Burt N. Erich
Burt N. "Bud" Erich, 87, husband of the late Lois Johnson Erich passed away Tues., April 25, 2006 in Venice, FL after a brief illness. Mr. Erich was born in New Haven, Jan. 19, 1919 a son of the late Herbert and Gladys Tolles Erich and resided in Woodbridge from 1957 until moving to Englewood, FL in 1983. He graduated from the Hopkins School in 1938 and later was a teacher and athletic director at Hopkins for many years until his retirement in 1983. He was a cross harbor swim champion for 5 consecutive years in the 1930's and continued swimming with the Senior Masters Swim Program. Mr. Erich graduated from Springfield College, Class of 1942. During WW II he served in the US Coast Guard as a Chief Boatswains Mate Specialist and was an assistant to former heavy weight boxing champ Cmdr. Jack Dempsey. He ran the Erich Boy's Day Camp in East Haven for 16 summers, was a member of the First Church of Christ of Woodbridge, and he was a recipient of the New Haven Boys Club "Gold Ring". He is survived by 2 daughters, Pamela Johnson and Suzanne McMullan both of Englewood, Fl., a son, Randy Erich of East Haven, a sister, June Brown of Wallingford, 7 grandchildren and 6 great- grandchildren. He was predeceased by a sister, Fern Thynell. Funeral service Friday, April 28, at 12 Noon at BEECHER & BENNETT, 2300 WHITNEY AVE., HAMDEN. Friends may call Friday from 11-12. Interment in Beaverdale Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Pinebrook Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, 1240 Pinebrook Rd., Venice, FL 34292.
.Bud., as he was affecionately called by his students was my math teacher and swimming coach at Hopkins back in the 1950s.I remember him with great fondness and respect. My sincerest sympathy and best wishes to the family.
A good man and an extraordinary teacher and mentor. He will be sorely missed.
A great man that touched the lives of thousands of students over the years.
A Wonderful Coach…And a fine man in every way…Give my best to Bob Wyant,Mr.Erich,And thank you.
A wonderful, wonderful, man and a great loss.
Although more than 50 years my senior, I counted .Uncle Bud. as a dear friend. He was always there with a kind word, a joke or a shot of encouragement and enthusiasm. I am very saddened to know that I will never agin wake up to the sound of his keyboard echoing above the drone of the waves on Long Island Sound. Buddy, your strength of character and warmth of spirit have been an inspiration to me and all who knew you. You are loved and will be forever missed. Mansfield Grove will never be the same without you!
As I have many good memories from my time as a student/athlete at Hopkins, I hope God will be with all the members of the Erich family at this time.
As soon as I saw Bud’s name on the e-mail, I knew what the message was going to say. I have never wanted to open an e-mail less. Bud was a man I will remember always. His lessons were many and came naturally with his sense of humor, his love of children and his good, kind heart. I remember the days of busing to and from the Boy’s Club, wet hair freezing to the windows, all of us complaining about the dirty locker rooms, the temperature of the water, the intensity of the practice – and Bud just smiling and laughing and pushing us further. He was a rare breed of teacher who was both friend and leader, a man you could really talk to and a man who commanded respect. I am so saddened by this news, and yet, knowing that he touched the lives of many in such a positive way, it is comforting to know that he leaves a life so richly lived. I will miss you, Bud. Love, Georgie
As we know, the loss of a parent is a very sad time but as with my mom and dad, Buddy’s last years were not the best years. I will always remember his good years at Mansfield Grove, his kind manner and sence of humor. He is well loved by many including our large family. God Best Him and give him peace and his family rest and fond memories. LOVE, Larry, Celeste and our Buddy (to whom he often said, hey thats my name)
Both Mr. and Mrs. Erich were exceptional and fine people, gracious in manner and giving of heart. I thank them for their care and concern to me as a Hopkins student and my heartfelt condolences are extended to the Erich family at this time, especially to my Hopkins classmate and friend Randy. Ed Woodyard, Hopkins ’66
Bud Erich was a super coach with a wonderful personality. A great loss. Kurt Cylke, Hopkins ’49 .. swim team ’47-’49
Bud Erich was a wonderful person, a worldclass athlete, and my football and swimming coach at HGS. He will be missed.
