Grant F. Erickson

Grant F. Erickson, 89, passed away peacefully December 9, 2010 in Longview, Washington with his family at his side. Grant was born to Fredrick Erickson and Emily (Takalo) in Astoria, Oregon on January 16, 1921. As the only child he was showered with love and care by his parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles as he grew up in Naselle, Washington. Many of his fondest childhood memories came from the days he spent with his Finnish-speaking grandparents John and Anna Takalo at their home in Rosburg, WA. Known to classmates as "Pete", Grant attended Naselle High School where he played quarterback on the Comets football team and graduated with the class of 1940. The summers of his youth were spent working in the Odell Lakes region of Central Oregon. In 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Army serving as a medic mostly in England during World War II. After the war he returned to the Pacific Northwest, living for a short time with his aunt Ida Takalo in Portland, Oregon. It was there that he met Mary June Corder who had recently moved from Nebraska and were married on February 27th 1949. The call of the Naselle Valley never left Grant and soon he and his new wife Mary June moved to the banks of the lower Naselle River on Mill Ranch Rd. to start their family. He began his career as a commercial fisherman and later took a job with the Washington Highway Department where he worked for until his retirement in 1978. Along the way Grant and Mary June had three children, and is survived by them all: Pamela (Walt) Hopp of Kirkland, WA, Wayne (Becky) Erickson of Rosburg, WA and Melody (Gary) Worth of Longview, WA. Grant loved spending time with his family and rarely missed the chance to watch his grandchildren in their endeavors and witnessed his last grandson graduate from Naselle High School in June 2010, seventy years after his own graduation. Known locally as a fruit tree-grafting expert, he also enjoyed a good game of cribbage and taking his grandchildren fishing, clam digging and kite-flying whenever he could. In his spare time he loved to tend to his garden and perfected the arts of fly-tying, rock cutting and polishing. Since he was young he had an interest in gold and silver exploration and took several trips, including one to Alaska, to try his hand at prospecting. He had a curiosity for the history of the local area, especially the influence of Lewis and Clark and the local native tribes on the lower Columbia. The fellowship and food of his Scandinavian community brought him much joy. He especially cherished attending the Naselle Finnish Festival and eating the "leipjuusto" (squeaky cheese), and serving family and friends his homemade "pulla" (cardamom bread) and "filia" (yogurt) at Christmastime. He attended the Naselle Lutheran Church for much of his life and after he retired took up the project of fitting some of its windows with his own stained-glass creations. Tragically, Mary June was suddenly taken in an auto accident in 1989. He later was remarried to Genevieve Haven of Vancouver, WA who preceded him in death on April 1st 2010. He was also preceded in death by half-sisters Rose Viola Wilson of Raymond, WA and Martha Susie Monks of Seattle, WA. In his later years he spent time with Genevieve and family at Vernonia, OR and La Quinta, CA . The call of the Naselle Valley was again evident in Grant's final months and he treasured his last days there. Grant was a father of three, grandfather of thirteen and great-grandfather of sixteen. He was also a step-father to Victory (Richard) Grund, Carol (Gerald) Anderson and Jerylyn (Jack) Cusimano, and Johnny (Cherie) Ball, many grand and great-grandchildren, step-grand and step great-grandchildren. He is survived by them all. Though the members of the family mourn the loss of this great man they celebrate his joyous reunion with his Lord. The family would like to thank Pastors Cliff Weimer and Richard Ballif for their spiritual counsel and care in Grant's final days. A celebration of his life will take place on Saturday, January 15, 2011, 1:00 PPM at the Naselle Lutheran Church with a reception following. Private inurnment will be at Peaceful Hill Cemetery in Naselle. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Finnish American Folk Festival, P.O. Box 156, Naselle, WA 98638; or Appelo Archives Center, 1056 SR 4, Naselle, WA 98638; or Naselle Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 100, Naselle, WA 98638. Grant's guestbook is available at www.penttilaschapel.com.