Obituary, Steven Delbert Erickson, 67

Steven Delbert Erickson, 67, died on June 22, 2016 after a long battle with health.

He was born on June 2, 1949 in Auburn, Washington to Pete and Irene Erickson and attended Auburn schools.

He was both an avid hunter and enthusiastic fisherman throughout his life. In the mid-60s, his family moved to Alaska aboard the M/V Irene E in search of "more elbow room." They settled in Petersburg where he and his family fished commercially, started a construction company and ran Irene's Restaurant.

Shortly after moving to Alaska, Steve served in the United States Army and operated as a gunner during the Vietnam War where he was wounded in action. Steve received a Purple Heart as a well as a Combat Infantryman badge for his sacrifices. His determination helped him complete his education and receive a diploma after being discharged from the Army.

Steve held jobs with Alaska Airlines and the Alaska Marine Highway, while often serving as a deckhand on fishing boats. Steve retired out of the Operating Engineers as a heavy equipment operator after years of building roads all across Alaska.

In the mid-80s Steve met and fell in love with Jean Jenkins. Together they lived in Fairbanks until Jean's untimely passing in 2001. Steve relocated back to Southeast Alaska, and took residence in Juneau to be close to his mom and siblings.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents Delbert "Pete" and Irene Erickson, his sister, Sue Hosford and his wife, Jean.

Steve is survived by his sisters Judy (of Juneau) and Kathy (of Dyea), his brother Mike (of Juneau), along with many other loved ones including nieces and nephews as well as his extended family from his late-wife, Jean Jenkins (of Fairbanks).

A celebration of life took place in Renton, Washington on June 26.