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.
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