Gary Erickson

1946 - 2022

Gary Lee Erickson, age 76, passed away peacefully with his loving wife, Ana Maria, by his side at their Kettle Falls, Washington home on October 28, 2022. Gary was born on July 13, 1946 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin to Norman and Betty Lou (Terry) Erickson.Raised in a military family, Gary spent much of his early childhood frequently moving around the country, and the world. At age 10, the family would relocate to England, spending several years there before being relocated to the Philippines. Gary's family would return stateside, settling down in San Antonio, Texas. This is what Gary would come to know as his hometown, where he made many of his lifelong childhood friends, and where he would go on to graduate from Randolph High School.Following graduation, Gary would find himself staying in California with an aunt and uncle while attending college and working as a bartender, as well as serving as a reservist with the U.S. Marines. In 1966, Gary was assigned to a period of active duty, and following his tour of service, he returned to the reserves, and continued his education. In the late 1970's, Gary would receive a job offer from Marin County to work as a deputy sheriff, later advancing his career to coroner investigator. It was here, in 1980, that he would meet the love of his life, Ana Maria Comstock, who had just begun a career with the sheriff's office as well. The two would start dating, and in 1983, Gary and Ana Maria would be joined in marriage. While their marriage would end in 1991, Gary and Ana Maria would remain close friends for many years after, spending many fishing and camping trips together. Gary would meet Susan McLean in 1998, and the two were wed in 2003. After nearly 30 years of service with the County of Marin, Gary would retire, and he and Susan would relocate to Kettle Falls, Washington. Here, with his new found free time, Gary quickly became involved with various organizations throughout Stevens County, including the Colville Valley Animal Sanctuary, Veterans Stand Down, Tractor Club, among several others.Gary and Susan's union would not last, however, the two would remain friends. Following his cancer diagnosis in 2018, he would reach back out to Ana Maria, and the two would reconnect. As they began conversing, both realized it felt as if no time had passed since they last spoke. Ana Maria would relocate to Kettle Falls from California in 2020, and in February of 2021, the two were reunited in marriage. The two would spend the next two years fishing, enjoying target practice, exploring the sights Eastern Washington had to offer, visiting with their son, Steven, and his family, and enjoying the 40-acre property he took such great pride in developing and maintaining.Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Betty Lou Erickson. He is survived by his loving wife, Ana Maria Erickson; a son, Steven (Jennifer) Erickson; four grandchildren, Cole, Riley, Aiden and Logan; his cousin, Mike Erickson, and his ex-wife, Susan (McLean) Erickson.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Gary's honor can be made to the Inland Northwest Honor Flight at: https://inwhonorflight.org/donate/. Please visit the on-line memorial and sign the guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com.