He is preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Laura Viken Wiik and is survived by their children, Siri Wiik of Raleigh, NC, Jens Wiik of St. Albans, WV and Greta Edwards also of Raleigh, NC. He is also survived by two grandchildren, Kirsten Wiik of St. Albans, WV and Lauren Edwards of Raleigh, NC; his sister, Grete Holm of Oslo, Norway; and nieces and nephews in Norway.
After his service in the Norwegian Air Force, he immigrated to the US to obtain his college education in Engineering, graduating from Case Western Reserve in Cleveland, OH and later from Oklahoma State University with a Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering. Erik and Laura decided to become US citizens and build their family and career in South Charleston, WV.
A Registered Professional Engineer, with certifications in Electrical, Chemical and Control Systems engineering, he served many specialty roles in engineering and project management for Union Carbide Corporation beginning with R&D and then transferring to Engineering where he had assignments in Control Technology and Simulation, and in Control Systems Design Engineering. He worked as a Lead Engineer and subsequently promoted to a Senior Staff Engineer role, retiring in 1985.
A hobby pilot for several years, he enjoyed flying a single engine plane and in the 1970’s gained experience with gliders. He said he loved the quiet of the plane and the views. Erik remained tied to his professional career after retirement from Union Carbide. He taught engineering classes at West Virginia Technical College in Institute WV. He was a charter member of the Instrument Society of America, serving in many roles including chapter president in South Charleston, West Virginia. He played classical piano, donating his beloved parlor grand piano when he relocated to Raleigh, NC. They two of them were active in the local International Groups, including Sons of Norway and multiple local service needs. One of his favorite achieved goals was the Birkebeiner Cross Country Ski race he completed in Finland in 1985 at the age of 60. An all around handy man, he had ongoing home projects and could build or repair anything. He was a man of incredible integrity, a man of his word and always had time for his family at our nightly dinner time, as well as planned experience projects, vacations and lessons.
Per Eriks wishes, his body was accepted to the Duke University Anatomical Donation program. A memorial service will be held at Duke Chapel on the completion of his service in June 2019 or at a later date in 2020. The family sincerely thanks Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 St. Mary's Street in Raleigh NC for assisting us with this process.
In Erik's honor, his family encourages you to spend time with those you love, as he did.
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