Harvey Erickson

Harvey D. Erickson

Harvey D. Erickson, Professor Emeritus, University of Washington College of Wood Science and Technology, died peacefully at his home in Coupeville on April 19, 2006 at the age of 94. He was born and raised on a small dairy farm near Brooton, Minn., the fourth child of Hattie and Gilbert Erickson.

Harvey contracted polio at the age of two, which heavily affected his left leg. Nothing stopped him from hiking and hunting as a youngster and traveling the world as an adult. He was married to the former Mary Kaye LaTorra on August 28, 1954 in Medford, Ore.

Harvey achieved his Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the University of Minnesota at the age of 25 and taught in the field of wood chemistry and preservation for 10 years in West Virginia and for 30 years at the University of Washington. His interests were many and varied, including gardening, antique gun collecting, travel, a hole-in-one at the Mounds in California, most improved average in the local bowling league and aficionado of lutefisk and lefse. His waning years were made very difficult as he developed post-polio syndrome, a gradual but total loss of all muscle strength.

Harvey was a member of the Forest Products Society and member of many academic societies. He leaves the world a better place than he found it and has earned a long peaceful rest. He was dearly loved and will be sorely missed.

Harvey is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Kaye at the family home, Coupeville; by his son, Gilbert and wife Melinda and his beloved granddaughter Michelle Erickson of Issaquah, and by his only sister Rudella Anderson of Medford, Ore.

After cremation there was a private family burial at Sunnyside Cemetery, Coupeville. A Celebration of Life will be at noon Tuesday, May 9, at Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor, with Dr. Brinton Sprague as Celebrant. Arrangements are entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel.