Robert Lee Erickson

Robert Lee Erickson died early the morning of January 11, 2010 at LakeRidge Special Care Center in Moses Lake, Washington after a long journey through Alzheimer’s. Bob was born May 28, 1934 in Rawson, North Dakota to Theodore and Valeria Erickson. He has one brother Danny living in Moses Lake, Wa., and a brother Richard, deceased.

Bob was raised in and around the western North Dakota town of Williston. He was a football and basketball standout at Cooperstown High School where his claim to fame was playing football against future baseball Hall of Fame homerun hitter Roger Maris of Shanley High School.

Bob met future wife Donna Marie Kitsch at a dance in Starkweather , N.D. in 1954. Being committed to military service they maintained a long distance romance. Bob served in the United States Army from 1954 to 1956 where he was attached to Third Army Engineer Battalion in Hanour Army Base in Frankfurt Germany. Bob’s talent as a singer and guitar player won him first place in the soloist country western category of the US Army Europe talent contest and the chance to finish his tour entertaining his fellow soldiers as the “Bashful Balladeer.”

Upon completion of his military service Bob and Donna where married October 1, 1956 at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Garske, N.D.

Bob attended Valley City Teachers College in Valley City, N.D. where he received his degree in biological science. The Moses Lake School District recruited Bob to travel across country to teach at Chief Moses Junior High.

Bob and Donna farmed in Block 40 where they raised their family of four boys; Lee, Paul, Chris, Wade and two daughters; Robin and Elizabeth.

Bob relished spending time with his family relaxing with backyard picnics, playing endless games of Horse with his daughter Robin, bass fishing at the Potholes Reservoir, salmon fishing in King Salmon Alaska and waterfowl hunting. Bob was a rabid Seahawks fan whose high five after a Hawks’ touchdown stung the hand of the recipient. He was also a Sonics fan in the glory years of the late ‘70s. Bob enjoyed leading us all in song while playing his Gibson J-50 Deluxe guitar.

“Karl” was the founding member of a loose cadre of ne’er-do-wells and malcontents called The Barrels of Flame Rod and Gun Club where he proclaimed himself Grand Pooh Bah and as “Vato Boppo” wore his cummerbund fez well. He was known to power down and go full bore. “Sleep is highly over rated,” was his credo. He will be sorely missed at regular club meetings.

Bob is survived by his wife of 53 years, 6 children, 12 grandchildren, Nicole, Cassandra , Caleb, Kalin, Sidney, Keaton, Calloway, Morgan, Jack, Molly, Kees, Christopher, and one great grandchild Julien.

Bob never met a man whom he didn’t see as his equal and treated him as such. He was a friend to all, no matter their station. In our hearts he is catching chromers on every cast and getting natural doubles with every shot followed by a grand party playing guitar with Chet Atkins.

A Rosary will be said Friday, January 22 at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church 200 N. Dale Rd. in Moses Lake, Wa., followed by a funeral Mass and inurnment at 11 a.m. A reception to follow at the CCD center. Arrangements are in care of Kayser’s Chapel & Crematory. Please sign the online guestbook or leave a note for the family at www.kayserschapel.com