John Eric Englund

1931 - 2026

John 'Eric' Englund passed away peacefully after a brief illness on January 3, 2026, surrounded by loving family at his home in Arlington, Washington.



Eric was born in Seattle, Washington on July 23,1931 to Christine (Rosen) Englund and Johan Edward Englund. His family lived on Magnolia Bluff in Seattle during his early years and included brothers Lars and Eddie. The family later settled in the Federal Way area where Eric graduated from Federal Way High School and met Barbara 'Bobbie' Betts. Eric and Bobbie were married on August 17, 1951 and lovingly celebrated their 61st anniversary before Bobbie's passing in April of 2013.

Eric and Bobbie resided in Redondo, Washington for ten years before moving their young family, first born Gary and twin daughters Sheri and Teri, to Everett where they owned and operated the Rollerfair skating rink. After working side by side for fourteen years, their dream of building a new skating rink in Silver Lake became reality. Eric and Bobbie retired from the Skate Deck in 1999, leaving a lasting impression on so many skaters and friends. Eric was a member of the Roller Skating Association for over 60 years.

Eric is survived by his son Gary (Karen) Englund, daughters Sheri (Ray) Prokorym and Teri Acklus. 9 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. Alex (Mandy) Englund parents of Alexia and Karson. Adam (Ashley) Englund parents of Aiden and Tucker. Josh (Bobbie) Englund parents of Emma and Noah. Nicole Warnock parent of Riley, Brooklynn and Londynn, grandparent to Luna, Luciano and Elara. Shane (Carol) Warnock. Demi Prokorym. Brittany Acklus (fiancé David). Ryan (Angie) Acklus parents of Zaia and Arianna. Cory (Bre) Acklus parents of Ava. Eric is also survived by his beloved sister-in-law Myrna Englund, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Eric's dedication to the Everett community was evident by his years of service in the Evergreen Kiwanis Club. He was a longtime member of Faith Lutheran Church. Eric loved boating with friends of the Everett Yacht Club and cruising with Holland America. In retirement he enjoyed time spent time driving buses across the country and locally for Grey Line and Bryson Service. He was an early settler at Sunland Estates and enjoyed the last several years there with family and friends, spending time cruising the Columbia River in his pontoon boat searching the riverbanks for bighorn sheep.

To say the least, Eric lived life to the fullest. To those inspired by his life, please consider a donation to Fred Hutch Cancer Center or perform a random act of kindness in his honor.

A Celebration of Eric's Life will be held March 1st at 1:00 pm, Hotel Indigo Everett Waterfront.