Michael R. Erickson

MICHAEL R. ERICKSON
June 11, 2024

On Tuesday, June 11, Michael R. Erickson, beloved father, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away. He was 74 years old. Born to Leif and Shirley Erickson in South Dakota, he spent his early life with his family living in various towns across the Midwest.
After he graduated from high school, with US involvement in Vietnam at its peak, Michael decided to join the US Navy to serve his country.
During his training, he chose to pursue a career in music, a talent first discovered several years before in high school. Though having little formal music education himself, he was expected to perform at the same level as other recruits, many educated at the finest music schools in the country, such as Juilliard and Berkley. Yet, Michael, with hard work and perseverance, was able to earn his place amongst them.
After graduating from the Navy’s music school, he was assigned to the US Pacific Fleet. Of his many memories of his service, most center around two areas. Most prominently was his time as a seaman off the coast of Vietnam participating in combat operations. The second, less dramatic, were the impressions left by his many years visiting numerous islands across the Pacific, including Palau, Chuuk, and Saipan, playing concerts for and meeting their many residents.
After a distinguished career in the Navy, Michael retired to Washington state to be closer to his parents and siblings, who had gradually relocated to the Pacific Northwest over the preceding years.
Michael will be remembered for his sharp mind, kind and humble heart, as well as his generosity to those in need, always, in his soft-spoken way, working to lift people up.
Michael was preceded by his parents, Leif and Shirley; and his brother, David. He is survived by his brother, Larry; sister, Donna; his children, Ava and Andrew; and his grandchildren, Flynn, Oliver and Elizabeth. A funeral will be held at Willamette National Cemetery July 30 at 10 a.m.
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