Leo ERIK Obituary

News Death Notice

ERIK, Leo age 88, Oxford, Ohio, passed away Monday morning, March 4, 2013 at Woodland Country Manor. He was born on June 24, 1924 in Estonia, the son of Paul and Elisabeth (Siilivalja) Erik. On July 31, 1955 he married Mary Brigid Arthur in London, England. Leo's forestry studies in his second semester of college were interrupted with the start of the war. After the war he arrived in High Wycombe, England where he became a dairy herdsman. It was in London, England, where he worked and married Mary. In October 1965, Leo and his family made the trip of a lifetime to the United States of America, leaving from the port of Southampton, England travelling on the HMS Queen Mary. Leo's dream of being a farmer came to fruition in Oxford, Ohio. Farming was his livelihood for many years until he retired at the age of 76. He also worked at Miami University at Millet Hall, chemistry building, physical plant and the Miami University Recreational Center where he greeted patrons and repaired the exercise equipment. He is survived by his daughter, Pauline (David) Doan of Oxford; two brothers, Ulo and Ain Erik of Estonia. He is preceded in death by his parents Paul and Elisabeth, a brother, Paul and his wife Mary. A visitation was held Friday evening, March 8, 2013 and a funeral service on March 9, 2013 at 10:00 am at the Ogle Paul R. Young Funeral Home. Burial was in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Condolences may be sent online to www.smithoglefuneralhome.com

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Published by Journal-News from Mar. 5 to Mar. 15, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Leo ERIK

9 Entries

Ellen McWhirter

March 20, 2013

Paula, I am so sorry for your loss. Uncle Leo and Auntie Mary still bring back many memories of my childhood. Uncle Leo was indeed an exceptional man. Do you remember me? Eha and Kalju Lesta were my parents - now both gone.

March 9, 2013

Uncle Leo was a legend for me – literally, as through my childhood we were told stories about him and Paul, the oldest of the four brothers. About their boyhood pranks – and my Father Ain, the youngest of the brothers, used to say that he can't understand to the present day how none of them got killed, especially with the ammunition around there in the forests – the older brothers even had their own storage. Ain was too young to be included in the 'fun', of course, so imagine the attraction of the forbidden games… Poor Mamma, my granny, must have had hard times with her four young men. Plus Papa, Paul senior that is. Their good fairy was her twin sister Anna, and Leo was said to have taken after her: good and kind, cheerful and helpful. Iron and oak, as someone has said here.
And stories of the war, of course. That killed so many and tore apart families.
For decades there was not much known about his life at the other side of the Iron Curtain. Just that he had a beautiful wife and daughter. Then times changed and suddenly we had the chance to meet them and uncle Paul's wife and daughter in Estonia. That was the first time when English made real sense to me (probably that's why I studied it for my diploma later). No-one believed there would be time when Leo comes to his childhood paths again… but one never knows, right? And it felt as if I had known him all the time, he was just as optimistic and inspiring as I had been told. It's such a pity all the four could not meet here! To listen to their stories… and his stories. If it were a film, one wouldn't believe it's all true, I guess.
He was an exceptional man – or maybe people are just made of softer stuff nowadays.
Rest in peace, Uncle Leo.
on behalf of the brothers also,
Ursula

Kathy (Smith ) Todd

March 8, 2013

Paula
I am so very sorry for the loss of your father. Sending you a hug from SW Florida.

Janice Harmon

March 7, 2013

To have raised a daughter as incredible as yourself Paula, Leo must have been a good man and father. Take care. Love, Jan

March 5, 2013

Paula -

Leo was a man of oak and iron. He has been an inspiration and a touchstone for me as I've tried to live a grown-up life. I've told my wife and daughter many a tale about all of you (all good!).

I reckon Leo, Tom and TR are smoking cigars and drinking scotch (or Carling Black Label) together again.

Tim Moore

March 5, 2013

To a good man and a great friend. You made the world better and brighter

myron horn

March 5, 2013

Leo was a fine man and inspiration to all who had the pleasure of being a friend he will be missed by all r.i.p my friend

March 5, 2013

joe white

Leo spending time with my boys.

Ron Siliko

March 5, 2013

Leo, you were a great friend and a guiding light in my life. I appreciate the time you took to share with me and my family. You will continue to be an inspiration in my life. Rest in peace dear friend.

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