Obituary for Edward Galen Erickson
Edward G. Erickson, age 48, of Ann Arbor, Michigan, unexpectedly passed away on Saturday, July 30, 2022.
Ed was born on February 7, 1974, the second child of Donald and Mary Jane (Armstrong) Erickson, in Royal Oak, Michigan. He was raised in Sterling Heights, Michigan and enjoyed an active childhood with his sister, Denitia Erickson.
Following high school, Ed attended Eastern Michigan University where he focused on Japanese, accounting, and business. After he earned his bachelor’s degree at EMU, Ed embarked on a summer abroad in Japan with his lifelong friend, Scott Fitzpatrick. While in Japan, Ed serendipitously met Yukari Tsuchiya and the two began a wonderful long-distance relationship.
Outside of college, Ed began working at Toyota Technical Center as a DPO intern and worked there for 25 years to the position of Senior Program Manager overseeing the cost and planning department. He enjoyed the many work trips to Toyota City, Japan and the friends he met through his employment.
Ed Traveled enjoyed traveling, both personal and work, including many trips to Japan, Brussels, France, Canada, and Mexico. He also had a lifelong hobby of skiing and would travel to places like New York and even the French Alps.
In 2004, while living in Toyota City, Japan for work, Ed and Yukari married in a special ceremony. Shortly thereafter, they returned to the United States together and had another wedding ceremony in Michigan. They settled in Ann Arbor where they would raise their children, Rena and Yuto.
Ed loved anything on wheels and had a special passion for exploring the world on his bicycle. Even at a young age he was eager to peddle his way around the neighborhood! He rode many miles exploring Michigan on different roads and trails and, during visits to Japan, would ride with his brother-in-law on a special bike he purchased and kept in Japan for work trips.
More than anything, time spent with his family and friends was what brought Ed the most joy.He was a loving father and husband, a devoted son and brother, an incredible friend and neighbor, and an encouraging co-worker and leader.
Ed will be deeply missed by his wife, Yukari Erickson; his children, Rena and Yuto Erickson; his parents, Donald and Mary Jane Erickson; and many special friends he made along the way.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Denitia Erickson.
A Memorial Gathering will take place Sunday, August 7, 2022 from 1:00pm until 2:00 pm at Nie Family Funeral Home, 3767 W. Liberty Road, Ann Arbor, Michigan. A Celebration of Life Service will begin at 2:00 pm. If you are unable to attend in person, please click HERE for the livestream.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution to the GoFundMe set up to support Rena and Yuto’s educational endeavors.
Please sign the Tribute Wall and share a memory of Ed.
Ed was born on February 7, 1974, the second child of Donald and Mary Jane (Armstrong) Erickson, in Royal Oak, Michigan. He was raised in Sterling Heights, Michigan and enjoyed an active childhood with his sister, Denitia Erickson.
Following high school, Ed attended Eastern Michigan University where he focused on Japanese, accounting, and business. After he earned his bachelor’s degree at EMU, Ed embarked on a summer abroad in Japan with his lifelong friend, Scott Fitzpatrick. While in Japan, Ed serendipitously met Yukari Tsuchiya and the two began a wonderful long-distance relationship.
Outside of college, Ed began working at Toyota Technical Center as a DPO intern and worked there for 25 years to the position of Senior Program Manager overseeing the cost and planning department. He enjoyed the many work trips to Toyota City, Japan and the friends he met through his employment.
Ed Traveled enjoyed traveling, both personal and work, including many trips to Japan, Brussels, France, Canada, and Mexico. He also had a lifelong hobby of skiing and would travel to places like New York and even the French Alps.
In 2004, while living in Toyota City, Japan for work, Ed and Yukari married in a special ceremony. Shortly thereafter, they returned to the United States together and had another wedding ceremony in Michigan. They settled in Ann Arbor where they would raise their children, Rena and Yuto.
Ed loved anything on wheels and had a special passion for exploring the world on his bicycle. Even at a young age he was eager to peddle his way around the neighborhood! He rode many miles exploring Michigan on different roads and trails and, during visits to Japan, would ride with his brother-in-law on a special bike he purchased and kept in Japan for work trips.
More than anything, time spent with his family and friends was what brought Ed the most joy.He was a loving father and husband, a devoted son and brother, an incredible friend and neighbor, and an encouraging co-worker and leader.
Ed will be deeply missed by his wife, Yukari Erickson; his children, Rena and Yuto Erickson; his parents, Donald and Mary Jane Erickson; and many special friends he made along the way.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Denitia Erickson.
A Memorial Gathering will take place Sunday, August 7, 2022 from 1:00pm until 2:00 pm at Nie Family Funeral Home, 3767 W. Liberty Road, Ann Arbor, Michigan. A Celebration of Life Service will begin at 2:00 pm. If you are unable to attend in person, please click HERE for the livestream.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution to the GoFundMe set up to support Rena and Yuto’s educational endeavors.
Please sign the Tribute Wall and share a memory of Ed.