Carroll "Woody" Erickson Obituary (1943 - 2016)

Carroll L. Erickson, Jr. "Woody" was born in Lewiston, Maine, only child to Carroll L. Erickson, Sr. and Madeline M. Erickson. Carroll was a dedicated student of all he studied. Thanks to Uncle Edgar Wyman young Carroll also developed a lifelong passion for another sport: Golf that would ultimately lead him to another love (more on that later). Despite attending three high schools, he graduated top of his class in '62 with an NBA offer which he declined for academic pursuits. In his valedictorian speech he said, "...I say we must have the desire to do all we possibly can as individuals to make this country a better place in which to live, not only for ourselves, but also for our children." Carroll spent one year at Colby College after which he took a brief academic hiatus and returned to studies at Nasson College where his focus was on math and Nancy Reed...they married and had a daughter, Darci. The small family lived in Poland, ME and Carroll worked at Northwood Academy teaching math and coaching basketball. In the summer, he worked at Auburn Country Club. In March of 1969, Carroll's drive for PGA led them to Connecticut as Carroll accepted an assistant Pro position at Wallingford Country Club. The family relocated and while in CT, he worked at several country clubs. But in 1976, Carroll changed course again, this time without Nancy and Darci. Although his life led him down other roads, his promise to never miss a graduation or Darci's wedding was one he kept. He moved around geographically, covering the eastern seaboard. Serendipity, fate, chance...call it what you will, Carroll took a job that brought him west and landed him in Michigan where he grew roots and blossomed: he met the love of his life, Carol Friedman, who became Carol Erickson also. From that point forward "Carroll" would be known to all as "Woody" and together Carol and Woody accomplished another of his life long dreams: Augusta Pines Golf Center. After a decade at the range and Carol's retirement, the pull of the red rock overwhelmed them and the choice was made to relocate...to AZ. Woody played lots of golf out here and relished the lack of snow shovels and lawn mowers in his life. In 2013, Woody was diagnosed with dementia but it was a surprising diagnosis of cancer on April 15th that ultimately took Woody on April 18th. Perhaps in heaven, he will get that hole in one that eluded him on Earth. Woody is survived by his wife Carol Erickson, his daughter Darci Sosa, his son-in-law Erick Sosa, and his two grandsons Sebastian Sosa and Everton Sosa.