05/24/2025
The hardest working man I ever met.
Crazy Eric's Restaurant Founder:
Darryl V. Erickson
April 5, 1941 – April 26, 2024
Darryl V. Erickson, beloved co-owner of Crazy Eric’s Restaurant, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2024, surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on April 5, 1941, in Brainerd, Minnesota, to Alfred and Oviedia Erickson, Darryl's life was characterized by an entrepreneurial spirit evident from a young age.
As a child, Darryl showcased his business acumen by selling worms to fishermen and managing a paper route by the age of ten. In 1951, his family relocated to Tacoma, Washington, where his father worked for the railroad. This move laid the foundation for Darryl's future endeavors in the Pacific Northwest.
Darryl's professional journey began at Tradewell stores in Tacoma, where he quickly rose through the ranks to become the youngest assistant manager in the company's history by age 19. During this period, he met Sharon “Cherie” Wardall on a blind date. The couple married on November 23, 1961, embarking on a loving partnership that spanned over six decades.
Together, Darryl and Cherie built a home filled with warmth and love, raising two sons, Troy and Sean. The family became the driving force behind Crazy Eric’s Restaurants. Founded in 1961 with his brother Wayne, the enterprise expanded to include 22 locations across the Puget Sound area. Over the years, the business diversified into fair concessions and Christmas tree sales, providing over 50,000 trees to the community at affordable prices and becoming a cherished part of the holiday season. Crazy Eric’s also donated thousands of meals to Veterans Day celebrations, first responders, and various community organizations.
The entire Erickson family actively participated in the restaurant and fairgrounds concession business, with each member taking on various roles over the years. Working alongside his sons daily brought immense joy to Darryl. His unwavering commitment to affordable pricing and quality service earned him the admiration of countless employees and loyal customers.
Darryl cherished family vacations to San Francisco and Reno, indulged his passion for baseball, and maintained lifelong connections with his school friends. A devout member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Bremerton for 61 years, Darryl lived by the philosophy that true wealth lies in faith, family, and friends. Known for his fabulous sense of humor and storytelling prowess, he enriched the lives of all who knew him.
He is deeply missed by his wife Cherie; sons Troy (Renee) and Sean (Catherine); grandchildren Noah (Jamie), Emma, Rebecca, and David; sister Sherry Sutton (Terry); sister-in-law Mary Ann Erickson (Wayne); and a multitude of cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, and community members.
The Erickson family extends heartfelt gratitude to the hospice and medical caregivers who provided comfort and support during Darryl's illness. His spirit endures in the cherished memories and enduring values he leaves behind.