Bud Erich was not only my math teacher and swim coach, he was my mentor and friend. He had a very positive impact on me during my 6 years at Hopkins. I am so sad to hear of his death.
Bud Erich was such a fine man and a lasting, positive influence on so many of us who were prividged to be taught and coached by him. He is in our prayers.
Bud Erich was the most pleasant person I ever knew. I just read of his passing today, the 30th, and regret not being able to attend the services for so fine a gentleman. He always had a smile and a friendly greeting, for everyone. His quick wit and relaxed manner added to the charisma. My swimming coach will be remembered by all who knew who he was, what he gave to his students, athletes, and fellow faculty members. Sleep well, my friend.
Bud taught and instilled a friendly spirit of excellence, a lesson for daily life. A great mentor who will be sadly missed.
Bud was a good mentor for me as I started my teaching career and my first job with Hopkins Grammar School in 1967. He remained a friend until our paths diverged, mine taking me first to the International School of Brussels and then to Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland. However, I still love teaching and swimming and am an active support of the College’s varsity swimming program. Bud will be missed but long remembered by many who had the honor and pleasure of knowing him at Hopkins.
Bud was a powerful influence on me during my two years at Hopkins Junior School (’48-’50), and two summers at the Erich Day Camp.His academic, athletic,social and moral counsel was wise, and remains with me today. While he was a fine teacher, he also was in fact a friend. I am saddened by his death and extend my heartfelt condolences to his family.Sincerely, John Doolittle,Vienna,VA
Bud was an assistant coach in football in 1946. He was only about a decade older than we were, but I remember him talking about how the post-war teenagers seemed to be so different from what he remembered from his teenage years in the late-30s. He recruited me for the track ream, which he coached, after I put on a couple of speedy performances which seemed to surprise everyone. He was a good track coach, I thought, although I never won a sprint. (I couldn’t beat Tommy Loricco.) I only recall seeing Bud once at a reunion, but I have fond recollections of him from my time at Hopkins.
Bud was like a beloved older brother and mentor at Hopkins and at Erich Day Camp, both as camper and as counselor. He was truly a great man; he gave me insight as to what a loving man could be.
Bud was truly a great man. This is a great loss.
Bud was truly one of Hopkins’ really nice people. I can hardly remember seeing him without a smile on his face. I also knew him at Erich Day Camp. He was a real asset to HGS. Sorry to learn he has passed on.
Bud, We’ll miss you. Thanks for the great times, your humor, your kindness and your wonderful way with people. Please say .hi. to Frank Fowlkes for me.
Buddy Eric at Mansfield Grove has made a life long impression on all of us. He will be remembered with a smile forever. Sorry wasn’t able to make the service to offer you condolences in person. Your Dad, brother,and grandfather will be dearly missed. Kathie, Jim, Kellie, Rob and Scott Towers
Buddy lives on as a rare man who taught, coached, teased, inspired and delighted us. He shared an enormous capacity to love us all with gentleness and tremendous warmth. I feel very fortunate to have known this kind spirit from my time on the swim team at Hopkins.
Buddy made swim practice fun. The drive to the Albee Booth Boys club was always an adventure and he is still the only person I ever allowed to call me Suzy!
Buddy was one of the great influences in my life. He was not only my teacher and coach, but also someone who I simply looked up to as a person. He of course could count many accomplishments in his life, but he was also a role model for the way he treated other people (including teenagers!) and the way he always had such a bright and enthusiastic outlook on life. I am so lucky to have had such a great person in my life to help teach and mold me. I have so many wonderful memories of my time with Buddy. He will be missed greatly, and remembered always.
Coach Erich was a mentor, friend and inspiration as my Varsity Football coach from 1968-1970. He will live forever in my heart and my mind as someone who helped me be the person I am today. God bless your family, coach.
