Welcome to the memorial page for
Robert C. Erickson
June 13, 1947 ~ September 13, 2017 (age 70) 70 Years Old Light a Candle
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A candle was lit by Dan Marshall
on June 25, 2018 9:50 AM
Message from Suzanne Barnard Smith
October 10, 2017 11:31 AM
I have known Bob since 1964/65 and we have been friends ever since. We were both at CVS, he a Senior, me a Freshman. I did not meet him thru school though. I met him through Rich, Johnny, Billy, Norm, Bill, etc . . . a great group of guys & gals, who still hang out together. Was I the only one who thought that he looked like Robert Goulet with those blue eyes?
In 1969, we invited Bob to our wedding. He was still recovering from his car accident and he needed a new pair of shoes, which Rich bought. I guess you could say that we paid him to come to our wedding. Even though Bob was still recovering from an accident, that did not stop him from trying to catch the garter with his cane!!
One year Bob & Penny hosted a Halloween party at their house. All the friends were there and the house was definitely decorated for Halloween. Bob went out to the garage for something, fell, hit his head and ended up needing to go to the ER for stitches. So of course, all of us went with him and yes, we were all in costumes. We were quite the scene. Bob finally came back out to us, with his head wrapped in gauze, which actually went with his costume.
With Bob, we have done the restaurant tour - everywhere, traveled up to Great Lakes Naval Station several times, shopped the Thrift Stores, gone boating, all-day trips to the VA, hours spent at the DMV, had him over for BBQ or homemade potato sausage, shared recipes, and lots & lots of laughter . . .
We will miss you. Rest in peace, Bob.
In 1969, we invited Bob to our wedding. He was still recovering from his car accident and he needed a new pair of shoes, which Rich bought. I guess you could say that we paid him to come to our wedding. Even though Bob was still recovering from an accident, that did not stop him from trying to catch the garter with his cane!!
One year Bob & Penny hosted a Halloween party at their house. All the friends were there and the house was definitely decorated for Halloween. Bob went out to the garage for something, fell, hit his head and ended up needing to go to the ER for stitches. So of course, all of us went with him and yes, we were all in costumes. We were quite the scene. Bob finally came back out to us, with his head wrapped in gauze, which actually went with his costume.
With Bob, we have done the restaurant tour - everywhere, traveled up to Great Lakes Naval Station several times, shopped the Thrift Stores, gone boating, all-day trips to the VA, hours spent at the DMV, had him over for BBQ or homemade potato sausage, shared recipes, and lots & lots of laughter . . .
We will miss you. Rest in peace, Bob.
Message from Diane Erickson Campanile
October 8, 2017 6:32 PM
So happy to be able to read these words of remembrance of my brother Bob, and incredibly painful. He was an incredible person, huge personality, inspiration and guide, wanderer of paths little sisters don't trod, joyful and soulful musician, ever expanding his circle of influence. His "family famous" recipes will be family keepsakes - he and Penny enjoyed creating and sharing the bounty and fed many souls. And, yes, he could get away with almost everything. Wicked king of Canasta. Lover and sharer of the Boundary Waters. Companion to many flute performances and conferences. So in my closing reel to Robert Charles, riding off in the sunrise, I'm my third-grade self sitting in the "back seat" of the TR3, driving along that wonderful Chicago lakeshore, maybe stopping at Carl's, heading out on another great adventure...or maybe a flute lesson. I adored him always. My love to Penny and my family. Your womenfolk miss you. Your family miss you, you were all, husband, brother, uncle -- in blood and beyond.
A candle was lit by Edie
on October 8, 2017 6:30 PM
Message from John Wilson
October 7, 2017 1:21 PM
Penny,
I was very sad to learn of Bob's passing. I was a classmate of his brother ED (who was the toughest guy in our class at Avalon). When Ed was killed and Bob was seriously injured while changing a tire on the shoulder of an expressway it greatly affected me. Both Bob and Ed were patriots and good soldiers as well as fiends of mine. I was happy for you when you and Bob married some 47 years ago as I knew he would make you a good husband and he did. I will miss Bob's posting's on Facebook (especially his pictures of food), and he always posted on my Facebook site to wish me a happy birthday each year. I realize the sorrow you are going through with his loss, but hope your faith in God will pull you through. May Bob rest in peace and be in a heavenly place.
