Eugene Chester Erickson

Eugene Chester "Gene" Erickson July 27, 1927 ~ January 12, 2013 On July 27, 1927, Dad was born to Mildred (Heintz) and John Erickson in St. Maries, Idaho. He joined his sister Bernice and brothers John and Gordon. Dad attended schools in St. Maries and graduated from St. Maries High. His senior year he started his civic duties early when he was elected class president and if you knew Gene, with his good looks and great smile it is no wonder his nick name was "Wolf". Dad left town to follow his two brothers when he joined the navy, proudly serving on the USS Massey. Upon his return from duty he met and married the love of his life, Mom, Clara Straub on October12, 1947. Mom and Dad enjoyed 62 years together until Mom precede him in death on September of 2010. Dad started his 36 year career with General Telephone Company (then called Interstate Telephone) in June of 1947 as a lineman in Moscow, Idaho. They moved to many towns as Dad advanced his career with GTE. Stops were made in Orofino, Couer d'Alene and Silverton, Idaho then to Chelan and finally Wenatchee in 1959. Sons Christopher and Douglas were born in Couer d'Alene, Scot in Wallace and daughter Katrina in Chelan. Family, friends and church family meant everything to Dad, as evidenced by all of the family camping trips throughout the years and the many family (really big family!) gatherings. Dad loved sports and was coach to many a baseball team his sons played on and was his daughter Katrina's #1 fan. Dad and Mom attended their grandkids athletic events in East Wenatchee, Renton and Redmond come rain or shine, (mostly rain over there!). He watched the Wenatchee Chiefs, Panthers and WVC Knights and attended many Applesox games with son Scot well into his 80's where he was affectionately called "Pops" by the fans in Section D. If he couldn't watch the games in person, you could often hear him yelling at the television or radio while watching the Seahawks, Cougars, Huskies or Mariners. Dad and Mom had a very social life, making many longtime friends in every town and city they lived in through all of the social and civic groups and functions they involved themselves in. Dad was active, big and small, in the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, United Way, Chancellor of the Appalarians, Salvation Army board, Telephone Pioneers, Grace Lutheran church and later in life Holiday Ramblers. The Erickson family enjoyed many summers at the summer place at Watson's Harverene Resort at Lake Chelan. After retirement Dad and Mom began RVing and became snowbirds traveling the width and breadth of the United States and Canada. They went through three motor coaches, the last two being Holiday Rambler coaches, which of course led to various stints as president, secretary and wagon master's of the local Holiday Rambler's owners chapters. Dad and Mom hung up RVing in 2007 and stayed at the family home. After 51 years in the same house in Wenatchee, they decided to take advantage of the amenities offered at Columbia Heights Retirement community in 2009 where they rekindled old friendships and built new ones with both residents and staff. After Mom's passing on 2010, Dad's bout with Alzheimer's disease got the best of him and he moved to the memory care unit at Bonaventure of East Wenatchee where Dad received excellent and very loving care from the staff (let's call them family). At the end, Dad was given loving and compassionate care by Central Washington Hospice that was very much appreciated. Even in his diminished state he made an impact on those around him, being affectionately known as "bright eyes". During Dad's time at Bonaventure he lost his #2 son, Douglas, in July of 2012. Dad, you did a good job raising your family by instilling in them the values and principles that you lived by. You influenced many lives in a positive way over the years, it's time to reap your reward in Heaven. Give our love to Mom and Doug. Gene was preceded in death by his mother and father, brothers John and Gordon, wife Clara and son Douglas. He is survived by his sister Bernice Norton of Oak Harbor, sons Christopher (Kelli) of Medford, Oregon; Scot (Janet) of East Wenatchee; daughter Katrina (David) Miller of Renton and daughter-in-law Pamela Erickson of Sammamish. He is also survived by his grandchildren Kristine LeRoss and great grandson Raymond; David Erickson (Racheal); Michelle Hedges (Tim); Ashley Naught (Al); Brooks Graeme and Joshua Erickson; Peter, Jennifer and Katrina Miller. The family will honor Gene with a Celebration of Life later in the spring. Memorial contributions would be something Dad would be grateful for and can be made to the Salvation Army, Alzheimer's research, Central Washington Hospice or a charity of your choice. Please feel free to express your condolences or share a story at www.telfordschapel.com. Arrangements are by Telford's Chapel of the Valley.

Eugene Chester Erickson

July 27, 1927 - January 12, 2013