Harold Erickson

Harold E. Erickson 1920 – 2009  

On July 7, 2009 our beloved, father, grandfather, uncle and friend, Harold Erickson, passed away surrounded by his family.    He was born March 11^th , 1920 in Beulah, North Dakota to Harvey and Margaret Jensen Erickson.      

On January 6, 1942 he married his true love, Mary Sanone.  They were married for 61 years and together created a life full of love, laughter and happiness for their children, John and Barbara.  Their home and hearts were open to everyone.  Family and friends were always welcome to join in holiday celebrations, enjoy a great Italian feast, help make Italian sausage, go camping, boating, fishing and hunting.   He was devoted to his family and spent many hours coaching little league sports, and taking family and friends on great camping trips.     

Harold was proud to have served in the United States Army.  One month after his marriage to Mary, he was drafted and sent to the South Pacific to fight in World War II.   He spent 27 months overseas and was awarded three Purple Hearts.   

He was a great mechanic who could engineer, build or repair anything.    At a Murray High School class reunion, one of his friends remembered him as the student who built a car using only one screw driver.   He worked as a mechanic most of his life, and retired from the Salt Lake International Airport as Director of Vehicle Maintenance where he engineered and built equipment still used today. 

Harold was a devout Lutheran and life long member of Christ Lutheran Church in Murray Utah.  His love of God was inspirational.  We would like to thank Pastor Kris Erickson for his support during our father's illness. There are no words adequate enough to express how much his daily visits meant to our father and to us.  We are humbled to have been the recipients of his compassionate love.  Thanks to Don Schultz, of Christ Lutheran Church for his wonderful visits. 

We would also like to thank dad's neighbors, friends and family for their wonderful support during his illness.     

Harold is survived by his children John (Ethelyn),  Barbara Stilinovich; grandchildren, John Erickson (Tahna), Jocelyn Erickson,  Anthony Stilinovich, and many nieces and nephews.  Also survived by Bill McKendrick (Mary Beth), Jacksonville Florida, our lifelong friend whom dad loved and considered one of his children.  

Preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary; son-in-law, Tony Stilinovich, and all of his brothers and sisters.   

A wake will be held on Monday, July 13^th from 6 to 8 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City.  Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 14^th at 12:00 noon at Christ Lutheran Church, 240 East 5600 South, Murray.  Entombment to follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, 4^th Ave “T” Street, Salt Lake City.