Obituary of Carl-Conklin Erickson

Carl Conklin Erickson, 82, passed away from natural causes on December 23rd at Lee Memorial Hospital in Fort Myers, FL. He had been living with Parkinson's disease for the last few years. He was born on Main Street in Amagansett, NY on December 29th, 1928, the only child of Carl H. Erickson and Lillian (Babe) Conklin Erickson. Carl grew up in Amagansett and the old fishing village of Montauk, attended East Hampton High School and graduated from Ithica College in 1951. He liked to tell about riding his pongy from Amagansett to Montauk every spring for the summer fishing season. He married his high school sweetheart, Gail Henderson, who died in 2008, and briefly taught physical education at Bridgehampton High School. He and Gail moved to Fort Myers, FL to join his father Carl Sr., in the shrimp business where they were pioneers of that industry. Together they built a very successful business at Fort Myers Beach, eventually owing a fleet of offshore shrimping vessels. Carl expanded the business into Aransas Pass, TX, spending the summer shrimp season there for more than 30 years.Carl was and avid sportsman, playing baseball and basketball at East Hampton high and later at Ithica. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting and golf. He and his wife Gail also spent many years traveling the world.Carl was a member of the Royal Palm Yacht Club and past president of the Southeastern Fisheries Association.Survivors include his son, Grant (Susan) Erickson of Fort Myers and a daughter Carla Kelley of Tamp, FL. Four granddaughters: Hally and Anna Erickson and Meredith and Allison Kelley, also survive.Those wishing to contribute in his memroy can make donations to the Ostego Bay Foundation, 718 Fisherman's Wharf, Fort Myers Beach, FL33931.A memorial service will be held at the Covenant Presbyterian Church in Fort Myers on Tuesday, Jan. 11th at 2:00 PM followed by a gathering of friends at the Royal Palm Yacht Club. The family invites all his friends to come and celebrate his life and share memories.