It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of our father, Erik Stavrand, on November 21, 2016. Our father is joining our mother, his sister and his brother on the 30th anniversary of his brother’s passing. Erik married Grace Marie Gundersen November 12, 1950 in Valley Stream, New York.
Dad served in the Army during the Korean War as a heavy equipment operator. He was known as “Baggy Pants Stavrand”. After completing his military service, Erik worked for National Cash Register for many years in a variety of roles in Dayton, OH and the northeast and then GD Searle as the northeastern service manager.
Owning the Black Bear Lodge in Bolton Valley, VT was the pinnacle of Erik and Grace’s work life together. They owned ‘The Bear’ for 5 years and shared a truly warm and inviting home with hundreds of guests.
He was extremely proud of his Norwegian heritage and his lifelong membership as a Mason.
Erik was predeceased by his parents, Henrik, Mally, sister Emily, and brother Hubert. Sadly, he was also predeceased by his youngest daughter, Maribeth Stavrand, the gifted and talented mother of Emily Glick. And Erik now joins his beloved wife of 65 years, Grace Marie, who passed away in January 2014.
Erik is survived by his two daughters, Laurie and Sue Ellen, son Erik, and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers or gifts the family suggests honoring Erik by engaging a loved one in a craft or a family game. Erik and Grace loved spending time with family and producing a craft with a loved one--often creating an enduring memory.