Eric Leonard Dlugokinski, age 80, of Oklahoma City, died on December 20, 2023 following a short struggle with lung cancer and congestive heart failure.

The eldest son born into a Polish, Catholic family on June 25, 1943 to Leonard and Rita Dlugokinski in Detroit, Michigan, he is survived by brother, Keith and family; sons, Damien and Mark and families; and by his beloved wife of 38 years, Dr. Lesley Dlugokinski.

After receiving his B.A. and M.A. in Psychology, Eric was drafted into the Public Health Service for two years during the Vietnam war. Following his service, he received a Ph.D. at Wayne State University in Michigan in 1971 and was licensed as a Psychologist in Oklahoma in 1974.

He was employed at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in the Department of Psychiatry, becoming Professor Emeritus upon retirement. During his tenure, one of his specialties was working with children and families. In addition, he taught therapy and prevention skills.

During his time at the Health Sciences Center, his main heartfelt mission was to reach out to and be a friend of the community at large and to especially bring mental health education services to the state, programs that he and his colleague, Professor Sandra Allen developed, wrote and implemented. As examples of expressions of his mission The Enhancing Emotional Competence Curriculum was implemented in Oklahoma City Elementary schools as well as schools throughout the state. In addition, following the Oklahoma City bombing fifty four elementary schools were served with a debriefing program funded by Masonic Charities. Many of the programs that were developed often had published books and manuals associated with them.

Eric was a prolific author of professional publications, books and poems. Of note from his many awards are Distinguished Contributions by a Psychologist in the Public Interest and Distinguished Public Information Citation, both from the Oklahoma Psychological Association and Exemplary Award for the "Dealing With Feelings Program" from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, a national governmental agency.

Private practice was his next and final career endeavor. His deep caring for all those whom he counseled was palpable.

As a boy in Michigan, Eric loved the Polish traditions with the large family gatherings, the music, dancing and card games. During family vacations in northern Michigan, he would fish all day alone or with his mother, an avid hobby that remained throughout his life. Later he would share that interest with his brother, Keith and college friend, Dan. His children grudgingly accompanied him to many bodies of water. With his father, he played golf and table tennis and with Keith and his good friends Ken and Bob he shared many tennis matches.

He grew into an honest straightforward man, enthusiastic, determined, hard-working and generous, accepting everyone just as they were. With his big heartedness he was quick to apologize and forgive, never holding grudges. He valued his long relationships with friends. Standing up for what he believed and following his own path was a trait that others valued in him.

A playful soul he loved tennis, table tennis, both of which he played well, scrabble, reading, writing, gardening, and walking his series of beloved smooth collie dogs, the latest of which is Kensie. A keen Thunder fan, he nonetheless remained faithful to his childhood team, the Detroit Lions.

With his wife Lesley, he visited museums and the theater, watched movies and traveled extensively, always looking for places to hike and anywhere there was music, they danced together. They especially enjoyed time spent in Michigan and traveling with family and friends.

He loved much and was well loved.

"Kyrie Eleison, Christe Eleison, Kyrie Eleison."

A funeral service will be held in his honor at 2:00 p.m. on January 6th at Mercer-Adams Funeral Service, 3925 N. Asbury, Bethany, OK followed by a short reception at the same location. The service will be webcast and may be viewed on this obituary page.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Save the Children or your local National Public Radio Station.