John Erickson

The angels came on Feb. 6, 2017 to take John Robert Erickson home to the waiting arms of Jesus. John was only 47 when he lost his long, hard fought 2-1/2 year battle with colon cancer.
Born on April 28, 1969 in Inglewood, California, John celebrated his first birthday in Simi Valley, He succumbed at his family home surrounded by his parents, Fred and Pamela Erickson, his daughters, Brianna and Kaitlyn Erickson, and his sister, Amy Kilionski. He is also survived by Amy’s husband, Stephen, nephews Andrew and wife Donielle, Nicholas and wife Briele, Matthew, and his beloved shadow, Tallulah, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
John attended Sycamore Elementary School, Sequoia Jr. High, and Simi Valley High School, graduating in 1987. He began delivering newspapers at the age of 12. At the age of 15-1/2, he was hired part-time as one of the first employees at Brunswick Bowling Center, beginning as a “Porter” helping others with the computerized scoring system, advancing to the position of mechanic. John earned his Degree in Automotive Technology at The Arizona Technical Institute and continued in the automotive and industrial fields until last year, when cancer and effects of chemotherapy became too debilitating to continue working.
John was an active Boy Scout. He loved sports and was an avid soccer and baseball player on Simi Valley Leagues from the age of 5 to 16; was the Sequoia Jr. High basketball team’s photographer/videographer; and an active member of Simi Valley car and truck clubs as a teen and adult. He enjoyed spending time and participating in various activities throughout his childhood and adult life with his many friends. His love of cars and trucks as a child not only led him to his career in the automotive and industrial fields, but to his all-time favorite sport – racing, especially NASCAR and his favorite driver - No. 3 - Dale Earnhardt.
John had a kind, giving, and loving heart, and always found time to help others whenever and wherever needed, whether with cars, computers, or projects of any kind. He was loved by everyone whose life he touched and will be missed by all, but will remain always in everyone’s hearts.
In celebration of John’s life, a Rosary Vigil will be held on Feb. 17, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. at Reardon Simi Valley Funeral Home, Simi Valley. Mass of the Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Simi Valley. A reception will follow at the Knights of Columbus Hall, Simi Valley.
Our family would like to thank all those who have been a huge support to John and our family, sending their love and daily prayers for him, and to Buena Vista Hospice nurses, especially Clare, and his care-givers, Jerome and Wilson, and all God’s angels sent to help him.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made in John’s memory to the American Cancer Society, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.