Bernard J. Erickson

Bernard J. Erickson “B.J.”, 87, of Colchester, widower of the late Clara (Creutzberg) Erickson, passed away peacefully Thursday (Dec. 28, 2017) at home. Born October 23, 1930 in Prairie View, KS, he was the son of the late Theodore and Ida (Hardens) Erickson. After graduating from Prairie View High School in 1948, he went on to serve in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1948 to 1957, during which time he married the love of his life, Clara, in May of 1950.  The two shared 62 years of marriage until she predeceased him on January 13, 2013.  After leaving the Coast Guard he went on to join the Naval Reserves and retired as a Lieutenant Commander.  Bernard graduated from Linfield College in 1961 and for years he was employed as a computer programmer for the U.S. Forest Service working in places such as Fort Collins, CO, Washington D.C and Boise, ID until his retirement in 1990.  After moving to Colchester, Bernard was active in the Colchester Senior Center and enjoyed singing with the Senior Center Choir.  He also served proudly on the Colchester Commission on Aging for many years.  Mr. Erickson was a member of the Colchester Federated Church and the Donald A. Bigelow American Legion Post 54, in addition to having volunteered at the VA Hospital in Boise, ID. He is survived by three children, Jane and Luis Carvalho of Colchester, James Erickson of Spokane, WA and Peggy Erickson of East Haven; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and numerous extended family members and friends. In addition to his parents and wife, he was also predeceased by a grandson, Eric Carvalho.  Services and burial will be private.  In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Eric J. Carvalho Scholarship Fund, c/o East Catholic HS, 115 New State Road, Manchester 06042.  Care of arrangements has been entrusted to the Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home of Colchester.  For online condolences, please visit www.auroramccarthyfuneralhome.com