Clarence Victor Erickson
Our beloved husband, father, brother, and Grandfather Clarence V. Erickson passed away peacefully in his home on June 8, 2021.
Clarence was born on June 25, 1937 in Longview, Washington. He spent his early years there until the age of 17 where he joined the United States Air Force. During his 26 years of service, Clarence traveled the world, including assignments in Thailand, Denmark, Korea, Saudi Arabia, the Philippines, Okinawa, Japan and several other duty stations throughout the United States.
Clarence and Toyo
A talented athlete excelling in baseball and softball, Clarence played fast pitch softball while stationed at Nellis AFB in Las Vegas. In the early 1970s, he held the record for the farthest and the most home runs in one season batting from both sides of the plate.
During his first tour in Okinawa, he met the love of his life, Toyo Kurima. They spent nearly 60 years together raising four sons; Richard, Ronald, William, and Gary.
Clarence’s love of motorcycles and racing in Okinawa was passed onto his sons who continued to race in Okinawa and California. Clarence was a great mentor, coach and cheer leader for his sons and teammates in all sports that they participated in. Dad also served as the club secretary for the Pacers Motorcycle Club in Okinawa Japan and helped organize work parties and events including the “old man race” that he participated in.
Clarence retired from the Air Force in 1980 as MSGT (Master Sargent) and the family moved back to the Seattle, Washington area to settle down in Brier. Clarence then began a second career with Boeing where he retired after 19 years.
Clarence spent his retirement and free time doing the things he enjoyed most with his family and friends. He taught his sons to fish, which they still enjoy today, along with camping, a little traveling in the RV with Toyo, and golfing… he even made his own golf clubs!
Clarence is survived by his wife Toyo, their four sons, daughter in laws; Diane, Kathy and Marie, grandchildren; Alyssa, David, Zakari and Keoni, great-grandchildren; Ben and Miles, his brothers Palmer Edwards and Roy Erickson and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Dad will be greatly missed.
Clarence will be laid to rest on Tuesday, June 22nd, at Edmonds Memorial Cemetery.
12 Responses to “Clarence Victor Erickson”
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So sorry to hear of your father’s passing. Your dad certainly raised wonderful kids. I can testify that he taught you boys how to fish really well. I am thankful for the friendship I have had with Gary and Ron. I am praying for comfort and peace for the family!
Lorna & Bob Canody
Beautiful words of your father. Deepest condolences to your family. We love you
Manny &Lee
Richard, He sounds like a great man & great father…I’m always impressed with your quality of spirit, strength& attitude….obviously your father lives in you. I wish you peace & warm memories as your father awaits in heaven to be reunited with you and the rest of your family.
Blessings to you & your family,
Willis
Richard , my condolences to you and your family. I remember so much from our time in okinawa. You and your dad were great to us. He will be missed. But my memories will be with me, so he won’t be forgotten!
Clarence will be greatly missed. He was a very special man, I have many fond memories of our chats at the fence. He won’t be forgotten.
Clarence, my father-in-law, will always be with us. I know in my heart, that he will be right there with us at every family get together and whenever we think of him, which will be often. Dad, you are free from pain and for that I am truly grateful. Love always, your daughter, Diane xo
I cannot believe we cannot see each other anymore.
When you were in OKINAWA,I climbed up the bace fence and went to see you. Aunt Toyo was absent-minded.
I was glad that our uncle’s family came to our house in a big car.
Thank you for many memories.
When I went to Seattle with my grandma in summer vacation,I had very nice experiences. My uncle was always kind us and taught me the various cultural differences between American and Japan. I will never forget the wonderful summer vacation. Thank you for all the wonderful memories.
Condolences from the bottom of my heart.
Dear Aunt Toyo and cousins ,
I wish to express my deepest condolences.
Uncle Jerry was a very amazing person.
Thought I am sad, there is Uncle Jerry in our heart always.
May hi Rest In Peace.
Dear Aunt Toyo and cousins,
I wish to express my deepest condolences.
Uncle Jerry was a very amazing person.
Though I am sad, there is Uncle Jerry in our heart always.
May he Rest In Peace.
My treasure ‘5 cent coin’
When I was a elementary school student,I stayed at
my uncle’s house in OKINAWA.My role was to babysit Mike and to polish big Jelly’s shoes. He noticed a shiny pair of shoes,he gave me ‘5 cent coin ‘as reward.It made me very happy.World Uchinanchu festival in OKINAWA, I told him about the memories with a gesture. Then,he gave me 5 cent coin laughing.Now,the 5 cent coin is my treasurer.
I will never forget you.
May he rest in peace.
Clarence had a huge heart. I will always treasure the memories of our time together and we all send our love to the family. I will miss you Pop.