Erickson, Henry Oscar

Henry Oscar Erickson - age: 94
(June 18, 1916 to November 11, 2010 )
Resident of Ukiah, California

Obituary:
Henry Oscar Erickson
June 18, 1916 - November 11, 2010

A private family service was recently held for Henry Erickson, a proud veteran of WW II, who left us on Veteran’s Day November 11th. He was 94 years old.

Henry was born in Idaho Falls, Idaho in 1916. In the early 1920’s his parents and his brother Arnold moved from Idaho to Southern California where his sister Beatrice was born in 1929. For a short time while living in Southern California, Henry along with his parents dabbled in prospecting, having an interest in a gold mine near Bakersfield. In 1932 the family once again relocated, this time permanently to Ukiah.

Henry attended Ukiah High and graduated in 1934. For several years afterwards, he operated a service station on North State Street near his residence. He also performed mechanic services and auto sales, and eventually added a restaurant.

In 1940 Henry answered his call to duty and enlisted in the U.S. Army and served proudly until 1945 when the war ended.

After being honorably discharged form the Army, Henry returned to Ukiah where he expanded his restaurant, eventually adding a bar. In the late 1940’s Henry and his family stated the E&B Club, a very popular restaurant/bar that was “the place to go” in Ukiah for several decades. He also enjoyed sharing his musical abilities with the bass and guitar and was known to sit in with whichever band happened to be playing at the E&B Club every now and then.

Seeking to expand their business opportunities, Henry and his brother Arnold purchased the Vichy Springs Resort in 1948 from Sam Watson. A bar and a dining room were added shortly thereafter, and Vichy Springs became a popular place for a good steak and live entertainment with dancing on weekends.

In later years, Henry focused his time as a property manager for several businesses at the north end of Ukiah.

Henry will be remembered mostly for his love of family and his generosity. He was a loving son, brother, and uncle to his family. He loved being with his nieces and nephews, often teasing them that“You like me more than your mother!” It can be said without hesitation that Henry lived a full and adventurous life.

Survivors include his sister Beatrice Neese and brother-in-law Richard Neese of Ukiah; nieces Cindey Parker, Sandey Mangan of Ukiah and Patricia Johnson of Sparks, NV; nephews Robert Neese of Willits and Danney Neese of Ukiah; 11 great nieces and nephews; 15 great-great nieces and nephews.