Condolences to the family. Greetings to all those who remember him with me. A good man.
Dear Erich Family; My Condolences to all at Buds passing. Coach Budy Erich has been an important part of my mind, heart and life for 54 years. We first met in September of 1952, my Senior year at Hopkins. I was a member of that years Swimming Team. Buddy was to become, for me, far more than a member of Hopkins Faculty and my Swimming Coach. In that one short year together, .Buddy. became my Friend, Coach and mentor. He Taught me not just how to swim better and faster, He gave me a Legacy of hard work ethics, Standards of Excellence and love and respect for all. These Gifts have been part of my foundation through College and my Business Career. Buddy was responsible for many of my early Achievements; First Place in the Individual Medly, New England Championships, Two place on the all American Swim Team 1952 and my Tenure at Ohio Stae University. I did not return to Hopkins many years, however after thirty years my wife and I attended my first one. I was standing the upper field looking toward the old gym and spotted Buddy coming in my direction. As we came together, we embraced and he said .Burt Brockett its really good to see you., it was as though we never parted. We were still part of each others lives. Hopkins, myself and the World are a far better because of Coach Buddy Erich. – – God Speed on your next Journy my Friend. Love Burt Brockett
Dear Family and Friends of Bud Erich, We mourn his passing. Bud was a leader and an inspiration in our ’38 HGS class and at the school long after. Deepest sympathy to you. Bill Haggard
Dear June: We were deeply saddened to learn of .Buddy’s.passing. We extend our sincere condolences to you and the entire family.Sorry we couldn’t attend in person. Love, Claire & John Simpson
Dear Mr. Erich, Even before my years at Hopkins you were an inspiration to me at your day camp. One of my earliest childhood memories is of you cutting gum out of my hair at camp. Then, later at Hopkins, you were a remarkable coach, teacher, and friend. To this day, coaching my kids, I use many of the motivational phrases I heard you repeat so many times. May you look down on us from heaven and smile, for you will be truly missed.
Death comes at most inconvenient times. Annemarie and I were in Florida and out of range of our email. We would love to have seen you all at the service and remembered so many wornderful times with Bud and the Erichs. Annemarie and Carl.
Hey Eddie, did you see the church on fire? Yeah, Bud. Holy smoke!
Hopkins has lost a dear friend. My deepest sympathy to the family. Jim Craig Class of 1967
Hopkins seems like a lifetime ago, but a lifetime from which I can recall many fond memories. I was always proud of the fact that I was able to have a rewarding football experience at Hopkins, which in turn enabled me to receive a full scholarship at the University of New Hampshire. More so than this though, I feel fortunate, fortunate that I was able to have Coach Erich as my first coach. He took me under his wing and truly inspired me. For whatever success that I received from football, at the highschool and collegiate level, I have always felt that success was owed to Coach Erich. I feel especially blessed that I was able to tell him this in person at the Hopkins Reunion I attended in 1997. Bud, I thank you for the great coach that you were, and more importantly for the wonderful person that you were.
I am blessed to have known Bud. I swam and played football for him at Hopkins in the 70s, but the lessons he taught me were about life, more than sports. He used to urge me to .get out of your comfort zone, Sonny. in practice, stretching my boundaries, making me better. We won frequently because of Bud and we lost occasionally because we were not yet strong enough to live up to his example. Father God, thank you for bringing Bud into my life and watch over his soul for eternity. Kevin Trapani (Hopkins, ’74)
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I was a just one of the many Hopkins students who loved Mr. Erich. He showed me and every other student at the school how to be an adult and never lose vitality, humor, and joy. Please accept my most heartfelt and sympathetic regards.
I am sorry to hear of Bud’s passing. I enjoyed working at the camp during the 1950s. Bud was always a positive person. I ended up making a career out of the ocean as a Professor at San Diego State University. Camp put the ocean in my blood! We sure had fun! Best wishes to all the Erichs, Dale Ingmanson
I am truly saddened by Bud’s death. He was my coach, my teacher and my friend. He personified all that is good about Hopkins and will be remembered as a truly influential mentor to so many.
