Bert G. Erickson

Bertel "Bert" Gustav Erickson, age 96, died peacefully surrounded by family on Thursday, April 14, after a several month stay at Brookdale Skilled Nursing Center in Homewood. Bert was a native of Birmingham and was the son of Erick William and Svea Stark Erickson who emigrated from Sweden in the early 1900's. He was married to Mary Stewart in 1946. Mary died in 2005. Bert and Mary had three children, Barbara (Harper), Steve Erickson, and Sharon (Huff). Bert and Mary welcomed their children's spouses into their family as their own and Mike, Linda, and Barry became like three more children to them. Bert had nine grandchildren: Kristin Harper, Kelly Avery, Brian Erickson, Beth Moon, Brad Erickson, Brooke Hotchkiss, Eric Huff, Wesley Huff, and Wil Huff (deceased) and fifteen great grandchildren: Carter Holder, Graham Holder, Jackson Avery, Henry Erickson, Svea Erickson, Harper Avery, Sam Avery, Corrine Erickson, Leighton Huff, Evelyn Erickson, Elliott Moon, Kate Huff, Liza Hotchkiss, Mabry Huff, and Matthew Moon. Bert served in the Navy in the South Pacific during World War II and had a thirty-three year career with the United States Postal Service. He had been retired for over thirty years. He was a member of the McCoy United Methodist Church and, years later, the Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church. Being a true child of the Depression, Bert rarely bought anything on credit and watched every penny. He saved every rubber band, every plastic milk carton, every twist tie from a loaf of bread, and probably had the world's oldest gas-powered lawn mower that he often repaired over the years. He changed the oil in his cars and took exquisite care of them. Fiercely loyal to his family, he was a consummate host of holiday gatherings and a generous giver whenever a child/grandchild's birthday came along. His final year was a difficult one made more whole by the extraordinary care of (now honorary family member) Dorothy Hatch who "sat" with Bert for months at his home in Bluff Park and traveled with him as he moved to Brookdale in February. Dorothy was ably assisted by Johnnie Toppin and Christine Talley who were good friends and faithful caregivers. The staff at Brookdale was compassionate and caring during Bert's final months. Bert was not highly educated but he was brilliant in many ways. A tinkerer all his life, he could (and did!) fix anything from watches to toasters to lawn mowers and whatever needed care. His was an amazing and long life. His family was his greatest joy and he left them all a lasting heritage of love, care, and memories. We love you Bert, will remember you forever, and thank you for your example of fidelity, integrity, and wisdom. Bert's funeral will be held at the Rutland Memorial Chapel at the Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church on Monday, April 18, at 11:00 a.m. with The Reverend Brian Erickson officiating. The family will receive friends in the Church Parlor prior to the funeral beginning at 10:00 a.m.