Since 2009, We have been honoring the legacy of our son Christopher Blair Erickson (Wachusett Regional High School Class of 2003) with an annual scholarship to recognize excellence and leadership in his memory to a graduating senior of Wachusett Regional High School. Christoper passed away on January 7, 2009, in Houston, Texas, in a work-related accident while serving on the Sea River tanker SR Wilmington.

Chris grew up in Holden, graduating from Wachusett Regional High School in 2003 and receiving the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship. He graduated magna cum laude from Massachusetts Maritime Academy in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering and a United States Coast Guard license as a third assistant engineer. He received the Maersk Lines Ltd. Award upon his graduation, awarded to the cadet "demonstrating the qualities of effort and leadership most desired in a seagoing officer." At Massachusetts Maritime, he served as Cadet Chief Engineer and 2006 Football Team Captain, 4-year football letter winner, and 3 year offensive line starter. In recognition of his passing, Massachusetts Maritime flew their flag at half-mast; Sea River's ships did the same.

As a young Boy Scout, Chris spent the night aboard a ship in Battleship Cove with his troop. He came home and announced that this was what he wanted for a career when he grew up. He made that dream come true. Employed by Sea River Maritime, a subsidiary of ExxonMobil, he was a third assistant engineer since August 2007. He also sailed as third assistant engineer on the Massachusetts Maritime Training ship for 2008 training cruise.

He played football for both Wachusett Regional High School and Massachusetts Maritime. His Wachusett Coach Mike Dubzinski said Chris was instrumental in creating a new football culture at the high school and was a wonderful role model to his fellow players. He also said Chris began a tradition of high school players going on to serve as college football captains. Chris's jersey number was 76 at both schools. He was also an outstanding student and enjoyed mentoring other students. He enjoyed scouting and attained the rank of Eagle Scout with a project on the Wachusett Greenways Rail Trail.

Funny, gentle, down-to-earth, and devoted to his family, Chris was a wonderful young man. His laughter made everyone around him smile.