Eric Coonce Grass Roots Drummer RIP

ERIC “RICK’ MICHAEL COONCE, 64, the original drummer for the Grass Roots, passed away at Nanaimo General Hospital in British Columbia on Feb. 25. The L.A. native joined the band at 17, which included manager Warren Entner and The Office’s Creed Bratton, co-writing the hit, “Two Divided by Love.” He left the band in 1971, moving to British Columbia to farm, before becoming a social worker. He is survived by wife Barbara, son Trevor and daughter Emily. A celebration of his life will be held in Coombs, BC, at the Arrowsmith Activity Centre, Saturday. March 12, 2-5 p.m. (3/4p)