Obituary of Earl Erickson

Earl "Bill" Erickson silently passed away on a bright, beautiful Saturday morning, March 13, 2010. Born April 20, 1923 in Piconning, Michigan, Bill honorably tipped his proverbial hat and bravely bowed out of a 30 year battle with the insatiable grip of cancer, a battle he never let overshadow his undying love and enthusiam for life. He was only 86 years young. Working as a young bridge builder, Bill grew to be a strong, loving family man of impeccable and humble routine. He was the epitome of generosity and simplistic kindness. He had an immense love of rose gardening, dancing and collecting classic films including Roman Holiday, Jaws and Moby Dick. Bill loved to dance to classical musical artists, his favorites included Lawrence Welk, Englebert Humperdink, Don Ho and Johnny Cash, as well as a variety of polka-pop dance hall hits created on homemade mix tapes. Every meal Bill ate was "the best he ever had." He graciously declined any form of help, offered or insisted, practical or physical in nature, due to his proud sense of chilvary or unending capability. Right up to the end, Bill loved to do things his way. His motto... "Whatever you like." Bill is survived by his beautiful wife of 34 years, Dorothy, his caring daughters abd son-in-laws, Bonnie and Lee Schultz, Billie and Howard Van Dusen, along with a a multitude of loving grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and stepchildren. A Celebration of Bill's long, fulfilling life will be held at a later date at Madonna del Sasso Catholic Church in Salinas.