Christian Erickson

Christian Paul Erickson, M.D. an all-ever Renaissance Man, of Los Angeles and formerly of Waco, died Thursday, November 19, 2009 at the age of 34, at Cedar-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

Christian was born in Flagstaff, Arizona on October 10, 1975 and moved to Waco in 1981, where he spent the majority of his childhood. Valedictorian of Waco High School in 1993, Christian entered the University of Texas as a Coca-Cola and Dedman Distinguished Scholar. A member of the Plan II and Dean's Scholars Honors programs, he added philosophy as a second major and was awarded both the Machette philosophy essay prize and Hibbs Scholarship in the Department of Philosophy. In addition to holding positions in his fraternity, Delta Sigma Phi, and other campus organizations, Christian competed for the University of Texas Water Polo Team and rowed for the varsity crew Team. Christian graduated Summa Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa with Special Honors and attended Duke Medical School, where he was awarded the Howard Hughes Foundation Research Award, as well as the research award from the Nation Institute of Health.

In 1993, Waco-Tribune Herald opinion page editor, John Young, wrote a column featuring the academic achievements of Christian Erickson. In an effort to show that public education was working, Young wrote the following about Christian, "Don't tell Christian Erickson this, but - he's a legend! Erickson seemingly has broken all records with a grade average of 109 ( on a scale of 100)." While all of his academic achievements are too numerous to mention, a few include: National Honor Society Scholarship sponsored by the National Association of Secondary School principals, President Academic Fitness Awards Programs (from President Bill Clinton), National Merit Scholar, TASSP All-State Academic Team (from Governor Ann Richards), Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship, Tandy Technology Scholar, Waco Texas Exes Scholarship, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society (UT), Greek Scholar Interfranternity Council (UT), Golden Key National Honor society (UT) Mortar Board (UT)

Christian was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Raymond and Vivian Erickson of Minnesota, and maternal grandfather, Eulogio Jimenez of Puerto Rico.

Dr. Erickson is survived by his parents, Paul and Wiki Erickson of Waco; sister and best friend, Lynnea Erickson of Waco; maternal grandmother, Annie Jimenez of Puerto Rico; and beloved aunt, Nani Jimenez of Puerto Rico.

Because Christian spent his life giving back to others, he would be pleased to have you make donations to either Mission Waco or the Waco Humane Society. His impish smile, piercing intellect and magnanimous ways will certainly be missed.

Friends and family are invited to view his website at carepages.com\carepages\christianerickson