Gary E Erickson was born on December 10, 1943, to Parents Erick Erickson & Marie Erickson nee Swanson in Oakland, CA. Was raised in Tulare County with relatives after his mom died when he was 6 months old. After his father remarried, they lived in Hanford, and then northern Kings County, where he attended Kingsburg High School, graduating in 1961. After High School, he worked for a farmer in northern Kings County. In 1966 he Started his Fire Fighting career as a Fire Engine Driver with Kings County Fire Department (California Division of Forestry-CDF),. In the late 60’s, he transferred from Kings County to Fresno County (CDF), Working in several Fire Districts on the west side of the county before ending up with Mid-Valley Fire District in Fresno. In 1972, he took a temporary assignment as a Fire Captain in San Luis County. In August 1972, he started his Career with Fresno City Fire Department as a Firefighter. In 1975 he became one of the first Paramedics in Fresno County. He eventually worked up to the rank of Fire Captain, until his retirement in early 2002 after being hurt on the job. While on the Fresno Fire Dept, one of his proudest achievements was being a founding member of the Honor Guard.
In late 1965, He started Dating Marilyn Morine, engaged in early 1966, and married to Marilyn September 10, 1966. They had 2 sons, Tim, born in 1967 and Brian in 1970. On his days off from the Fire Dept., he moonlighted as a handyman, doing projects for many prominent houses in Fresno. When he came home from moonlighting, if he had been painting, would show the boys what color he painted with the marks on his pants. In the early 80’s, the family started attending Fireman’s musters, in which he became a board member. He also became highly active in the Fresno Firefighters association, Valley wide Firefighter association & CSFA (California State Firefighters association), . He also served as a member of the Fresno City Employees Retirement Fund. He loved Fire Dept. Antiques, turning the house into a Fire Dept. Museum of sorts. Eventually buying 2 Antiques Fire Engines. He loved Maintaining/restoring the Antique Fire equipment that the Fire Dept Association had. In his spare time, he loved going to see movies in theatres. Because of his abilities as a handyman, he taught his sons a lot, which they are very grateful for.
A big part of his retirement was watching grandkids for several years. Even having tea parties with his granddaughters. And making pancakes or waffles when the grandkids would spend the night. Another part of retirement was fixing up a cabin at Camp Sierra, that was just a shell when bought. Doing all aspects of the work with his sons. He also loved going on cruises & trips with Marilyn, and sometimes the whole family.
He is survived by his wife Marilyn, His son Tim & wife Julie and Brian & wife Denise. As well as Grandchildren Aron, Greg, Briana, Wesley & Jenna. He also served as a stand in father for Debbie, Susan & Jackie.
