Erik G. Erikson Jr.

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University of California| Berkeley

Erik Erikson Obituary

Erik G. Erikson, Jr. September 1, 1929 - January 3, 2009 Born in San Francisco to Swedish immigrants, Erik Erikson and Agda Olson Erikson, Erik thrived in the Swedish-American community of the greater Bay Area with his numerous friends and extended family. He grew up in San Francisco, graduated from Polytechnic High School, and was attending Cal Berkeley when drafted to serve in Korea with the Navy Seabees. Erik spent most of his life building, first in residential construction with his brother-in-law, Leroy Peterson, then later constructing air-supported and tension membrane structures all over the world. Erik was president of both the Swedish-American Patriotic League and Sveadal Club, and a Golden Veteran member of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons. Erik was an avid reader and amazed all with his vast knowledge and unexpected wit. A lifelong 49er faithful and Giants fan, Erik was also an ardent fan at his children's and grandchildren's activities. In his retirement Erik enjoyed many projects at his Millbrae home and in Sveadal. Erik married Mary Ann Samuelsen in 1952 and during their 56 years together they raised five children: daughters Gail Jackson (Russell), Joanne Haag (Dennis), and Julie Bowman (Daniel), and sons Glen (Kathleen) and Keith (Deon). Erik was proud to be "Far Far" to 13 grandchildren: Joshua, Jeffrey, Gwen and Kristen Jackson; Alicia and Sharon Haag; Benjamin Bowman and Bonnie Niesen (Travis); Randi and Dane Erikson, and Samantha, Hailee, and Trae Erikson, and was thrilled with the recent arrival of great-granddaughter Liberty Niesen. He was beloved "Uncle Erik" to many nieces and nephews and their families. Erik is predeceased by his sisters Ann Marie Nelson and Alice Doody, and nephew Don Nelson. Erik passed away peacefully after a short illness, surrounded by the love of Mary Ann and their children. The family is grateful for the excellent care provided by the ICU nursing staff and doctors at Peninsula Hospital. A celebration of Erik's life will be held Friday, January 9 at 11:30 am at the Millbrae Community Center, 477 Lincoln Circle, Millbrae (casual attire welcome). In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to a charity of your choice or to the Sveadal Memorial Fund c/o Debbie Allustiarti, 123 Bloomfield Road, Burlingame, CA 94010.

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Published by San Francisco Chronicle on Jan. 7, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Erik Erikson

3 Entries

Mike and Karen Breton

January 7, 2009

Dear Dennis, Joanne and family--
We have obviously missed out on knowing a great man. Our thoughts
are with your entire family during this time.

Ray and Kay and the Lundgren Family

January 7, 2009

We have lost a wonderful friend. I have many fond memories of Erik, discussing Sveadal and the many engineering projects, also playing tennis. It was also fun to play my accordian and watch MaryAnn and Erik dance the Swedish dances together.

Ted & Astrid Olsson

January 7, 2009

Dear MaryAnn and extended family,

When I think of Erik I invariably think of Sveadal, typically of him dancing with you at the old dance floor or working on construction projects. He was one of the mentors for a young kid growing up in Sveadal, for his vitality, good humor, and kindness. Even today it seems that at least half of Sveadal was related to Erik and all of them wished to be. Indeed in some sense the Sveadal community was an even more extended family.

Growing up in San Francisco and Sveadal, he helped set paths for one who took pride in the Swedish culture, particularly when San Francisco and the Bay Area held such a large and active Swedish community and when Sveadal was at the dead end of a four mile road, a destination only for those who knew of it.

As a young man he joined the Swedish Singers and Balder Lodge at a time when they were flourishing. As a founder of the Sveadal Club and President of the Swedish American Patriotic League, a congress of Swedish organizations, he helped establish or revitalize societies dedicated to our culture, community, and service. It all seemed a pattern book for any younger boy wishing to find a role in that community.

I still recall his and your wedding at the beautiful Norwegian church on Dolores Street, for it marked the first time that I was invited to attend such an adult celebration. He carried on the important vocation and traditions of his parents leaving us all the better. I treasured Erik's friendship. So, I will cherish his memory even as I miss his presence.

In sympathy,
~TED & ASTRID

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