Edwin E. Erickson - Obituary

Edwin E. Erickson, FPSA, passed away April 6, 1998, and the Photographic Society of America and the photographic community lost a tireless worker.

He worked for the Boeing Company for 41 years on various projects including the gas turbine division, C-97, B-29, B-52, 707, and 747. He spent his last few years with the company traveling as a Customer Engineer to confer with Aerolineas Argentinas, Egypt Air, Lufthansa, Saudi Arabia and others.

In 1946 Edwin joined Boeing Employees Camera Club and served in several offices, including president. He also served Bellevue Camera Club as president and vice president, and was awarded the club's Honorary Life Membership. Elected to the Northwest Council of Camera Clubs Board of Directors in 1953, he served the council eight times as vice president and five times as president. After 25 years he retired as an elected board member but continued to serve as an appointed board member and consultant. He was cochairman of the NWCCC 50th Anniversary Convention and recipient of two Directors' Awards and the Hall of Fame Award.

Upon joining PSA in 1962 Edwin became an Area Representative, then District Representative. He was the first Zone Director of the Pacific Northwest Zone.

Edwin served PSA as International Convention Committee Procedure Director, Program Director; Chairman Victor Scales Award Committee; Chairman Special Awards Committee, Chairman of four PSA Regionals (two before he joined PSA); Chairman of two PSA International Conventions; Chairman Ethics Committee; Chairman International Affairs Committee; and two terms as Executive Vice President.

As Pacific Zone Director Edwin helped organize Puget Sound Chapter, serving as its first chairman, and advised in the organization of Inland Empire Chapter and Cascade Chapter. During his time as PSA's Executive Vice President, he reorganized the Chapters Print Display at Headquarters, and was the chief negotiator for the sale of the PSA Headquarters building in Philadelphia, and assisted in the subsequent move to Oklahoma City. Edwin received the PSA Service Medal in 1968, Associateship in 1970, and Fellowship in 1985, and earned three PSA Journal Bronze Stars.

Edwin presented slide programs at PSA Regionals, International Conventions, service clubs, and retirement and convalescent homes. He judged for camera clubs, county fairs, and the NWCCC.

After moving to Oregon, Edwin joined Film Pack Camera Club of Vancouver, Washington, and Pacific Color Printers in Portland. He became involved in Cascade Chapter and was awarded their highest award, the Award of Excellence, in 1994. He also received the Chapter's Outstanding Award for ten years of consecutive service in 1997 and participated in Columbia Council of Camera Clubs' monthly color slide and color print competitions.

Edwin is survived by Winnifred, his wife of 30 years. He did not have any children of his own, but was a wonderful father to Winnifred's two sons, grandfather to four grandchildren, and great-grandfather to two great-grandchildren. He will be sorely missed.

In remembrance to Edwin, donations may be made to the Photographic Society of America, or to The Alzheimer's Association of Oregon, 13 11 NW 21st Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97209.

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