Obituaries
Herbert W. Erickson, 87
Herbert W. Erickson, 87, of Lancaster, passed away, Monday, October 11, 2010 at Lancaster General Hospital. Born in Grassflat, PA, he was the son of the late Mary (Olson) and Thurston Erickson. Herbert was the husband of the late Etheleen (Gorman) Erickson who died in May of 2010.
Music was Herb’s life. He was an exquisite guitarist who started his career with a radio show in Williamsport. He then moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa to join his brothers where he was a staff guitarist on a radio program. From 1949 until 1954 he traveled the USA and Canada with the Mel Arvin Trio. He then moved to Lancaster with his wife to start a career. He continued playing on weekends with the Charlie Neimer Trio and worked as a draftsman for Schick Inc until 1970. He then resumed his love for the guitar and started teaching guitar at Don Randall Music for 21 years.
Herbert is survived by a daughter, Darla Miles of Lancaster, and 2 grandsons; Andrew B. and Jon E. Miles both of Lancaster. Also surviving is a brother, Arnold Erickson, married to Connie of Iowa and 2 sisters, Ruth Boostrom of Iowa and Astrid Sadoti of MA. He was preceded in death by a brother, Godfrey “Art”, a sister Helen Derr, and a son-in-law Brian “Boots” Miles.
Services will be private and at the convenience of the family. If desired memorials can be sent to the Lancaster Cleft Palate Clinic, 223 N Lime St, Lancaster Pa 17602.
To send an online condolence or for more information please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com. Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz 17543 717-560-5100.
Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Dear Family,
Herb was a super-nice man who also played a great guitar. His sweet Gibson sound could be heard with my father’s band, the Charlie Neimer Orchestra, across Central Pennsylvania from the 1950s to the early 1980s. His excellent chord-playing mixed wonderfully with my father’s nimble fingers on the piano and the rich sounds of baritone horn and string bass. Herb entertained many people in his time and spread happiness with music. I spoke with him a month or so ago. He will be missed.
Sincerely
Scott Neimer.
Mr. Erickson was a significant figure in my life. As a teenager in the 1970’s, I looked forward to his weekly guitar lessons, and his approach to teaching was the reason why I developed a passion for the guitar. Not only was he an excellent guitar player, but Mr. Erickson possessed an incredible understanding of kids and how best to teach them. Now, as I raise my own kids, I have been looking for a teacher like Mr. Erickson to teach them music; but, so far, no one has come close. He was truly one of a kind, and I’m very thankful to have had the privilege to know him.
With sympathies,
Phil Sechler
(McLean, VA)
