Andrew Erickson Jr. passed away peacefully at home in Fortuna on April 21, 2022.

Andrew was born April 4, 1932, to Andrew Erickson Sr. and Lilian (Hanson) Erickson in Liverpool, England. He attended Walton Lane Primary School where he met the love of his life, Joyce Woods, in 1938. Andy spoke often of his life during World War II and loved sharing stories of his survival during the bombings and gun attacks on England during the war. Andy attended apprentice school and earned a certificate as a carpet planner and was very active in his church youth group. At the age of 17, Andy came to the United States to work with his father. His first job was at Bertain’s Laundry where he worked until he enlisted in the United States Army.

Andrew returned to Liverpool, England on furlough from the Army to marry the love of his life, Joyce Woods, on February 6, 1954. They courted through letters while Andrew was stationed in Germany. Three months later Andrew and Joyce started their new life together in Rio Dell, California in 1954. As children were born, they moved to Scotia, California (20 years) and then built a house in Fortuna. Andy worked for Pacific Lumber Company for over 30 years starting out in the factory and eventually joined the paint crew. He was also a Scotia Volunteer fireman and a Boy Scout leader for many years.

Andrew and Joyce loved to travel. They traveled to Panama, Italy, Spain, England, Wales, Mexico and Alaska. Besides traveling, Andrew was involved in the Lions Club and created a Lion’s brotherhood with the Formby Lions Club in Formby, England. Andy was recognized for his exemplary leadership in the Lions Club. He received the District Governor’s Appreciation Award, Lions President Award, Regional Chairman Award, Lion of the Year, Melvin Jones Fellow Humanitarian International Services Award, and special recognition for District Bulletin Editor. Andrew and Joyce were representatives of the Fortuna Chamber of Commerce, Fortuna Ambassadors of 2016, where people referred to him and Joyce as “the Couple.”

Andrew is preceded in death by his wife, Joyce, parents Lily and Andrew Erickson Sr., brother Fred Erickson, grandson Tyler Duncan, and son-in-law Reggie Duncan. He is survived by his children Timothy (Maurina) Erickson, Valerie Erickson-Duncan, Jeffrey (Sherrin) Erickson, and Diane (Kelly) Black. Grandchildren Adam (Linda) Erickson, Scott Erickson, Maia Duncan, Ian (Gabi) Erickson, Sarah (Matthew) Escoto, McKenna (Matt) Munoz, and Drake Bristol; and great grandchildren Zackary Erickson, Madison Escoto, and Baby Munoz; sister Jean George, brother Ronald Erickson and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life for Andrew and Joyce will be held on May 28, 2022, at Sunrise Cemetery, 3315 Newburg Rd., Fortuna, at 11 a.m. Reception immediately following at the Fortuna Presbyterian Church of the Redeemer, 1431 Ross Hill Road, Fortuna.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the American Heart Association or St. Judes.

###