JON ERIKSON
Loving Son, Husband, Father, Brother, Uncle, Cousin
And a Friend to So Many!


1954 - 2014 
A memorial “Celebration of Life” for Jon Erikson was held on Saturday, August 2, 2014.

The Chapel in Boca Raton, Florida overflowed with friends and family.

The printed programs were depleted at least 20 minutes before the service.

But people continued to arrive, and stand in the back.

The service was magnificent.

Pastor Ronald Dingle was a close friend for more than 23 years, and talked about Jon’s kind heart and happy smile.

Jon had the ability to make everyone feel welcome and loved.

He could spout out jokes that would make you laugh out loud.

He always had a hand to lend, when others needed his help.

And he cared greatly for everyone, even strangers.

He would go the extra mile to help anyone in need.

Some of Jon’ friends and co-workers talked about the great times of knowing Jon.

One man mentioned, that right now, Jon was probably telling jokes that they had never heard before up in heaven.

Jon had touched many lives and everyone that knew him, seemed truly blessed by knowing him.

Jon’s wife, Debra, and his two sons, Blake and Trent, will miss him dearly: As will all his family and all his friends.

Pastor Dingle asked, “Who was willing to help Debra through this hard time?”

The entire congregation stood up.

Jon wanted a party, and for everyone to be happy.

So after the service, everyone was invited to dinner in the adjoining hall.

The food was delicious, and many of the friends brought desserts.

There was so much food, that no one left hungry.

In New York City, Father Manning, also an English Channel swimmer and a very good friend, 
had a special Mass for Jon in church on Saturday.

There were also other Masses and Remembrances for Jon in Florida and Illinois.

A special memorial was giving at the Serpentine in London, England, 
which his very dear friends Mansour Badawi and Rosemary George (also his trainer) 
and many other marathon swimmers and friends attended.

Jon was so loved 
and will be fondly remembered.
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On June 15, 2014, Jon Erikson, 

was inducted into the swimming hall of Fame.

Here are 2 YouTube links to honor the celebration.
Speech

Video 

In 1981, we were living in Japan. 

We were all huddled around the table, listening to the Armed Forces Radio.  

It was so exciting to hear that Jon was the first person ever to accomplish the Triple Cross of the English Channel.

This is what we heard.

Dear Brother,

Rest in Peace.
He passed July 28, 2014, at the tender age of 59.

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Click the pictures for a bigger view.

His Smile 

Brightened Everything!