Toyo Erickson

Celebrating the Life of Our Beloved Mom

Toyo Erickson

March 10, 1934 – November 1, 2026

Our beloved Mom, Toyo Erickson, was born on March 10, 1934, in Tarama, Japan, to her parents, Genshin and Kamado Kurima. She was the youngest of three sisters, Tomiko and Toshiko.

Growing up on the small island of Tarama, Mom spent her early years working alongside her family, farming and fishing to help provide for their household. Her childhood was shaped by both the simplicity of island life and the hardships of World War II. During those challenging and uncertain times, Mom and her family persevered through the hardships of war, demonstrating the strength and resilience that would remain with her throughout her life.

Even during those difficult years, Mom’s love of learning never faded. She often shared stories of how she would practice her penmanship and mathematics using pieces of coal from the fire. That determination and desire to learn would remain with her throughout her life.

One of Mom’s proudest accomplishments came later in life when she returned to school at Shoreline Community College and completed her high school education, earning her high school diploma. We were all incredibly proud of her. We had the wonderful privilege of watching her walk in the graduation ceremony, surrounded by her family, celebrating a dream she had carried with her for so many years. It was a moment we will always cherish.

As a young woman, Mom eventually moved to Okinawa, where she began working and later met our Dad, Clarence Erickson. They were married in 1963, beginning a life together that would take them across the world and bring them the greatest blessing of all: their family.

Their journey together began in Okinawa, where their first son, Richard, was born. From there, military life took them to the United States, beginning in Victorville, California, where Ronald was born. As a family story we have always remembered, the doctor who delivered him was named Dr. Kadena, the same name as the military base in Okinawa.

Their travels continued to Wichita, Kansas, where William was born, and then to Longview, Washington, where Mom stayed with Dad’s family while Dad served during the Korean and Vietnam wars. Following Dad’s return, the family moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, where their youngest son, Gary, was born.

During their time in Las Vegas, Mom accomplished another significant milestone. In 1973, she became a United States citizen. This was something she was especially proud of. Having arrived in America without knowing English, she taught herself to speak, read, and write a completely new language. Her determination, courage, and independence were remarkable. She never allowed obstacles to stand in the way of what she wanted to accomplish.

From Las Vegas, the family moved to Mountain Home, Idaho, and eventually returned to Okinawa. It was during this assignment that all of us were introduced more deeply to our Okinawan family, culture, and traditions. Most importantly, it strengthened the family connections that remain so precious to us today.

We have fond memories of our Obasan coming to spend summer vacations with us at our home on base. Although her grandsons couldn’t speak the language, that never seemed to matter. We loved spending time with our Obasan and treasured the memories we made with her, our aunts, uncles, and especially our cousins. Those summers and family connections helped give us a lasting appreciation for our Okinawan heritage and the importance of family.

After completing that assignment, we returned to California, where Dad retired from the Air Force. Our family eventually settled in Brier, Washington, where Mom continued building the life and friendships that meant so much to her.

Her Passions, Her Service, and Her Community

Mom had many interests and talents beyond her devotion to her family. She loved gardening and truly had a green thumb. She found joy in nurturing flowers and plants, bringing beauty and life to everything she touched. She also loved arranging flowers through the traditional Japanese art of Ikebana, expressing her creativity and appreciation for beauty through this special art form.

She enjoyed dancing and loved playing the piano. These interests reflected her appreciation for music, culture, and the simple pleasures of life.

Mom also had a tremendous heart for helping others. For 40 years, she generously volunteered at St. Brendan’s, where she developed many lasting friendships and became a familiar and cherished presence in the community. She also volunteered with the Catholic Seamen’s Club, SOS, and numerous other organizations.

Her willingness to give her time and serve others was a reflection of the person she was. She gave without expecting anything in return and found fulfillment in being there for others.

Mom was also a longtime, active member of the Okinawan Kenjin Club. She took great pride in her Okinawan heritage and enjoyed sharing its culture, traditions, and history with her children and grandchildren. Through her stories, traditions, and family connections, she helped ensure that a very important part of who we are would continue to live on through future generations.

Her Family and Her Legacy

Above all else, Mom’s greatest accomplishment and most treasured gift was her family. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, a proud grandmother, and a great-grandmother.

She lived a life that spanned different countries, cultures, and generations. From her humble beginnings on the small island of Tarama to becoming a United States citizen, raising four sons, serving her community, and maintaining the traditions of her Okinawan heritage, Mom’s life was one of perseverance, determination, generosity, and love.

She taught us through her actions that hard work, education, family, and kindness matter. She showed us that it is never too late to learn something new, pursue a dream, or accomplish something you have always wanted to do.

We will remember her strength, her independence, her talents, her stories, and the many ways she touched the lives of those around her. We will cherish the memories of our childhood, our family travels, our time in Okinawa, and all the moments we were fortunate enough to share with her.

Although we will miss her dearly, her legacy lives on in her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the many lives she touched throughout her journey.

We are forever grateful for the life she lived, the sacrifices she made, the lessons she taught us, and the love she gave so freely.

Mom, thank you for everything. We are so proud to be your children, and we will carry our love for you in our hearts always. You will forever be loved, remembered, and missed.

She Was Preceded in Death By

Her parents, Genshin and Kamado Kurima; her beloved husband, Clarence Erickson; and her sisters, Toshiko and Tomiko.

She Is Survived By

• Her four sons: Richard, Ronald, William, and Gary.
• Her daughters-in-law: Diane, Kathy, and Marie.
• Her grandchildren: Alyssa, David, Zakari, and Keoni.
• Her great-grandsons: Ben and Miles.

Forever in our hearts.