Obituary of Courtney Erickson

Schenectady - Courtney Arthur Erickson, 44, of Schenectady, NY, died peacefully on Friday, July 5, 2013, at Ellis Hospital, after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Born on December 7, 1968 in Schenectady, he was the son of John Sward Erickson and the late Stephanie Terni Erickson. Court graduated from Linton High School in 1987 and graduated with high honors from Cornell University in 1993, majoring in communications and later serving as alumni class vice president. His long and varied career included internship at CNN Sports in Atlanta, GA, public relations work at Sawchuk-Brown Associates in Albany NY, and freelance sports coverage and feature writing for the Oneonta, NY Daily Star, along with professional tutoring and teaching efforts in the Schenectady City School District. He most recently worked as a specifications coordinator for the county of Schenectady. Court contributed extensively to political and charitable efforts in numerous areas including the national Obama campaign, Washington DC congressional offices, and local Schenectady campaigns and projects, along with a tenure as a member of the board of directors of the National Kidney Foundation of Northeast NY. Court was devoted throughout his life to sports at all levels as an avid fan, and held sports information, statistician, and replay positions at various times for Cornell University, Georgetown University, and Siena College athletics. He maintained a rigorous schedule as a certified high school baseball umpire and basketball referee until shortly before his death. Court was the recipient of the Howard T. Tucker award for service to the Siena men's basketball program, and the Harry S. Truman service award from the Schenectady City Democratic Committee. He is survived by his father, John S. Erickson of Schenectady; along with his brother, Philip J. Erickson; sister-in-law, Sarah M. A. Erickson; and nephew, James W. Erickson of Clinton, MA. Court was a trusted and loyal friend to countless numbers of people throughout the Capital Region and far beyond, who will long remember his dedication to public service and his deep concern and love for his fellow citizens across all walks of life. Public calling hours will take place between 5 and 8 p.m. on Monday, July 8 at Daly Funeral Home, 242 McClellan Street, Schenectady, NY. A Liturgy of the Word will be held at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, July 9 at St. John the Evangelist Church, 816 Union St, Schenectady, NY. Interment will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery, 983 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Albany, NY. A separate memorial gathering to celebrate Court's life and achievements will be held in the future. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to charitable and academic causes consistent with Court's interests and wishes, through the fund established in his name, Friends of Courtney Erickson, at 1st National Bank of Scotia, Clifton Park Office, 1693 Route 9, Clifton Park, NY 12065.