I am very saddened to hear this news. Though I have not seen Buddy for many years, he is prominent in my Hopkins memories. Besides being an outstanding coach in terms of developing skills and team building, I learned my most valuable lessons about being a good sport from him. He will be missed. My sincere condolences to his family. Karen Stevens Helene, Hopkins 1983
I have fond memories of my football coach, Bud Erich. He was a fine man and a gifted communicator, always able to hold us to high standards without ever raising his voice. David Hostage HGS ’72
I haven’t seem or spoken with Bud Erich for more than 20 years, yet I have felt his presence with me to this day. As my swin coach throughout Hopkins, he was instrumantal in my personal development and a truly inspirational figure. I am sorry for your loss and pain, but you should take pride and condolence that he was part of your lives throughout his long, rich lifetime and that Bud Erich is remembered and loved by thousands and thousands of people, all over the world, to this day. He helped to make this planet we share a better place, and that is perhaps the greatest tribute any of us can ever hope to achieve.
I met Bud Erich right after the war when he coached our swim team at Lanphier Cove in Branford, Ct. I started at Hopkins in 1957 and Bud coached me for 6 years in swimming and football. He later asked me to officiate the Junior Varsity and Junior School football games for over 20 years. One of the most proudest moments when he called me up when he heard I was selling my business. He wanted me to meet the Headmaster, Mr. McGill and be interviewed for the Atheletic Director’s position. Both Bud and I thought it was all settled but then he told me the job had to be posted and someone within was going to be named for the position. I saw Bud once in Venice and several times during the summers. Bud Erich was a man I looked up to him all my life and if I have succeeded in anything, my friend Mr Bud Erich was the cause.
I remember the camp Mr. erich had on an Island that i went to. He and Mr. Brown were helpful in the growth of young men , Taber Hamilton
I send my sincerest condolences. .Unca Bud. was a shining light for me at Hopkins. He believed in me when others did not, even when I did not believe in myself, and he was always full of encouragement and support. I was blessed by his friendship and was fortunate to simply know him and have him as a longtime friend. He also shared his kindness and friendship with my two daughters when we visited him at his cabin several times and he played piano for them as they jumped on the furniture – they were 3 and 4 and thought that they were in Heaven. I thank you for sharing .Unca Bud. with so many of us, and I know that he is smiling down upon us, and is with Lois again, experiencing God’s grace and love. Once again, my condolences and thanks for the opportunity to have known him. What a blessing! May God bless you and comfort you at this time, Ede.
I started to cry as soon as I got the message the Mr. Erich was gone. I truly loved this man – who taught me all about math in 7th grade (.you can tell it’s a’cute’ little angle because it’s smaller than 90 degrees.) – and helped me perfect my stroke at the pool. My brother loved being a part of Erich’s Day Camp. He was so much a part of our lives, he felt like a favorite uncle. Often, the highlight of a Hopkins reunion was talking to him. What a wonderful man – a gift to us all. Though he left CT for FL in 1983, I will miss him, not being here. He is part of my loveliest Hopkins memories. My sincerest condolences to you all.
I went to Erich’s Day Camp when I was 5 and then at Hopkins, Mr. Ehrich was my 7th grade math teacher-where his sense of humor was always appreciated (even when he pretended to blow his nose in his tie, but had a handkerchief hidden between) He nominate me for a Scholar-Athlete Award from The New Haven Tap-Off club which is among my finest High School memories! Mr Ehrich was a great guy, and shared himself wholly with all. They don’t call him Buddy for nothin’! Dan Whitten
I wonder how many of us are now thinking, .If it were not for Bud Erich……..
