Kai Erickson

Kai Erickson, 87, of Grand Rapids and Bellaire, passed away on August 10, 2016. Kai was born in Mt. Pleasant, MI, and was married in Bellaire. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War then went on to earn a B.S. at CMU, his MS at U of M, and his Doctorate at MSU. He went on to a career focused on education. Kai held significant positions in the Michigan Education Association, the Arkansas Education Association, where he served as executive Director and the National Education Association. After retirement, Kai returned to Bellaire and for the next 25 years pursued his passions of hunting, fishing and golfing. He and Pat explored the World together, with trips to Egypt, China and Turkey, among many others. Every winter, they escaped the snowy Michigan winters in sunny Sarasota, Florida. His family will miss his intelligent insights, enthusiastic views and at times his quirky but loving ways. Kai is survived by his wife of 64 years, Patricia, 2 children, Marti (Bill) Chardon of Grand Rapids, MI, Eric (Nancy) Erickson of New Hampshire, 4 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will take place on Tuesday, August 16 at 6:00 p.m. at the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Pastor Eric Falker will officiate. Visitation will take place from 4 p.m. until the time of service on Tuesday at the funeral home. Military honors will follow the ceremony at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Bellaire Community United Methodist Church. Arrangements are being handled by the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign his online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.