Clayton George “Pete” Erickson, 91, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday, September 9, 2019 at his home in Sedro-Woolley, WA.
He was born November 26, 1927 in Dentaybow Township, Minnesota (outskirt of International Falls, MN) the son of Charles and Margaret (Murphy) Erickson. He was the brother of nine siblings, including Eugene, Claire, John, Bud, Elizabeth (Leta), Midge and Molly, he was very close to his sisters, especially Leta and Molly.
Pete was married to Shirley Keith on November 2, 1958 but later divorced, they got back together 40 years later on June 15, 2014 at Sandy and Danny’s wedding (very sweet.) He served in the military from April 19, 1946 to October 23, 1947.
He was a Diesel Mechanic in a garage in International Falls Minnesota to Head Mechanic at Bill Pierre Ford in Lake City, WA.
Pete loved motorcycles, especially the Harley Davidson and could tell if it was an older model bike or newer depending on the sound of the engine. Jeff, Pete’s son, is a Union member and also a long time motorcycle rider. In honor of his Dad, the Union Brotherhood MC, did a tribute ride by Pete’s house on Saturday, September 7th. Pete heard the roar of the motorcycles and grinned from ear to ear. It was a moment of joy for Pete to be honored by the MC and Jeff’s family was deeply touched by the outpouring of love and support.
Pete also loved his pond he got with his new home in Sedro-Woolley, Washington. He went through many goldfish because of neighbor cats, but ended up with four fish his granddaughter, Rachele lovingly named Daphne, Shaggy, Fred and Velma, the pretty white and gold one is Daphne. During his retirement, Pete was a hardworking man and was proud of maintaining his yard to be immaculate.
Pete is survived by his companion, Shirley Snow of Sedro-Woolley; son, Jeffrey L. Erickson and wife Brenda L. Epstein of Everett, WA; daughter, Nancy Bliss and husband Robert Bliss of Sedro-Woolley, WA; daughter, Sandy Erickson and husband Danny Daniels of Port Angeles, WA; grandchildren, Rachele Welch of Sedro-Woolley, Samuel Butler and wife Rebecca Harmer of Burlington, WA, Adrienne Johnson and husband Kevin Johnson of Seattle, WA and Samantha aka John Bliss of Sedro-Woolley; great-grandchildren, Kierstin, Seth, and Parker Welch and Sylas Butler of Burlington, WA.
Per Pete’s request no services are planned.
Herb and I were saddened to learn about the passing of Adrienne’s grandfather.
We want all the family members of “Pete” to know that you are being held closely in our hearts and that we are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
I am so sorry for your loss. Shirley–I remember you going to Alaska and just all the happiness you have had with Pete. You have a true love story! Nancy–I loved seeing you helping him with his pond and yard. Pete will be dearly missed and he was truly loved. Sending my Prayers and hugz to both of you.
Dear Shirley and family, my sincerest sympathy to you all. This is a time like Sam put in his tribute – the storm might be roaring, sadness overwhelming and the love for your dad, grandpa, great-grandpa and husband/companion overwhelming. God’s richest blessings and my love to you all. Tuka
So sorry for your lost Shirley sending sympathies to you and your family from South Dakota hugs love ya
Shirley and family,
Pete was a wonderful man and will be remembered by all!
May you find peace within of his loss.
So sorry Shirley for your loss and also for your family. Sending you hugs and prayers from our family to your family.
Without pain we wouldn’t value joy without heartache we wouldn’t value love and without death we wouldn’t value life the emotions and motions we go through in life are just like that of the ocean at times it’s a crazy violent motion tossing us around aimlessly then there are the times when the storm passes and the skies clear the waves start to calm it’s beautiful, peaceful it’s serenity in its purest form. My grandpa taught me many things one was to work your ass off but another was what I described in the text above he will be missed dearly he was a true Man he loved to work hard he had an insatiable love for motorcycles and anything the entailed working on them he was the best diesel mechanic you could know I will miss the stories he told but will cherish the ones I know until we meet again rest easy grandpa