Ralph Erickson

He was an amazing swimming coach. I became a fairly good swimmer thanks to him.

I started swimming on the Portage Park team in 1952, and have been swimming ever since! Ralph helped inspire me to go into coaching, and we stayed in touch throughout the next 50 years, as I followed in his footsteps, coaching Portage Park swimmers from 1956 through 1973. He helped show me how to accept challenges, and following him was a great challenge. I learned a lot about running and managing a large community and competitive program. The Water Shows at Portage kept me on edge to look for new ideas like he always did. Ralph really helped me to develop a lot of creative skills to solve problems, and instilled in me a spirit to never give up. He was good (that's with a capital G O O D).

He had a magnetic smile, was tough and demanding, but I don't think he ever lost his feeling for anyone who swam for him. He was intensely loyal, a fine teacher, and inspired a lot of my friends. They don't make 'em like that very often! Thanks for the memories, Ralph. You were one for the ages!

Jack Bolger; Huntley, IL

[email protected]

My first time swimming at Portage Park I met Ralph Erickson....he was a lifeguard and what a swimmer he was!. He was 10 years older than me and taught me how to swim. What a role model. I thought of him often as I grew up. He taught me the basics and I am still swimming today. Ralph was a real role model to so many children. He was strict...but he was kind. Please accept my deepest sympathy. I cried when I read that he had passed away, I felt that part of my childhood was gone. Those were great days at Portage Park.

Dear Karen and Karina,



My deepest sympathy is with you in this time of loss. While we all grieve for Ralph no longer being a physical part of our lives he will always remain a force within our own lives. Ralph was my coach, colleague, and friend and most of what I have accomplished in my life is directly related to his guidance , inspiration, and belief in me. I will miss him greatly but appreciate all that he did for me and others. Thank you for being such an important part of my life.

Karen and Karina,

Ralph and I met at Loyola in the late 1960s. Besides being friends and colleagues, he was my and my son's SCUBA instructor. Ralph was a wonderful friend, a great coach, an excellent writer, and a mover and skaker in the SCUBA and training world. He was unique and will be remembered and missed.

Dear Karen and Karina,

Words that describe Ralph to me are teacher, coach, mentor, counselor and friend. He will be very missed. Ralph was in my life in his early years at Portage Park in Chicago. I feel that his guidance helped me not only in my swimming and diving but in the important daily living skills and choices. He had a profound influence on my life for which I am very grateful. My thoughts and prayers will be with you at the memorial service tomorrow. With love and affection. Carol(Starnitcky) Tice

Ralph was my coach. He was as tough as nails but he was one of the most compassionate and wise individuals I have ever known. He will always remain a most powerful and wonderful influence in my being. Thanks Ralph

Karen & Karina -

Ralph was truly a great person. Ever since our initial meeting about 15 years ago, his wisdom and wit have inspired me in all the things I have done. His leadership by example helped my boys complete their trail to Eagle Scout. Teresa and I were in Cozumel when we received the news of Ralph's passing. We were doing what he taught us to do... sharing the scuba experience with others. Ralph will be missed and you are both in our prayers.



Yours, The Holmans - Glede, Teresa, Clifford, Christopher, and Courtney.

Ralph may be the single most influential man in my life, and though I will miss him always, he will never be forgotten. The world is a better place due to the teachings and drive he had while a part of it.