Daily Sitka Sentinel

George Becker Erickson Jr.

Family man, man of faith and athlete George Becker Erickson Jr., “Papa,” passed away in Sitka, on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2013. He was 63 years old.
He was born on Nov. 25, 1949, in Brownsville, Texas, and lived in Texas and Minnesota before coming to Sitka.
George arrived in Sitka in 1973, and  when he stepped off the plane, he knew he was home. In Sitka, he drove cab for Island Taxi, worked at the Sitka Pioneers Home, Alaska Lumber & Pulp, and the City and Borough of Sitka.
He retired from the City and Borough of Sitka in 2006.
His hobbies included playing City League basketball, playing and coaching softball, and watching professional sports.
Papa loved the Orthodox Church and was ordained a Reader at St. Michael’s Orthodox Cathedral in 2006 by his mentor Father Elia Larson.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Mildred Hobson Posey, and brother-in-law Andrew Hope III.
He is survived by his father, George Becker Erickson Sr.; sister Carol Erickson; brother Kyle Posey; wife of 40 years, Katherine Hope Erickson; daughter Rachael and husband Kelly Kirby; daughter Sydney and husband David Evenson; daughter Kelsey and husband Bradley Kizer; daughter Breanne Erickson; grandchildren KJ and Alexandra Kirby, Julianna and Brayden Evenson, Isadora and Seraphina Kizer, and Katarina Erickson and Isaiah Norris.
He is also survived by family members Christine Littlefield; Gerry Hope and Vicki D’Amico; Greg and Ellen Littlefield, and many nieces and nephews.
George played for several years on the Sitka ANB and Sitka Medical basketball teams. He bowled for the ALPERA Team, was a founding member of the Islanders Softball team, played with his family on volleyball teams, was a member of the Elks Lodge, served as an officer in the Sons of the American Legion, and was a member in good standing with the Alaska Native Brotherhood Sitka Camp #1.
Papa’s athleticism was admired and respected by his teammates and competitors alike.  On Facebook recently, Bruce Christianson, who was both a teammate and competitor in basketball, volleyball, and softball, said “…I was always amazed at what a paradox George was.  Outwardly he was one of the calmest, most humble and stately athletes that I have been around.  Beneath that churned a competitive fire that was unwavering and timeless.  But as soon as the game ended it was apparent what was most important to him.  That was his family and his faith.  He was a rare mix of competitor and class.”
Papa was inducted into the Gold Medal Hall of Fame in 2009.
In 1998, George was honored to be adopted into the Wrangell Kiks’adi Clan, Raven Moiety, by Allen “Buzz” Norman Bradley of the Gagaan Hit (Sun House). He was given the name Ta Shee.
He was beloved by everyone he was in contact with.
Papa loved and was dedicated to St. Michael’s Orthodox Church. He  donated his time and service there generously as a member of the Church Council, working on carpentry and maintenance needs, and being in the church choir, in addition to his Reader duties.
As a husband and father he was selfless, loving, generous, and dedicated. His family remembers fondly Papa quietly showing up to fix whatever was broken, and encouraging and mentoring them in sports. He was the gentle voice of reason and wisdom, as he guided his family through life events, always leading with love, encouragement, and a quiet inner strength.
A Celebration of Life is planned for Papa 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 22, at the Sheet’ka Kwáan Naa kahídi.  Friends and loved ones are welcomed and encouraged to take a potluck dish to share as Papa George is remembered.
The funeral will be at noon Friday, Aug.  23 at St. Michael’s Orthodox Cathedral with a reception to follow in the church basement.
Pallbearers are Kelly Kirby, David Evenson, Bradley Kizer, KJ Kirby, Ray Kitka, and Jeremy Strong.
Honorary pallbearers are Herman Davis, Billy Brown, the Sitka ANB and Sitka Medical basketball teams, the Islanders softball team, and Papa’s favorite Seattle Mariners.