Gerald Charles Erickson of Hernando, Florida, and previously a long-time resident of South Lake Tahoe, passed away on May 9, 2026.
Jerry was born on January 31, 1949, in Woodland, California, to Charles and Marge Erickson. He grew up in Orland, California and swam competitively in high school. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University Chico.
After college, Jerry moved to South Lake Tahoe and worked for the South Tahoe Recreation and Parks Department, where he organized countless programs, camps, and activities that became cherished memories for local children. Summer playground camps, night skiing at Boreal Ridge, trips to Markleville Hot Springs, Camp Kirkwood and Camp Tadaka, to name just a few. Even longer trips to Santa Cruz and Huntington Beach for Dodger games, Disneyland, and Knott’s Berry Farm. The teen center and Halloween Carnival were also community favorites.
Jerry was the founder of what began as the Tahoe Swim Club and later became the Tahoe Swim Team. He grew the small summer swimming program into a thriving year-round organization that served hundreds of children ages 5-18 and families throughout the community for over four decades. Jerry, along with his assistant coaches, the swim team board, and parent volunteers, organized two huge swim meets a year that would draw 2000 plus people to Tahoe. These helped fund the costs of the club.
To many swimmers, Jerry was more than their coach. He was a mentor and a friend, offering guidance and support when needed. A few of his swimmers became his assistant coaches. He kept in contact with many of his swimmers over the years.
Jerry retired in July 2017 and moved to Florida to be closer to his family, the Caribbean cruises, Caye Caulker near Belize, and the Dominican Republic, where he spent a few months each winter.
Jerry is survived by his brother Myron and wife Nancy, his brother Bill and wife Gilda, his nephews Brian, Joel, and Kyle, and his niece Kelsey. He will be missed by his many extended families, friends, former fellow coaches and swimmers. Jerry said about his years coaching, “I loved every minute of it.”
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Lake Tahoe Golf Course on September 19 from 2 p.m. to 4 p,m. To help celebrate Jerry’s life and the many memories he created, family and friends are encouraged to bring favorite photographs for our magnetic photo boards. All photos can be returned and taken home at the end of the celebrations.
