Donald Charles Erickson's Obituary
DONALD CHARLES ERICKSON Passed away peacefully in Annapolis, MD at age 78 on May 27, 2018 after a valiant struggle with pancreatic cancer. Born in Portsmouth, VA and raised in a Navy family primarily in Berkeley, CA; Kodiak, Alaska; and Chicago, IL Donald was the first of three boys born to the late Carl A. Erickson and Julie (Williams) Erickson. Donald spent two summers while in high school working on a salvage boat in the Gulf of Alaska. After graduating from Calumet High School in Chicago, IL he received a Presidential appointment to the U. S. Naval Academy and graduated in June, 1961. He attended the Navy Nuclear Power School and served aboard three nuclear submarines as a junior officer.
After leaving active duty, he completed his formal education at University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC. Donald worked in the industrial energy sector for a few years in the Washington DC region and in 1975 founded Energy Concepts Company. This proved to be his calling as he was awarded 74 patents for energy conversion processes and products, and became a leader in the energy efficiency field.
He made significant contributions in the area of Absorption Heat Pumping, and by developing energy efficient cycles with lower greenhouse gas emissions, he made our world a better place to live. His numerous publications and awards bear testimony to his sharp mind and the important contributions he made to science and engineering. He worked up until just a few weeks prior to his death.
Donald was an Elder, Sunday School teacher and choir member at Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church. He was an avid tennis player and enjoyed active participation in his Saefern community.
A patriot, loved and respected by many, and respectful to all, he will be sorely missed though fondly remembered for his inquisitiveness, love of family and sincerity.
His parents, a daughter, Elizabeth Alberti, and a niece, Diane Erickson predeceased him. His wife of 54 years, Julia Lee Erickson and their daughter Ellen Makar her husband Greg, and their children Erica and Michael survive him as well as his two brothers, Bill and Carl Erickson and a niece, Lisa Smant.
A memorial service will be held at Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church, Severna Park, MD on Friday, June 1. A private Inurnment will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church, 611 Baltimore and Annapolis Blvd, Severna Park, MD 21146 or Hospice of the Chesapeake, 90 Ritchie Highway, Pasadena, MD 21122.
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