If I were not in Boston for a business meeting I would have come to this service. As I know many of my classmates (HGS ’57) would also feel, I can only say that in every person’s life, especially when you are in school, there are those very few teachers who truly were role models and whose interaction with you both in class and outside of class made a lasting impact on your life and your value system. Buddy was such a person for me and so many others. I have never forgotten how I admired and respected him. I have never forgotten, and never will, and as I have said, there are literally scores if not hundreds of other HGS graduates who I know full well feel as I do. Rest in peace Buddy, I am a better person for having had you touch my life.
I’ll never forget the day I met Bud- I was standing in line to be issued football equipment as a seventh grader (First Form, 1967) when he said, .Sonny, you’re a little late to get a full issue of equipment for football. Do you want to try out for soccer?. The rest is history, and I have always appreciated his intuitiveness for it. He was the AD for the times, and had the sensitivity and inspiration that made him adorable to us all. On behalf of my brother Fred, we will miss you… Rich Hehre HGS 1972
It is with great sadness that I heard the passing of Bud Erich.A great coach who along with Ed Brown and Mac taught us how to win.The competitive spirit he instilled in us continues through adulthood.Applying his X’s and O’s on the Hill on a Fall afternoon was a time full of great memories. Steve Carroll HGS 68
It was with great sadness that I read my email today. With a quick smile and a warm heart, Bud was such a positive force in my Hopkins experience. He also had a significant impact on my desire to become a teacher. Shortly after I began teaching, I told him that if I touched a mere fraction of the number of lives he had, I would consider myself successful. He was a role model for so many of us. My sincere condolences. Kate Higgins 1980
June, Randy, Pam and Sue, My thoughts are with you on this day. The campers at Mansfield Grove will miss Bud. With prayers and deepest sympathy,
Like so many others I am very thankful to have been taught, coached and befriended by Mr. Erich.
Mr. Erich was a true inspiration to the entire Hopkins family. I admired his perpetually positive attitude and incredible athletic accomplishments. It was a blessing to know him. I will keep his family in my prayers. Dale Caldwel Hopkins ’78
Mr. Erich was my first Hopkins math teacher in the 7th grade, kind, thoughtful, forgiving. Though he clearly was much more than Hopkins, no one person has embodied the Hopkins spirit throughout a lifetime more than he. My sincere condolences to his family and friends, and the Hopkins community.
My condolences to Pam, Sue and Randy, the world has lost a gentleMAN.
My condolences to the Erich family. After reading this month’s .View. just Tuesday, I responded by mentioning several teachers Mr. Kneisel left out of his speech, including Mr. Erich. Riding to swim meets in his VW Bus and getting swim lessons and life lessons made Mr. Erich a very memorable mentor. I had the privilege of managing some great swim teams that he coached in the 60’s and he was certainly a warm, caring and decent teacher, coach and gentleman. Howard Felix, HGS ’68
My memories of Bud Erich go way back to many summers attending his camp in East Haven, and then beyond that as a student at Hopkins. I didn’t see him often after graduating in 1965, but all of us who knew him will remember him fondly as a teacher, coach, mentor and friend. My condolences to his family. May he rest in peace. Tom Delaney Hopkins ’65
My memories of school are full of Mr. Erich and they all bring smiles. He touched so many lives and left the world a better place. No one could hope to do more. I hope Bud’s family can take comfort in knowing that he will live on in our hearts.
My sincere and heart felt condolences to the extended Erich Family. Bud Erich left a towering legacy at Hopkins. He taught life lessons in integrity, perseverance and character to many, many young men and .hopeful youths.. He stood for all that is good about people, especially hard work and honesty. On the football field, he so completely believed in us boys that we probably played better than we had any right to. A great man, and wonderful teacher. He will certainly be missed by all who he touched…but also remembered oh so sweetly. God bless Bud Erich.
My sincere condolences…Mr. Erich was one of my heroes. I was lucky enough to serve as captain of The Hopkins Swimming Team under his watch as coach…He taught me life lessons about perseverance, courage and belief in the self, that I truly still carry with me today, every day…….Marcus Giamatti Hopkins ’80
My sincerest condolences. Even though I never had Mr. Erich as a teacher or coach, he somehow knew me and countless others who were not in his classes or on his team. Some of my fondest memories of Hopkins are of him, his always smiling face and his inspiring words. He taught us all lessons that will stay with us forever. I will hold those lessons and memories close. Thanks, Mr. Erich.