I was very sad to learn of Bob's passing. I was a classmate of his brother ED (who was the toughest guy in our class at Avalon). When Ed was killed and Bob was seriously injured while changing a tire on the shoulder of an expressway it greatly affected me. Both Bob and Ed were patriots and good soldiers as well as fiends of mine. I was happy for you when you and Bob married some 47 years ago as I knew he would make you a good husband and he did. I will miss Bob's posting's on Facebook (especially his pictures of food), and he always posted on my Facebook site to wish me a happy birthday each year. I realize the sorrow you are going through with his loss, but hope your faith in God will pull you through. May Bob rest in peace and be in a heavenly place.
Message from Skip Urbanek
October 6, 2017 11:13 PM
Penny,
As I'm sure you were, we were devastated to hear of Bob's passing. One more from our original group has gone to his final reward. We will miss him dearly. You, Bob & your families will be in our thoughts & prayers. I'm sure Bob, along with Ed, Johnny & Billy will be watching over you & the rest of us. And then there were six.
Skip Urbanek
As I'm sure you were, we were devastated to hear of Bob's passing. One more from our original group has gone to his final reward. We will miss him dearly. You, Bob & your families will be in our thoughts & prayers. I'm sure Bob, along with Ed, Johnny & Billy will be watching over you & the rest of us. And then there were six.
Skip Urbanek
Message from Bruce M Walters
October 6, 2017 4:15 PM
Dear Penny,
Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of Bob. I did not know him until I went to CVS as I lived way west of the school in the Beverly neighborhood. We where both in Concert Band, the Music Makers and the Clarinet quartet. I lost track of Bob after graduation but reconnected at the 40 year reunion. I am also a Vet, U.S.Air Force, 1968 to 1972 stationed in Europe.
Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of Bob. I did not know him until I went to CVS as I lived way west of the school in the Beverly neighborhood. We where both in Concert Band, the Music Makers and the Clarinet quartet. I lost track of Bob after graduation but reconnected at the 40 year reunion. I am also a Vet, U.S.Air Force, 1968 to 1972 stationed in Europe.
Message from Richard Smith
October 6, 2017 9:41 AM
There are friends and then there are lifelong friends. When you lose a friend you can always replace them with another friend, but lifelong friends are irreplaceable.
Bob was a lifelong friend.
Bob was a lifelong friend.
Message from Jack deRemer
October 6, 2017 8:25 AM
I served with Bob in Vietnam in 1967 and 1968. Bob was a fast and solid friend to everyone that he met, and his oversized personality could brighten up even the darkest times. He seemed to have the amazing ability to comfort, encourage and cheer up his friends, and could always be counted on for a great story and some great jokes during the slow times.
Since Vietnam I saw him at several reunions of the 173D Airborne Brigade, and it was always a memorable experience. His quick smile and piercing wit would be visible from across the room, and I always looked forward to seeing him.
Bob was a great soldier, and an even better friend, and he will be missed by all of us. RIP, old friend.
Since Vietnam I saw him at several reunions of the 173D Airborne Brigade, and it was always a memorable experience. His quick smile and piercing wit would be visible from across the room, and I always looked forward to seeing him.
Bob was a great soldier, and an even better friend, and he will be missed by all of us. RIP, old friend.
A candle was lit by Janet Erickson. Miss you, brother. A lot.
on October 5, 2017 9:21 PM
Message from Lauren C. Dates
October 3, 2017 2:54 PM
I served with Bob in Vietnam. Bob was a Chicago boy through and through. His three favorite things to talk about with me were Chicago, girls and edge weapons (knives). When he found out that I was from Upstate New York he asked if I was familiar with Camillus Knives. I assured him that I was and that my family were friends with the owners. He was really impressed when my father went to Camillus Cutlery and got an engraved knife that he sent to me in Vietnam that I gave to Bob. He often told me that his goal when he ETS'd from the Army was to become an enforcer for the Chicago mob! I suggested that he aim higher and become a cop, he mumbled something about wanting to do honest work!
The other topic of conversation with Bob was Chicago, girls and cars. For some reason he was infatuated with the Studabaker Avanti's. I would kid him that he could have a real car for the same money like an Eldorado or 300J. He would get that sweet Erickson smile and just shake his head.
He was devastated when his friend (a medic) was KIA, he took it very hard...
