Edward Westad Erickson

Edward Westad Erickson, beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother, passed away peacefully at home in Chubbuck at the age of 99 ¾ on October 5, 2021.

Ed was born in Sterling, Colorado on January 19, 1922 to Norris and Ruby Erickson.
He was the oldest of 3 children. He stayed in Sterling until he enlisted in the military. He was a WWII fighter pilot for the Marine Corp, serving in the South Pacific, Marshall Islands, Kwajelin, and Okinawa, Japan. He flew a Corsair. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and three Air Medals for extraordinary heroism while participating in aerial flight. He loved his country and was a true patriot.

In 1955 he married Clarice and together they raised two daughters. His family was central to his life and meant more to him than anything else. As his family, we never doubted his adoration for us!
He had a career with the Federal Aviation Administration as an Air Traffic Controller, which took our family to numerous cities and states. He retired in January 1981 and moved back to Idaho.

Ed was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints until he was no longer able to attend church. He loved traveling, photography, flying his Cessna, Jewelry making, electronics, music, and was actively using his iPad until the past few months. He always had a home improvement project going and could fix or build anything.

He is survived by his wife, Clarice, three daughters, Melody (Ernie) Kestenbaum of Colorado, Denise (Fred) Culver of California, Debbie Jensen of Chubbuck, and his brother, Ron (Sue) Erickson of Washington. He is Grandfather to 8 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

He had a full and wonderful life and will be greatly missed by our family and friends, but we are assured of a glorious reunion at a future time!

We are grateful for the help of family, friends, and caregivers who made it possible for him to remain at home surrounded by loved ones.

A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday Oct., 20, 2021 beginning at 10 a.m. at the Independence LDS Church, 4773 Independence Ave, Pocatello, ID 83201. A graveside will follow at 12:00 p.m. at the Lava Hot Springs Cemetery, 10982 Dempsey Creek Rd., Lava Hot Springs, ID 83431.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family under the "Share a memory" section above.