Peter was born on May 30, 1930 to Lewis N. Erickson and Alma Nelson Erickson in his beloved Lavina, MT. After graduating from high school he enlisted in the Navy and served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Essex as a radar technician in the Korean War. He then attended Montana State University and received a degree in electrical engineering. He eventually went on to receive his MS in Systems Management from the University of Southern California.
Peter’s first job was for Phillips Petroleum at the Idaho Falls Nuclear Reactor Test site. In 1958, he began work in Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory as a nuclear engineer. He moved to Las Vegas, NV to work at the Space Nuclear Propulsion Office testing nuclear reactors for potential interplanetary travel. He then worked over 35 years for the Atomic Energy Commission/Nuclear Regulatory Commission in Maryland. Peter was a faithful civil servant who used his knowledge and experience in a variety of projects including nuclear rocket engines, the monitoring of safe delivery of nuclear power, and the decommissioning of nuclear power plants. He retired in 1996.
In 1962, he met Marjo Thomas in Los Alamos, and they wed in 1963 and had two daughters, Marja Lynn Houston (Daniel) and Carlyn Ann Detweiler (Philip). They spent most of their married life together in Rockville, Maryland. Peter was an active member of Rockville United Methodist Church, serving on the Board of Trustees and Property Committee for many years. He was a Toastmaster and always was amused by excellent puns. He loved fixing things and keeping things maintained and knew the value of saving and saving things.
For all his accomplishments, he was a devoted family man who was home for supper every night, cherished his wife, and doted on his kids and grandkids. He was a kind, appreciative man who was generous with his time and treasure. His sense of humor, blue eyes, and ready laugh will be missed.
He is preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Nettie Erickson Lees, and a niece. He is survived by his loving wife, Marjo, his brother, Lewis Erickson, his two daughters, and his five grandchildren: Benjamin Houston, Brian Houston, Matthew Detweiler, Erick Detweiler, and Lian Detweiler, as well as four nieces and two nephews.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 16 at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Willis Reynolds Funeral Home in Newton, NC. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to Lavina Public School (P.O. Box 290 Lavina, MT 59046) or First United Methodist Church (P.O. Box 926 Newton, NC 28658) in memory of Peter.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.willisreynoldsfh.com for the Erickson family.
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