Harold Carl Ericson

52 years, passed away on July 8, 2022, surrounded by his children.

Harry is survived by his son, Kurt Ericson, and two daughters, Kara

Burns and Krista Ericson; two grandsons, Garrett and Connor Burns,

along with many loving nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 49 years, Ardetta, in

2012, parents, Gunnar and Anna, and brother, George.

On September 10, 1935, Harry was born in Oak Park, Illinois. He

grew up in the Jefferson Park neighborhood of Chicago. He attended

Prussing Elementary School and graduated from Schurz High School.

Following graduation from high school, Harry attended the University

of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He graduated with his Bachelor of

Science in Engineering in 1958. The winters in Illinois were never a

favorite of his and after watching the Rose Bowl on New Year's Day

every January, he was excited when he had the opportunity to move to

California. He began work as a Civil Engineer for the County of Los

Angeles Road Department.

As a proud and extremely patriotic American, Harry entered the

United States National Guard in 1958. He served in both the Army and

Air Force branches. Harry received an honorable discharge from the

military in 1964.

Harry met Ardetta Bjorn at a gas station in Santa Monica. Being

the chivalrous man he was, he approached her as she was having car

trouble to see if he could help. It turns out, they lived at the same

apartment complex. His mother had noticed her through the window,

while Ardetta was at the pool, several months earlier. Anna’s

statement, which has been repeated as family lore over the years, was,

“Harry, that looks like the girl you should marry.” They were married

on April 6, 1963. Ardetta passed away in 2012, after 49 years of

marriage.

The young couple set up residence in Santa Monica. Harry began a

career with Mobil Oil Corporation as a Civil Engineer in downtown Los

Angeles. He retired from Mobil in 1992, after 30 years with the

company. Harry was involved in overseeing the construction of many gas

stations located in Southern California. In retirement he became a

small business entrepreneur, developing two of his own gas stations. He

also enjoyed working as a crossing guard for Paularino Elementary

School, where “Mr. Harry” was well loved by students, parents and

staff.

In 1966, Harry and Ardetta moved to San Bernardino, CA and

Kara was born. Kurt followed thirteen months later. In 1970 the family

moved to the Mesa Verde neighborhood of Costa Mesa. Krista was born

two years later. As a young father, Harry was active in the lives of his

children, including school activities, sports teams, and Cub Scouts.

Many longtime friendships were formed. Among Harry’s interests were

rounds of golf, weekly tennis matches, and attending local sporting

events. The Angels, Rams, and Chargers were his favorite professional

teams. He enjoyed weekly Monday Night Football get-togethers. When

he could not attend in person, Harry enjoyed watching his favorites on

television. This included the college teams associated with his family.

He could always tell you how they were doing, no matter the time of

year or sport involved.

Traveling with Ardetta and family was a favorite pastime. While

taking many car trips as a family, Harry made sure to visit as many

National and State parks, monuments and landmarks as possible along

the way. He felt fortunate to have visited almost every state in the

nation, including Alaska on a cruise. His favorite places to travel were

to Chicago and Washington state to visit family. Harry was extremely

proud of his children and grateful that they all stayed close by, in

Southern California; Kara in Agoura Hills, Kurt in Newport Beach, and

Krista in Costa Mesa.

Harry was a special person in the lives of many. His deep blue

eyes, gentle smile, patience, kindness, and understanding made a lasting

impact that will be remembered.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart

Association, at https://www.heart.org/. A memorial service will take

place Saturday, July 30, 2022 beginning at 2:00 pm at Harbor

Lawn-Mt. Olive Mortuary, 1625 Gisler Ave., Costa Mesa, CA, 92626.