William Ericksen

William Christian Eriksen Marco Island, FL

William Christian Eriksen, of Marco Island, FL, died June 5th, 2013. Born in 1936 to Christian Eriksen and Catherine Winton Eriksen, Bill grew up in Winches ter, MA.

Bill is survived by his wife, Joyce; son, Bruce of Colorado; and daughters, Karen Anderson of Westbury, NY and Virginia Walker Hansen of Qatar; along with five grandchildren.

Bill's passion was music. A Phi Beta Mu (music fraternity), he earned his B.A. in music from Boston University and his M.A. and sixth year degrees in music from the University of Connecticut. Prior to Boston University, he served in a U.S. Army band. He retired in 1995 from Glastonbury, CT school system after teaching instrumental music for 35 years. His concert and jazz bands consistently earned superior ratings at adjudication festivals throughout the Northeast.

Bill served as president of The New England Music Festival for four years, and as Band Chairman and Treasurer of Connecticut All State Music Festival for several years. He also served as adjudicator, clinician and guest conductor throughout the New England area. In addition, he founded and conducted the Glastonbury Town Band and The Hartford Pops Band.

Bill continued his passion for music after his retirement in 1995, becoming the conductor of both The Naples Concert Band, and the Vineyard Haven, MA Town Band. He also founded and played trombone in the Paradise Brass Quintet composed of members of The Naples Concert Band brass section. In addition, Bill played trombone in Doc Peter's Jazz Orchestra, the Music makers Show Band, the Marco Big Band, the Naples Concert Band, under the direction of both Gale Waterland Scott and Harris Lanzel, and the Naples Orchestra and Chorus under the direction of Robert Herrema.

William Eriksen was a loving husband, father and grandfather, and an avid sailor, hiker and tennis player. A charismatic and inspirational man with a passion for life, he will be sorely missed by his many friends and family.

The Naples Concert Band will dedicate a concert in his memory October 20, 2013 at Cambier Park. There will also be a family grave side service at Greensprings Nature Preserve in Newfield, NY.

Any donations in Bill's memory should go to the Naples Concert Band, P.O. Box 31, Naples, FL 34106.