Dick Erickson, 1935-2001
Dick Erickson, ’58, a Husky Hall of Fame rower who coached the Husky varsity crew for 20 years and spent nearly four decades serving the UW athletic department, died July 25 at his Marysville home. He was 65.
Erickson, who coached the Huskies to 15 Pacific Coast Rowing Championships and the 1984 national championship, was voted the Pac-10 coach of the year three times. A member of the U.S. Olympic Rowing Committee from 1972-75, he was instrumental in the creation of the Husky women’s varsity rowing team in 1975.
Erickson coached the Huskies from 1968-87 and then served as facilities manager for the UW Department of Intercollegiate Athletics until his death. He was also a regular television commentator for the Windermere Cup/Opening Day races on the Montlake Cut each spring.
“It is difficult to put into words how very special Dick was,” said Barbara Hedges, the UW athletic director. “His contributions to the department over 38 years were immeasurable.”
“His contribution to the rowing program at Washington is incredible,” said Bob Ernst, who succeeded Erickson as men’s rowing coach. “Of all the things he did, he is certainly the champion of the women’s program.”
Erickson was born Dec. 29, 1935 in Arlington. He received his bachelor’s degree in physical education from the UW in 1958 and a master’s in education administration from Harvard in 1964. As a rower, he was a member of the 1958 UW varsity eight crew that competed in the Henley Royal Regatta. He was elected into the Husky Hall of Fame in 1984 as a rower and in 1994 as a coach.
He is survived by his wife, Irma, ’59, and their three sons: Alan, Jeff and Jon.