The Life and Legacy of Jon Charles Erickson

Jon Charles Erickson was born on March 1, 1948, in Berkeley, California to Arnold and Maxine Erickson. He grew up in a close-knit community in Walnut Creek with his younger sister Paula. From an early age, Jon was active and resourceful—he participated in Cub Scouts, played Little League baseball, and developed a lifelong love of learning. He attended Walnut Creek Junior High and then Las Lomas High School. He was very involved in the youth group at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church and was a frequent acolyte at services. Already quite tall, Jon became active in the Luther League basketball program. Cerebral with a curiosity for figuring out how things worked, Jon was an avid reader of Popular Mechanics and loved his science classes - interests that would shape the course of his life.

Jon’s connection to the ocean ran deep. As a descendant of Swedish/Finnish seafarers, he carried on his family legacy rooted in the sea. His father and grandfather were both ship captains, and the maritime culture of the Bay Area was an important part of his upbringing. After graduating from high school in 1966, Jon enrolled at Humboldt State University, where he pursued a degree in oceanography, one of the few programs of its kind at the time.

It was at Humboldt that Jon met the love of his life, Linda Gale. They were married on June 26, 1971 at the First Baptist Church in Montebello. During the Vietnam War, as his educational deferments were at an end, Jon chose to serve his country by joining the United States Navy. After completing Naval Officer Candidate School, he was deployed to the Mediterranean, where he served aboard the USS Harkness tracking Soviet nuclear submarines.

Following his honorable discharge in 1974, Jon began his civilian career with the U.S. Geological Survey’s Marine Geology Division as an Engineering Technician. He and Linda settled in Redwood City where they raised their daughters, Heather and Tiffany. Jon was a devoted father—shooting hoops in the driveway, cheering from the stands, and helping with math at the kitchen table. He loved being a dad. Alongside Linda, Jon built a life in the Bay Area that was rich with friendships that lasted for years.

Never one to stop learning, Jon returned to school in 1986, enrolling in the engineering program at San Jose State University. Balancing work, family and night classes, he spent six years pursuing his degree, ultimately earning his Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1992 - a true testament to his perseverance and quiet determination.

In 1997, Jon found his dream career at the Monterrey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI), where he contributed his skills, passion and sea experience to advancing ocean science and research. The family moved to Santa Cruz to be closer to Jon’s job and became active members of the community and Twin Lakes Church. Jon continued his work at MBARI for almost 30 years providing engineering, design, and project management for multiple platforms, publishing several articles, and even mentoring Team Ocean Quest, a group of middle and high school students building mini ROVs to win the prestigious global xPRIZE NOAA challenge. Jon was also a member of the Maritime Technology Society and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. In November 2025, Jon reluctantly retired from MBARI leaving behind a legacy of dedication, innovation, and deep friendships.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jon had a quiet, steady faith that guided how he lived and how he cared for others. He will be remembered for his gentle, dependable presence—someone who listened closely, offered thoughtful advice, and was always ready to lend a hand. Gifted with a natural mechanical mind, Jon could fix almost anything, patiently taking things apart and putting them back together again. He shared that gift freely, becoming a trusted resource to family and friends.

Jon found joy in life’s simple pleasures: sharing a glass of wine, playing card games with friends, learning jazz piano, reading science fiction novels and spending time outdoors camping or fly fishing. He loved history and was always the last to leave a museum. A loyal fan, he cheered faithfully for the San Francisco Giants and 49ers. Above all, he cherished the life he built and the people he loved including his beloved wife, daughters, and seven grandchildren - Emily, William, Charles, Patrick, Riley, Andrew, and Joshua. Jon ultimately lost his battle with cancer on March 13, 2026. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, integrity, hard work, and deep devotion to his family, friends, and co-workers.

A memorial service will be held for Jon on April 18, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Twin Lakes Church with a reception to follow.