Bob was HCMF. Alpha Mike Foxtrot.
The other topic of conversation with Bob was Chicago, girls and cars. For some reason he was infatuated with the Studabaker Avanti's. I would kid him that he could have a real car for the same money like an Eldorado or 300J. He would get that sweet Erickson smile and just shake his head.
He was devastated when his friend (a medic) was KIA, he took it very hard...
Bob was HCMF. Alpha Mike Foxtrot.
Message from Lauren C. Dates
October 3, 2017 2:26 PM
Bob and I served in the 173rd together. He was a Chicago boy through and through!! Three things he liked were Chicago, girls and edge weapons (knives). When he found out I was from Upstate New York he asked me if I knew about Camillus Knives, I assured him that I did and that my family were friends with the owners. He was impressed especially after my father went to the factory , picked out a knife that was engraved and sent it to me in Viet Nam to give to Bob. He would tell me that after he ETS'd from the Army that he wanted to become an enforcer for the Chicago mob, I suggested that he aim higher and become a cop! He would smile and mumble something about wanting to do honest work!
The other subject of conversation was Chicago, girls and cars. For some reason he was infatuated with the Avanti that Studabaker made. I would kid him that he could have a real car for the same money, like an Eldorado or 300J. He would just get that sweet Erickson smile and shake his head!
Bob was HCMF, a comrade in arms. Alpha Mike Foxtrot.........
The other subject of conversation was Chicago, girls and cars. For some reason he was infatuated with the Avanti that Studabaker made. I would kid him that he could have a real car for the same money, like an Eldorado or 300J. He would just get that sweet Erickson smile and shake his head!
Bob was HCMF, a comrade in arms. Alpha Mike Foxtrot.........
Message from Kenneth Cox . Charlie Company , 1/503rd PIR , 173d Airborne Brigade Sep. Rebulice of Viet Nam 1967
October 3, 2017 7:10 AM
Dear Penny,
Please accept my sincere condolence. Bob and I served together in Viet Nam (RVN) during 1967 . After leaving the RVN I did see Bob again until the 1995 reunion in Rochester MN. and again in Chicago during 2003. Bob still had that infectious smile and air of adventure in him . I remember him as kind , friendly and loved to laugh. I am fortunate to have met him .
Please accept my sincere condolence. Bob and I served together in Viet Nam (RVN) during 1967 . After leaving the RVN I did see Bob again until the 1995 reunion in Rochester MN. and again in Chicago during 2003. Bob still had that infectious smile and air of adventure in him . I remember him as kind , friendly and loved to laugh. I am fortunate to have met him .
Message from Jerry Cecil, Charlie Company, 1st Bn, 503d PIR, 173d Abn Bde(SEP)
October 2, 2017 12:45 PM
Dear Penny, I mourn the loss of Bob, like many of the remaining members of Charlie Company from Vietnam. I was Bob's Weapons Platoon leader from June -Sep 1967, when I left the Mortar Platoon to become the 2nd Platoon Leader. Bob was a great soldier in my view, he was smart, funny, and one of the most engaging members of the platoon. His sense of humor and timing was impeccable and often relieved the 'daily stress." He was a willing team member and shared the pleasant and unpleasant duties alike.....usually with a smile.
My latest and 'greatest' recollection of Bob was at the 1988 Chicago convention. I contacted him and told him my twin 15 year old sons agreed to come to Chicago, but only if they could see a ball game at Comiskey Park. Bob "somehow" got us tickets behind home plate on a Friday "Beer" night---and Tom and Andy still tell their friends of how Bob got the "LT" baseball tickets.
I know there is a hole in your heart at this time Penny, but rest assured that those of us who knew Bob and soldiered with him in Vietnam will always remember his great "Chicago" smile, good humor, and service to our Nation.
RIP...Bob
My latest and 'greatest' recollection of Bob was at the 1988 Chicago convention. I contacted him and told him my twin 15 year old sons agreed to come to Chicago, but only if they could see a ball game at Comiskey Park. Bob "somehow" got us tickets behind home plate on a Friday "Beer" night---and Tom and Andy still tell their friends of how Bob got the "LT" baseball tickets.
I know there is a hole in your heart at this time Penny, but rest assured that those of us who knew Bob and soldiered with him in Vietnam will always remember his great "Chicago" smile, good humor, and service to our Nation.
