Arthur Charles Erickson

Arigato. Sayonara.

I would like to express my condolences to Arthur's family and pay tribute to his "unconventional" parents and teachers. I had the privilege to experience Arthur as my teacher as I began my studies in Architecture at UBC. He began by teaching us "how to learn". HIs approach took the form of questions, creating a cascade effect of questioning until one understood the essence of the problem and the path to its solution. Even the titles of assigned problems inspired question, for example; "motion in nature", "seven stones", "object to support the human body", "space for contemplation", "a space and a meal". His pedagogical beliefs and lessons have left a legacy within me and I in turn have found teachers and schools for my children who share such values in education. Thank you Arthur.

I admire his work, he is a legend of Architecture in Vancouver.

A long ago visit to the Museum of Anthropology started me on a journey that continues to twist and turn in wonderful ways. Thank you for your inspiring work. A challenge and a delight.

From you Arthur I learned so much. In the beginning of our work at Robson Square I presented you with an architectural plant for the planterboxes at the courthouse, namely, Taxus media Hicksii (Yew). You took one look at my drawing and said gently, “But Cornelia there are many greens”. What did Arthur mean? This comment started my mind spinning in the right direction. Your comment will never be forgotten. Thus I sing an ode to 35 years of collaboration with you Arthur. I will miss you. With every step I take at the Museum of Anthropology I think of you.

Vancouver is more beautiful because of Arthur Erickson's Architecture. This is my Tribute to "The Erickson" in Yaletown.

Arthur was an amazing man in many ways. Having worked with him for years on projects in Canada and the Middle East, I can confirm that he was incredibly open to the ideas of the architects working for him - yet somehow always improving on them - a terrific learning process. I'll always remember his amazing stories of his travels and the time spent in his office was truly a gift I'll always remember.

He concieved beauty in his mind and then created it in the world for us to share.

His life and works are an inspiration.

A bright light has gone out and the light we all share has become dimmer with the death of this incredibly talented man, but his monuments are here for us to admire and enjoy.

Tove Clarke, Parksville, B.C.

I'm very sorry to hear of Arthur Erickson's passing. I was lucky enough to have met the man a few times and to have done a little photography of one of his last commissions, appropriately called "The Erickson" situated on Vancouver's False Creek. The aerial shot (click on it in my blog) is my attempt at showing how the still unfinished building would look like where located.

http://whistlerphototours.blogspot.com/

Condolences to Arthur's family.

Robert Kwong, Photographer

My father, Wayne Robinson, died in December 2008. He was a friend and colleague of Don Erickson, and I heard many fine things about Arthur from my father, and also about Don. On behalf of my father and myself, my deepest condolences go to you, Don Erickson and your family, and the children of Arthur's, for the loss of a fine and creative man, and a true Canadian.

My deepest condolences to Arthur's family. My thoughts are with you in your time of sorrow. I had great admiration of Arthur as an artist and as a person. He was wonderful. I regret not to be able to go to the memorial service as I am presently travelling in Australia.
May your memories bring you confort.
Miguela Lugo (worked in Francisco and Arthur's offices for 14 years.