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Jerry Barber, Hopklins 1981
My Warmest Sympathy to Randy, June, and the Erich Family, I played on Bud’s first football team and he was my academic advisor in my senior year. There was never a doubt in my mind that he played a major role in my getting accepted to Trinity College. In my office, I have a large picture taken during the mid-50s of Bud, Ed Brown, and Ken Paul laughing during a light moment at Bud’s camp. I regularly thank God that they were part of my life. With deepest respect and love, Joe and Bev Sgro
Pam, Sue, & Randy: The loss of a parent is always a sad occasion. My sympathy is extended to you and your loved ones. Bud was one of my favorite teachers at Hopkins (1949-1955). I also enjoyed several wonderful summer vacations at Erich Day Camp, so I remember you as well. Best wishes, Jim Kidney
Pam, Susie, and Randy, I still remember the day my parents informed me, while returning from a joyous weekend day at Kelsey Island with the Erich, Brown, Paul families communing, that .Uncle Bud. and .Uncle Ed. were not really my uncles – I was devastated. Under their constant care and encouragement, through my formative years, I came to realize they were more like a second and third loving fathers. How lucky I was! My life was defined and forged by loving inspiring mentors, like Bud and Ed, and the other great Hopkins faculty members. Thanks, Bud, for caring so much for me and countless others. I try to .pass on. your good ways everyday, just as you did. God, rest your soul! Ken Paul, Jr
Pam,Suzanne and Randy and families, Your father was a wonderful man. I hadn’t seen him a long time and yet Chuck, Kris and Brandon all called to tell me about your loss. They knew I would want to know. He will be missed by many. Janet Norback
Randy, I am very sorry to hear of your father’s passing. I know the past few years have not been easy for you, with the constant trips to Florida and the vagaries of age that beset your father. He was a great man and I have many great memories of him from those fine pools at the Boy’s Club and YWCA to the slopes at Mt. Snow. I will miss him. My thoughts are with you Randy. I hope to see you soon. Charlie McClure
Thanks for being at Hopkins when I was there in ’44-’47.
There are few people in this world who combine the humor, wisdom and good sense of Bud Erich. He has had a profound influence on generations of young people who often call upon memories of our moments with him in a classroom or on an athletic field. As one whose life was changed by his single act of brave support, I know that his legacy will continue to be felt through others. God bless him and his family.
To Randy, June and the Erich Family: I was very sorry to receive the email from the Hopkins Alumni News. I admired and respected Bud as a teacher, a coach, a counselor and, most of all, as a person. I have many fond memories of my time with him and Ed Brown at Hopkins and at Erich Day Camp so many years ago. My sincere condolences to all of you.