RIP...Bob
Message from Daniel and Marti Marshall
October 1, 2017 8:02 PM
Robert C. Erickson, Vietnam Veteran, warrior, musician, sports car enthusiast, outdoorsman, above all Friend. Outgoing, witty, highly intelligent, charming, yet devastated by profound PTSD. He truly gave all he had for his Nation, and for all of us. Our loss is great, but finally, he has found peace.
Daniel and Marti Marshall
Daniel and Marti Marshall
Message from Kathy Tapper
October 1, 2017 12:01 AM
Penny, my deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family. There are never any words to say when a loss is felt so deeply. Wishing you peace.
Bob will be truly missed.
Rest in Peace my friend.
Bob will be truly missed.
Rest in Peace my friend.
Message from Richard DeLucia
September 30, 2017 9:05 PM
Dear Penny,
My deepest sympathy in regards to Bob’s passing.
I know that he will be missed by many.
I reconnected with Bob at the C.V.S. reunions that we both attended. I remember seeing you in the lunchroom at C.V.S. in the morning sometimes.
Bob was the one who gave us contact information on Al Hainisch, a classmate from Avalon Park that we wondered about.
We got together with Al, last summer, when he was in town for a family reunion.
Last October, Bob, Gregg strand, Bob Galbraith, and myself got together at my house. It was fun to share stories and reminisce about growing up in Avalon Park.
Rest in Peace, Bob.
Rich DeLucia
My deepest sympathy in regards to Bob’s passing.
I know that he will be missed by many.
I reconnected with Bob at the C.V.S. reunions that we both attended. I remember seeing you in the lunchroom at C.V.S. in the morning sometimes.
Bob was the one who gave us contact information on Al Hainisch, a classmate from Avalon Park that we wondered about.
We got together with Al, last summer, when he was in town for a family reunion.
Last October, Bob, Gregg strand, Bob Galbraith, and myself got together at my house. It was fun to share stories and reminisce about growing up in Avalon Park.
Rest in Peace, Bob.
Rich DeLucia
Message from Gregg Strand
September 28, 2017 6:57 AM
Penny,
I'm sorry to learn of Bob's passing. You have my deepest sympathy. I remember your name but don't remember ever meeting you. I was not a good friend of Bob's at Avalon Park but I knew him through one of my best friends, Randy Pruden. I met Bob again last year when Bob Galbraith, Rich DeLucia and Al Hainisch and I got together a couple of times. I'm sure glad we had the chance. God bless.
I'm sorry to learn of Bob's passing. You have my deepest sympathy. I remember your name but don't remember ever meeting you. I was not a good friend of Bob's at Avalon Park but I knew him through one of my best friends, Randy Pruden. I met Bob again last year when Bob Galbraith, Rich DeLucia and Al Hainisch and I got together a couple of times. I'm sure glad we had the chance. God bless.
Message from Randy Pruden
January 30, 2022 3:50 PM
Penny I just found this posting yesterday. My phone number changed to an unlisted cell number about the time Bob passed away. I kept trying your number in Western Springs. I didn't have a pc at that time. Please email me back. Bob was and always will be one of my very closest friends. Love, Randy
Message from Nancy Parise
September 28, 2017 5:34 AM
My sincere condolences to your family Bob will always be fondly remembered rest in peace my friend
Message from Robert and Marie Galbraith
September 27, 2017 6:34 PM
Dear Penny: So sorry to hear of the sudden passing of Bob. My wife, Marie and I wish to extend our sincerest condolences to you and your family at this sad time. I'm Bob Galbraith and I was a classmate and friend of Bob's from Avalon Park Elementary School in Chicago back in the 50's and early 60's. I grew up in Avalon Park, along with Bob, as I understand you did as well. After more than 55 years I had just reconnected with Bob and 4 others of our Avalon Park classmates just last year and we were so looking forward to all of us getting together again this year. Bob was a great guy and a great veteran who served his country well with honor and distinction. We are all indebted to Bob for his service to his country. I'm so glad we were able to reconnect with Bob last year. We will always remember him and think highly of him. I know my other Avalon Park classmates feel the same. If there is anything we can do please let us know. Take care. Sincerely, Bob and Marie Galbraith, Schaumburg, IL.
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