Dr. David William Erikson

David was born on August 15, 1978, in Princeton, New Jersey, to Don and Carol Erikson. He grew up in East Winsor, New Jersey with his sister Debbie and brother Scott, cherishing childhood memories of music and baseball that stayed with him through his college years.

After graduating from Delaware Valley University in Pennsylvania, he pursued his passion for science, earning a PhD in Physiology from The Pennsylvania State University in 2006. He then spent four years in Texas as a postdoctoral research associate at Texas A&M University before moving to work as a postdoctoral scholar and Associate Specialist at the University of California, San Francisco.

In 2010, shortly after relocating to San Francisco, David met Hyeyoung, who had just begun working in Portland, Oregon. They married in 2011. For the first three years of their marriage, David and Hyeyoung lived apart while pursuing their careers, but in 2014 David was offered a directorship at OHSU ONPRC, allowing them to build their life together in Portland.

In 2015, his beloved son, Connor, was born. From that moment on, David was a devoted father to Connor, and found great joy in the everyday moments of Connor’s life. In recent years, he was there for school drop-offs and pick-ups, basketball and football games, music performance, and countless moments cheering Connor on in all that he did. His dedication and steady presence meant the world to those closest to him.

David was a deeply loving and supportive partner to Hyeyoung. He was her greatest champion, always encouraging her, standing beside her, and believing in her. In every decision and every stage of life, David put Hyeyoung and Connor first. Caring for his family and building a life together with them was the center of his world.

David was equally committed to his work. Since 2014, he served as the director of the OHSU ONPRC Endocrine Technologies Core. He took great pride in working alongside his colleagues in the lab and in building the core into one of the best facilities of its kind in the world. David never settled for “good enough.” He was always looking for ways to improve his work, push boundaries, and make meaningful contributions to his field. His work ethic, determination, and high standards inspired the people who worked with him.

David was also part of the St. Pius community, where Connor attends school. Through the school, David and his family formed many close friendships. He was known for his kindness, reliability, and the warmth he brought to those around him. Whether lending a helping hand, sharing a conversation on the sidelines of school pick-ups and events, or simply being there when someone needed support, David made a lasting impression on the people in his life.

David is survived by his beloved son, Connor; his other half, Hyeyoung Woo; and many family members, friends, and colleagues who will miss him deeply and remember him with love.

A funeral service to celebrate David’s life will be held on March 14 at 11:00 a.m. at The Finley-Sunset Hills. Family and friends are warmly invited to attend.

“He is above where we can’t see him but we believe we will see him someday.”