Obituary of Andrew Ray Erickson

God in His mercy called Andrew Ray Erickson to his eternal home on March 19, 2014. He valiantly fought lung cancer (he had never been a smoker) for four months without ever complaining, but his system finally succumbed to all the treatments. He was born on September 9, 1965 in Olympia, Washington, to Allen Ray and Janice Irene (Duncan) Erickson, Rochester, Washington. He became a precious child of God when baptized on October 31, 1965 by Pastor Robert Keller at The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd. He was also confirmed there on Easter Sunday, April 15, 1979, by Pastor David Steen. Andy was a 48-year active member of his church and appreciated his many friends there. Andy grew up on his great-grandparent’s, Andrew and Anne Erickson, 1890 Swedish farmstead in Rochester, Washington. He enjoyed the farm animals and attendance in the 4-H Club, especially his rabbits and laying hens. He helped with many Erickson Family Reunions, as great-aunts, uncles, and cousins of all kinds returned to the family farmstead. Andy attended Tenino elementary schools and graduated from Tenino High School in 1983. He endured with remarkable patience a life-long medical disability, being well known in St. Peter’s ER. In Rochester, landscaping – especially on the riding lawnmower – and farm work were his specialties. He then moved to Tumwater and Lacey into adult family homes. He was well known for his patience in adversity, kindness, friendliness and generosity. Many enjoyed his mischievous personality and sense of humor. He was dearly loved and will be sorely missed. His interests were photography, athletic card and coin collecting, DVD and video collecting, bowling, watching football and baseball games, traveling – especially to the ocean beaches, Victoria, B.C, Hood Canal for family Fourth of July celebrations at Uncle Vernon and Aunt Mary Lou Chalbergs’ home, and cruises to Hawaii and Alaska. Survivors include his mother, Janice; sister, Marla Lefevre; brother, Mark Erickson; niece, Kristen Suver; uncles Richard Duncan and Vernon Chalberg; aunt, Betty Duncan; first cousins, Randy Chalberg and Debbie Hornback; Steven, Douglas and Paul Duncan; Sheri Swanson and Steven Wright. Andy was preceded in death by his father, Allen; aunts, Mary Lou Chalberg and Helen Marie Wright; and grandparents, P.D. and Mabel Duncan, Ray and Ruby Erickson; also by pioneer ancestors, Lewis H. and Susan A. Davis who arrived at Claquato, in 1851, from Indiana; and Elbridge and Hannah Paine, in 1867, from Worcester, Massachusetts. Andy’s family wishes to acknowledge the wonderful care that Andy received from 12 doctors, Providence St. Peter Hospital and Regional Cancer System, as well as the loving and outstanding care provided by Evelyn Leonard, her family and staff for the last 14 years. He was superbly made a member of their family, Christopher being a very special friend. A Celebration of the Resurrection for Andrew Erickson will be held Friday, May 2, 2014, at 1:00 p.m. at The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 1601 North St. SE, Olympia, WA (one mile straight east from the old Olympia Brewery, Tumwater) with a reception to follow. An inurnment will be held prior at Grand Mound Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd or a charity of your choice. Please leave memories of Andy or condolences for his family in the Guestbook below.