Mr. Erik Severygn Lindblad

On August 19, 2023, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ received unto Himself in glory, Erik Severygn Lindblad. Erik was born in Cleveland, Ohio on December 31, 1973, the first child of Donald and Christina Lindblad. Erik was 16 days overdue before he decided to enter this world, which was probably the first and only time he was ever late!

Erik spent his formative years in Xenia, Ohio where he enjoyed riding his bike, playing with his friends, shooting hoops, and snookering his younger siblings into playing games with the rules he made up! When he was 11, his family moved back to the Seattle area, and Erik spent the next 37 years as a student, coach, and teacher at Seattle Christian Schools (SCS). Erik spent his school year days with friends, playing basketball, and developing a highly toned skill of being able to excel academically without actually having to read the textbook!

After he graduated from high school, he went on to study at Seattle Pacific University (SPU) where earned his B.A. in physical education with a teacher’s certification. At a young age, Erik’s mom told him that he had a knack for working with kids, to which he replied, “But that doesn’t mean I want to be a teacher!” Well, he decided that he actually did want to be a teacher! Even while he was in college, Erik coached basketball and assisted with several summer basketball programs. When he graduated from SPU, Erik began his teaching career at SCS as the Middle School PE teacher and then later as the High School PE teacher. Erik also coached various sports teams at SCS; he was a boy’s basketball assistant coach, girl’s varsity basketball coach, girl’s varsity volleyball coach, and assistant girl’s softball coach. Later he had the opportunity to be an assistant basketball coach at Northwest University. In addition, Erik earned his Master’s degree in Science of Kinesiology – Sport Management from University of Central Missouri.

Erik also loved to travel, and he could often be found leading a group of young people to various parts of the world, exploring places of historical significance, especially those related to sports. A highlight for him was the opportunity to travel with his dad and sister to Cuba, serving in youth camps and developing relationships with Cuban young people. He spoke movingly of the necessary commitment of young people to Christ and the imperative that one must follow Christ, despite the cost. Erik understood that to live is Christ and to die is gain.

While Erik loved teaching, coaching, and traveling, making many friends along the way, he was also devoted to his family, especially his nieces and nephew. He spent time getting to know them, talking with them, and imparting to them the vast amount of trivia he knew, especially music lyrics! He also taught them how to play poker and hearts! Erik was often found having long conversations with them, encouraging them to pursue their goals and work hard to attain them.

One of the most important parts of Erik’s life was his relationship with the Lord, and he was an active member of Trinity Reformed Baptist Church, Kirkland WA. Even there, he displayed his servant’s heart and was often found doing whatever tasks needed to be done. He knew the Bible was true and that he was a sinner in need of a Savior. The Lord drew Erik to himself as a teenager, and he spent his life serving God and others. Erik knew that it was only through the work of Jesus Christ on the cross and the gift of grace unto him that he was saved.

Erik will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, students, and all who knew him. He is survived by his parents; David and Karen Linker and their children Kathryn, Elisabeth, Charlotte, and Erika; Stefan and JoAnne Lindblad and their children Emily, Grace, and Owen.

A Memorial Service, will be held on Saturday, September 2nd at noon at Canyon Hills Community Church at 22027 17th AVE SE, Bothell, WA 98021.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cuba Fund at Trinity Reformed Baptist Church. Please make your donations payable to Trinity Reformed Baptist Church at 10120 240th PL SW Edmonds, WA 98020 and include the memo “in memory of Erik Lindblad.”.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Evergreen-Washelli.com for the Lindblad family.