BAR HARBOR – Gordon Iver Erikson, 92, died March 16, 2012, in Boston. He was born Feb. 7, 1920, in Worcester, Mass., son of Helen (Marker) and Iver J. Erikson.
Raised in Worcester, Mass., he graduated from North High School and Worcester Academy, where he developed his lifelong interest in photography as a staff photographer for the Worcester Telegram and Gazette. In 1943, he graduated with a degree in business administration from the University of Maine, where he was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity. As a photographer for the Bangor Daily News during college, one of his most exciting assignments was photographing Eleanor Roosevelt at the Blaine House during her first visit to Maine. While in college he met his future wife, Dorothy Francis Brewer of Bar Harbor. They were married Aug. 22, 1943, and shared a strong and loving partnership for 68 years. After college he worked for Wyman-Gordon Co., Worcester, Mass., and then joined the family roofing business, The Erikson Co. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to start a company called Security Acceptance Corp., to finance home improvements. He was also instrumental in forming new business ventures, including Electro Fiber Optics, Optronics, Insight Technology and Captain’s Quarters. In his hometown of West Boylston, Mass., he was active in the Lions Club and Masons, and was a member of Worcester Country Club. He also served as president of General Alumni Association at the University of Maine, receiving the Pine Tree Award for highest alumni service. Many happy summers were spent in Bar Harbor with family and friends at his home, Redwood. In Bar Harbor, he served as the treasurer of Bar Harbor Club, board member of Pot and Kettle Club, and board member of Maine Seacoast Mission. During his winters in Naples, Fla., he was the photographer for Trinity Church Antique Show fundraiser and with Dorothy started Massachusetts General Hospital Annual Lecture. His family was the most important part of his life. He also enjoyed photography, sailing, golf, big band music and collecting antique cameras and nautical items. Grandchildren always eagerly awaited visits from grandfather, anticipating his projects and adventures. He was thoughtful, considerate and supportive to his family and friends, and was always doing something interesting.
In addition to his loving wife, Dorothy, Gordon is survived by daughter, Nancy Erikson Ladd and her husband, Samuel, of Cumberland Foreside, and their children, Thomas and Peter; son, Gordon “Eric” Erikson Jr. and his wife, Donna, of Cumberland Foreside, and their children, Daniel and Abigail; and son, Carlton Erikson and his wife, Marianne, of Castle Rock, Colo., and his children, Meleena and Edward; six great-grandchildren; sisters, Connie Erikson, Christie and Beverly Erikson Stewart; sisters-in-law, Charlotte Proctor and Barbara Brewer; and brother-in-law, Leslie Brewer.
There will be a memorial service 11 a.m. Saturday, July 14, at St. Saviour’s Episcopal Church, Bar Harbor. In lieu of flowers, memorial Gifts may be sent to Maine Seacoast Mission, 127 West St., Bar Harbor, ME 04609; or Mount Desert Island Hospital, 10 Wayman Lane, Bar Harbor, ME 04609. Condolences may be expressed at
www.jordanfernald.com.