Erick K. Erickson Sr.

1923-2018

Erick (Ken) Erickson, long-time resident of Walnut Creek, passed away May 3, 2018. He was 95 years old. Ken was born in Eureka, California, along with loving sister Beatrice, to Erick and Hilda Erickson both immigrants from Finland. The Erickson family moved to San Francisco in search of work. Tragically, Ken’s father was killed in a longshoreman accident when Ken was 4 years old, leaving his mother to raise two children.

Ken excelled in school, graduating as valedictorian of Mission High School class of 1941. Ken attended UC Berkeley until his education was interrupted by WWII. He served in the 274th Infantry of the Army in the European Theatre. He continued service to his country in the Army Reserves, where he retired as Lieutenant Colonel.

After the War, he returned to Cal, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in 1947 and an MBA in 1949. He was a member of several honor societies including Phi Beta Kappa, Tower and Flame, Beta Alpha Psi and Beta Gamma Sigma. In 1949, he married Charlotte Helmick and was hired by Cal as a Junior Accountant. He rose to become the Accountant for Endowment and Trusts, then Assistant Chief Accounting Officer, culminating as the Assistant Accounting Officer when he was hired in 1962 as the Accounting Officer at UC San Francisco. He later became the Assistant to the Chancellor and in 1966 began a twenty year run as UCSF Vice Chancellor, retiring as the Vice Chancellor For Business/Fiscal Affairs in June 1986. He was very proud of his accomplishments serving the UC system both at Berkeley and San Francisco for 39 years.

In 1957, Ken and Charlotte built a home in Walnut Creek where they raised six children. After Charlotte’s passing in 1992, Ken married Dr. Molly Braumoeller in 1995 enjoying retirement, family and travel until Molly’s passing in 2010.

Ken was also preceded in death by loving daughter Mary Erickson (Thibodo), son-in-law, Reed Smith and sister, Beatrice Olson.

He is survived by Ken Erickson Jr. (Bonnie), Craig Erickson (Dorcas) both of Chico, Jan Smith of Coronado, Kim Erickson (Jeff Clark) of Sacramento, Nancy Carle (Bill) of Santa Rosa, Bear Braumoeller (Kristen) of Columbus, Ohio, and Rick Braumoeller (Cindy Gulliford) of Bainbridge, Washington.

Ken was exceptionally proud of his 15 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. He strongly believed that education was a gateway to further achievements in life and was proud that all his children and grandchildren graduated from college.

A memorial service will be held June 22nd at 3:00 pm at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, 1035 Carol Lane, Lafayette.

In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church or to your favorite charity.