Paul Erickson, PH.D.

April 2, 2022

CAMANO ISLAND WA — Dr. Paul Erickson passed on April 2, 2022 at age 95, in Stanwood WA. He was born in Pittsburg, KS to Paul Erickson Sr. and Mabel Gummersell Erickson. Paul Sr. was born in Finland. Mabel was born in NY City and was an Orphan Train rider to Missouri at the age of four. Dr. Erickson was proud of his Finnish heritage and visited Finland several times. He was also an active member of the National Orphan Train Complex and spoke to groups about it, often.

As a child, he lived in Independence, MO and attended schools in Kansas City, MO.

During WWII, he served his country as a Supply Sergeant at Fort Leonard Wood in MO. After his discharge in 1946, he earned a B.A. at ASU, a Master’s at Stanford and a PH.D in Counseling Psychology at USC.

Dr. Erickson spent

the majority of his life giving back to others as an educator. His first teaching position was in the mining town of Mammoth AZ, which he described as a wonderful experience. He later taught in schools for military dependents in Laon, France and Badnauheim, Germany. Later, he was a teacher and counselor in San Diego City Schools.

In 1963, he began his career at SDSU where he would remain for over 20 years. While there, he served as Coordinator of Graduate Studies, Director of Clinical Training Center, Director of Secondary Student Teaching and Professor of Secondary Education. Twice, he received an award for Outstanding Faculty.

During his tenure, Dr. Erickson was active in the development of off-campus sites to train secondary teachers. In co-operation with a

colleague, he established the first off-campus site at an inner-city school where all courses were taught and student teaching was assigned.

While on Sabbatical leave in 1975, he was Visiting Professor in Residence at the Institute of Education, University of London.

Dr. Erickson was very active in the Episcopal Church. He was on the board of Episcopal Community Services, on the Vestries of All Saints Episcopal Church, St. Dunstan’s (Del Cerro) and St. John’s (Chula Vista). He was also a Board Member of All Saints Episcopal School and a Treasurer of the Park East Opera Guild. He was a longtime member of the American Psychological Association and the SDSU Retired Faculty Association.

After he retired, he and his late wife (Marilyn), traveled extensively throughout the US and other countries, visiting all continents except Antarctica. They moved to Fredericka Manor in Chula Vista where they enjoyed many years together. After her passing, in 2019 (after 65 years of marriage), he moved to WA to be near his sons. Now he and Marilyn can be together again.

Dr. Erickson is survived by his sons, Erick and Kris (Elise) of Camano Island WA and granddaughter Amelia of Los Angeles, four nieces, one nephew and countless close friends.

A private service will be held later. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the Memorial Fund, St. John’s Episcopal Church in Chula Vista or the National Orphan Train Complex in Concordia Kansas.

Please sign the Guest Book online obituaries.sandiegouniontribune.com