Erik Andrew Eriksen

Erik Andrew Eriksen passed away surrounded by family, Tuesday January 13, 2026 in Bullard, Texas, at the age of 93. Erik was born June 20, 1932 in Port Arthur (now Thunder Bay), Ontario, Canada to Gudmund and Helga (Paulsen) Eriksen. His parents immigrated to Canada from Haugesund, Norway.

Erik is preceded in death by his parents, Gudmund and Helga; his sister, Gerd Lauzon and his brother, Roy Eriksen.

He is survived by his wife, Mary "Polly" Katherine (Mingus) Eriksen; son, Leif Eriksen (Paula Eriksen); daughter, Nell Eriksen; daughter, Sunny Eriksen; son, Michael Eriksen (Julia Eriksen), as well five grandchildren, Kelsey, Matthew, Keith, Richard, Andrew and six great grandchildren.

Erik graduated from Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada with a degree in Electrical Engineering. Prior to embarking on his career, with Esso Standard Oil (Exxon Mobil), in Aruba, he joined the Canadian Navy. Erik's proudest memory of the navy was being on an aircraft carrier which was part of an international flotilla that traveled to England to celebrate Queen Elizabeth's Coronation.

Erik was an avid sports fan, particularly enjoying tennis, which he played into his 80's, and football. Discussing the games with his sons and grandsons gave Erik much joy. He also enjoyed walking, working out at the gym and playing cards with his friends at the club. After a career overseas, Erik retired with Polly to Javea (Alicante), Spain and lived there for 33 years. Erik will be remembered for his hospitality while he and Polly hosted numerous friends and family in their Spain home. Most recently, Erik and Polly spent the past nine years in Emerald Bay (Bullard), Texas where they have owned a townhome for 54 years.

Erik will most be remembered for his long and loving relationship with Polly. They were married in Aruba on June 15, 1957 and still in love 69+ years later. As he told everyone, "The secrets to a great marriage are compromise, compromise, compromise and never going to bed angry.". Finally, he will always be remembered by his grandchildren for his 'grandadisms' or lessons for living a long, fulfilling life. One of these 'grandadisms' was "Keep things simple.", frequently saying that people overcomplicate their lives.

A private, family burial service will take place Saturday, Jan. 17th, in Hico, Texas. A memorial service at the Emerald Bay Community Church followed by a celebration of life at the Emerald Bay Club will take place at a later date.

Contributions in Erik's honor may be made to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital https//Stjude.org