Ronald Carl Erickson

Ronald Erickson passed away peacefully at his home in Bakersfield, CA on October 2 with his wife and daughters at his side. Ron transitioned from this earth feeling content and grateful for 91 years filled with love and adventure.

Ron was born on August 8, 1934 in Chicago, IL. He attended Calumet High School in Chicago. Ron graduated Class of 1956 from Bradley University in Peoria, IL, where he earned a BS in Mechanical Engineering and was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity.

Engineering brought Ron to Caterpillar Inc, where he had a flourishing career for over 40 years. His positions in Parts & Service Marketing and Major Projects took him all over the world. He lived in cities including Johannesburg, South Africa; Geneva, Switzerland; and Hong Kong, while visiting dozens more countries throughout the years. He loved to tell stories of the “good ol’ days” including the time he was held hostage in Africa or getting severe food poisoning while driving through rural China.

It was during his assignment in Hong Kong that he met his wife, Gabriela (nee d’Aquino). They met at a party - Ron was there with a date, Gaby was there with her father. Ron and Gaby were married on December 18, 1977 and had two daughters: Michelle (husband Chris Annen) and Maria (husband Kris Barr, children Beaudry and Benjamin). Ron was previously married to Illeana (nee Ruppert, deceased) and they had a daughter Ramona (husband Lance Gordon).

Ron’s travels took him far and wide, but he never forgot his hometown and visited often to see his sister, Lorraine (deceased), brother, Raymond (deceased), and extended family. He loved his Chicago teams, including the Bears, the Bulls, and those bums the Cubs. During these visits he would make sure to get some White Castle sliders, one of his childhood favorite foods.

Ron retired from Caterpillar in 1997 and returned to the Chicago area, settling in Downers Grove, IL. Ron and Gaby moved to Bakersfield, CA in 2017 to be closer to their grandsons.

Ron was a lifelong athlete, which contributed to his longevity. He played baseball and basketball in school and enjoyed tennis, bowling and golf throughout his life. He also enjoyed ice skating, which is how he infamously broke a hip. When he could no longer play sports, Ron was a dedicated walker, and was walking miles a day well into his eighties.

Ron will be remembered for his integrity, sage advice, his kindness and love for his family and friends. We will miss his dad jokes and his one-of-a-kind laugh. Next time you eat a chocolate chip cookie, Ron’s favorite treat, take a moment to remember him. Ron’s spirit will be carried on through his wife and daughters, grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and extended family.