To the Erich family with much heart-felt sympathy: As a new teacher at Hopkins, Bud significantly influenced my life, as he did the lives of so many other faculty members and students. I would like to mention three ways he touched my life in particular. First, he was always so friendly, always so glad to see me; he made me feel special by the interest he took in my life. I continue to keep this lesson in mind as I teach and coach students on a daily basis at Hopkins. Secondly, he was responsible for getting me involved in the Cross Country program. I was reluctant because I had never done any running, but somehow Bud had great confidence in my potential as a runner and coach, and before I knew it, the Headmaster, Allen Sherk, was congratulating me as the new Cross Country coach! It proved to be a wonderful, life-changing experience for me, and I continued to run and jog for 35 years! This has been another carry-over lesson for me – the importance of believing in students and how it can affect the course of their life. Finally, when my first child, Clayton III (Hopkins, 2005), was born, Bud took me aside to congratulate me and to give me some advice, which I can still .hear. in my mind. .Clayt, I love my job at Hopkins, but I regret that I probably spent more time with other people’s children than my own children. Don’t you do that! Spend a lot of time with your children!. Over the last 20 years, I have passed on Bud’s words of wisdom to the parents of my advisees on Parent’s Night at Hopkins. Only my own three children can judge how well I have personally followed Bud’s advice. My only regret is that my children did not have the wonderful opportunity to have Bud as a teacher and coach. I am sad that Bud Erich is no longer with us, but I am grateful to God that He used Bud to influence my life and the lives of countless other individuals. My prayer is that you would experience God’s goodness, comfort,and mercy. .For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You.. Psalm 86:5
To the family of Bud Erich, Our tears and heartfelt prayers are before our God of all comfort. We realize that we are but two of a great multitude to whom Bud’s life has meant so much. From the moment I met Bud in the Winter of 1966 in front of Lovell Hall, my walk under his passionate tutelage became as a son with his father. He brought me words of wisdom with encouragement even under the most trying circumstances. My wife Lynda and I are honored to have known Bud and his beloved wife Lois as our dear friends. During my 20 years at Hopkins we were privileged to share in the joy of Bud’s family. Bud is one of but a few to whom it can be said, he lived to the benefit of all who knew him. With sympathy and endearment, Ralph and Lynda Kirchhofer
We both were very fond of Buddy, and will miss his presence at Mansfield Grove immensley, especially his continual warm and friendly smile. In this time of sadness, Millie and I send our deepest condolences, and pray that all of the Erich family will find comfort with the memories of Buddy. God bless, and be well
We have all lost a very dear friend, a friend who shall always be remembered by all who knew him. He leaves an indellible memory upon all of us. Bud was a gentle man in every meaning of those words.
We should all celebrate Mr Erich.s wonderful life . He touched so many people and influenced so many lives in such a positive way(including mine) I will always cherish my time at Hopkins and Erich Day Camp but mostly the great his great enthusiasm and positive attitude and support he provided to so many.
We’re so saddened to learn of Bud’s passing. I know he’d been sick for quite a while. Know that we’re thinking of you and praying for you. Sue and Ed Kelsey (Kelsey Boat Yard)
When I saw my e-mail, my heart sank. I thought, ‘Oh no, not Bud.’ Truly, he was a class act. Heaven blessed us all with his presence. Always a kind word, a smile, a funny story. Only a frown when he knew you were not living up to your potential. I had him as a Football coach in the mid seventies, and although never my teacher, he was a teacher of life. I would marvel at his swimming across the New Haven Harbor, and it made me realize that any of us has that ability to succeed, and he was the mentor. He reminded me greatly of my own father Tom, now gone for over twenty years. We all share in your grief, and I am so sorry for your loss. God Bless You and Mr. Erich Our Prayers are with you Fondly,
When i saw the e-mail I felt a sudden sadness. Bud Erich was a great coach and a wondefull person. He influenced my life in many ways. Dave Tenner ’72
With his smile, Bud had an immediate warmth that made everyone around him feel special. He brought out the best in people. I am thankful to have known him during my time at Hopkins and wish all his family comfort during this sad time.
With sincerety and a sense of humor Bud made students feel appreciated and respected. His memory,like Eddie’s, is embraced by an entire community.
You were many things to many people and you never disappointed. I count myself one of the luckiest people in the world for having known you and truely blessed to be able to call you my Pop. I Love You Pal.
I will try to be brief. I was introduced to Bud by my Uncle, Dr Sam Silverberg, back in the fifties and I attended Erich Day Camp for many consecutive summers. I became a good swimmer under his leadership. I still remember his voice and his fish tales of Block Island’s huge Blackfish. At age 16 I accepted a gratis responsibility of fishing counselor and managed the bamboo pole tackle shed between the chow hall and Eddy Brown’s cabin. That was the year that I became infactuated with one of the Erich daughters. She never knew that. That summer was the last time I saw anyone from Erich Day Camp. Memories of that Camp and Bud are forever cherished by me.