Christopher Blair Erickson

HOLDEN - Christopher Blair Erickson, age 24, beloved son of David P. Erickson and the late Mary M. Erickson, and Lea Ann K. Erickson of Holden, died on Wednesday, January 7, 2009, in Houston, Texas, in a work-related accident while serving on the Sea River tanker SR Wilmington.

Chris grew up in Holden, graduating from Wachusett Regional High School in 2003 and receiving the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship. He graduated magna cum laude from Massachusetts Maritime Academy in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering and a United States Coast Guard license as a third assistant engineer. He received the Maersk Lines Ltd. Award upon his graduation, awarded to the cadet "demonstrating the qualities of effort and leadership most desired in a seagoing officer." At Massachusetts Maritime, he served as Cadet Chief Engineer and 2006 Football Team Captain, 4 year football letter winner and 3 year offensive line starter. In recognition of his passing, Massachusetts Maritime flew their flag at half mast; Sea River's ships did the same.

He played football for both Wachusett Regional High School and Massachusetts Maritime. His Wachusett Coach Mike Dubzinski said Chris was instrumental in creating a new football culture at the high school and was a wonderful role model to his fellow players. He also said Chris began a tradition of high school players going on to serve as college football captains. Chris's jersey number was 76 at both schools. He was also an outstanding student and enjoyed mentoring other students. He enjoyed scouting and attained the rank of Eagle Scout with a project on the Wachusett Greenways Rail Trail.

Funny, gentle, down-to-earth and devoted to his family, Chris was a wonderful young man. His laughter made everyone around him smile. He was kind and approached everything with good humor. Chris' life showed great promise. He had embarked on the career of his dreams and had bought his own home in New Hampshire with plans to share it and fill it with the laughter of his family and many friends.

As a young Boy Scout, Chris spent the night aboard a ship in Battleship Cove with his troop. He came home and announced that this was what he wanted for a career when he grew up. He made that dream come true. Employed by Sea River Maritime, a subsidiary of ExxonMobil, he was a third assistant engineer since August 2007. He also sailed as third assistant engineer on the Massachusetts Maritime Training ship for 2008 training cruise.

Chris is survived by his mother and father and his companion Susan Werth of California; his older brother Andrew of Half Moon Bay, California; younger sister Brianna and younger brother Patrick, both of Holden. He is also survived by his grandmothers, Alta May Werth of California, Patricia Erickson and Kathleen Buttrick, both of Minnesota, and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, January 15th, in the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street (Rte. 122A), Holden. A memorial service for Chris will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 16th, in the First Congregational Church of Holden, 1180 Main Street, Holden. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Christopher Blair Erickson Memorial Fund, Massachusetts Maritime Academy, 101 Academy Drive, Buzzards Bay, MA 02532; or to the Wachusett Regional School District (to establish the annual Christopher Blair Erickson Award), c/o Mike Dubzinski, 1401 Main Street, Holden, MA 01520.

Website & Guest book: www.milesfuneralhome.com