Obituary of Donald P. Erickson

Donald P. Erickson, 80, of Lakewood, NY, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, March 4, 2020, in the Bay Front Hospital, Port Charlotte, FL. A lifelong area resident, he was born November 7, 1939 in Jamestown, NY, a son of the late Arnold C. and Gladys Probst Erickson. Don was a 1957 graduate of Jamestown High School and was a veteran of the U.S. Navy serving from 1958-1962. Before his retirement, he was President of EMCO Finishing Products, Inc. for 25 years, and remained active in the business as a consultant. This loving husband, father and grandfather has touched so many lives with his smile, compassion, generosity and goodness. He will be remembered for so many attributes. In an effort to describe him in characteristic words, his family essentially authored a book. That book belongs to Don Erickson and none other. In an effort to abbreviate, the top picks would look much like the following, humble, patient, honest, generous, loving, helpful, steadfast, true, uncomplaining, dependable, big-hearted, Nav-a-Gator, playful, grateful, a hero, a true gentleman and most of all LOVED. Don leaves footprints behind that simply cannot be filled, along with a legacy of love, respect and honor for those left behind to aspire to achieve. His greatest loves in life, besides his family, include his early morning coffee gatherings at Fischer's Restaurant in Jamestown and Peter's Restaurant in Port Charlotte, FL. Don and his wife have graciously spent the past 18 years wintering in sunny Lake Suzy, FL. An all time favorite pastime was boating on Chautauqua Lake with family and friends. When home in Jamestown, during the summer and fall, he enjoyed keeping an immaculate lawn, puttering around, doing chores and running errands which included his Saturday morning "dump run" followed by coffee with his kids. He also had a great love for children and pets which encompassed much of his heart over his lifetime. He was a member of the Ingjald Lodge #165 Independent Order of the Vikings, the Norden Men's Club, Lakewood Memorial Post #1286 American Legion, Chautauqua County Sheriffs Association, Celoron Moose Lodge, the Chautauqua Lake Fish Association and the Lawson Boat Center. Surviving are his loving wife of 55 years, Susan K. Hegstedt Erickson, whom he married August 15, 1964, a daughter; Amy and her husband Dan Alexander, who was a "son" and best friend to Don, of Lakewood, two grandchildren; Case Alexander of Erie, PA, Madison Alexander of Lakewood, and his brother –in-law, Marion "Muddy" Lombardo of Falconer, NY. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by a sister, Sharyn A. Lombardo and a brother, Robert Erickson. The funeral will be held at 11:00 am Friday in the Lind Funeral Home. The Rev. Douglas Kibbe, pastor of the Church on the Rock will officiate. Inurnment will be in the Sunset Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm Thursday in the funeral home. Memorials may be made to St. Jude's Children Hospital, Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, 418 Spring St. Jamestown, NY 14701, the Chautauqua County Humane Society, 2825 Strunk Rd. Jamestown, NY 14701 or to the Chautauqua Lake Partnership, P.O. Box 337, Bemus Point, NY 14712.