United States in 1957, where he met and married his beloved wife, Eileen Marjorie Coxill in 1959. After many joyful years spent in Wayne, Pennsylvania, they finally brought their family to Key Biscayne, Florida in 1976. Following is wife's passing in 2002, Eric relocated once again to Palm City, Florida.

Eric was a true engineer with degrees from Imperial College of London, England and a PHd from Brown University in aeronautical engineering. He worked in the rocket program at General Electric, and developed undersea acoustical monitoring equipment, which largely remains classified, Later on he took his knowledge in early computer programming to learn current programming techniques. He worked for Coulter and later Beckman Coulter, as an algorithmic specialist writing firmware and software for laser analysis and flow cytometry. Upon retiring, he set up an electronic design and fabrication shop in his house where he worked on wireless home automation as well as designing a motor driven fishing kayak for folks with limited mobility.

Eric had many passions. Though never learning how to swim in war torn London, he took up sailing while at Brown University. Later he bought and raced a Morgan 30 and a C&C 35 which he custom ordered in avocado green. He raced that boat, Vayu, quite successfully on the Chesapeake Bay. Nothing gave him more joy than to enlist a completely neophyte sailing crew of his wife, Eileen's, high school students and beat other boats manned by highly experienced crews. He made transits, in Vayu, to Newport RI for the tall ships regatta and the America's Cup races. Later, cruising out of Key Biscayne Yacht Club, he took Vayu to the Florida Keys and the Bahamas. After coming to Florida, Eric obtained his private pilot license and a Cessna 172RG. More trips to the Keys and the Bahamas followed, this time by air, as well as longer flights to the Virgin Islands and Colorado. He enjoyed flying through the gaps in the clouds, arriving at tiny potholed airfields in the Bahamas; and landing his small plane amongst jumbo jets at large international airports. Eric always enjoyed playing social sports and games: doubles tennis at the Key Biscayne Yacht Club; weekly golf with special friends; and most recently bridge with his good friends at Khatib Bridge Center.

Eric was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Eileen Marjorie Coxill. He is survived by daughter, Vivienne C. Wiltberger, of Palm City, Florida and son, Dr. Andrew I Softey, of Encinitas, California; sisters, Christine Mulligan, of San Mateo, California and Heather Moor, of Rainham, Medway, England. He had 5 grandchildren whom he adored, Krista, Ryan, and Matthew Wiltberger, Julie Ann and Timothy Softley.

It was his wish for his ashes to be spread where his wifes ashes were spread on Key Biscayne, Florida. A service and interment will be held at that time, later in March 2016. Details will be provided at a future date.

Live life passionately - Laugh until your belly hurts - Love unconditionally

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