GLOUCESTER: Charles “Kiel” Erickson, 62, of Gloucester died of a stroke after battling with cancer on April 27, 2008, at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, where he was surrounded by his family.
Charles was born in Uppsala, Sweden on November 19, 1945, and was adopted by the late Arthur and Freda (Sadler) Erickson of Rockport.
He was a graduate of Rhode Island School of Design and won a scholarship to The Rhinehart Institute, University of Maryland. He subsequently pursued a career as a freelance artist, sign designer and boat builder both in the United Kingdom and United States.
He continued to apply his artistic skills throughout his life, most of which he spent around water. His passion was sailing and he built a wooden dory from scratch, which he sailed around Cape Ann.
He is survived by three children, Deirdre Metcalf, Kalev Erickson, and Chloe Hooton. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Granger, Olivia and Charles, and by his past wives, Teresa and Sally. He will be sorely missed.
Please join the family for a sail to celebrate Kiel's life aboard the Appledore III departing at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 26th from Tuna Wharf, Rockport (off Bearskin Neck). Music, poems and refreshments... Please rsvp to [email protected].