Preston “Pat” Erlick, 97 years old, of Phoenix, Arizona passed away on October 16, 2020.
Pat was deeply loved by his family throughout his life. He was a strong and driven man, determined to provide for his family and give them the life he felt they deserved. Pat’s devoted family meant the world to him. He was a pillar of support and love right up until his final days, when he finally relied on them.
Pat was born on June 29, 1923 to Sarah & Louis Erlick in Portland, Maine. After graduating in 1940 from Portland High School he went on to get his Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering (BSME), from the University of Maine; and his Master of Science Degree in Engineering, from Purdue University.
After graduation he landed his first job in 1944 at Grumman (now Northrop-Grumman), as an Aircraft Flight Test Engineer. In his storied 45-year career, he managed to work for 13 different aerospace companies, as an aerospace engineer and manager. His proudest career endeavor was his contribution to the Apollo Space Program in the early 1960’s. Notably, he was the Project Manager for The Mechanical Man (capsule automation) Proposal and Assistant Project Manager of the Automatic Check-out Equipment (ACE) for the Apollo Command Module (CM). Following that, he was inducted into the U.S. Space Worker Hall of Honor (read details in the link).
In 1950, he met his first wife, Phyllis Coling and they had a son, Lance, in 1951. That marriage ended 10 years later.
In 1963, while working in Belgium, Pat met the woman he would stay married to for his final 57 years, Pauline Martin. They wed that same year and went on to have Katherine, Robert and James.
Pat was very proud of his children (Lance, Kathy, Rob and James); and cared deeply for his adoring wife, Pauline. He persistently ensured that his children were educated and successful, and he considered this of paramount importance. None disappointed and he was proud of all his children.
Pat was passionate about travel, an interest he shared with Pauline. This was important to him and he did it for most of his life. He lived many places around the world. Most notably was his time in Belgium for work. Another favorite time for Pat to recall was when he moved the family to the Outback of Australia, also for work. He recapped these events in his life frequently with many fond memories!
Anyone who knew Pat knew him as a loving father, husband and sibling. His stories were vast and engaging as others would always say how they loved to listen to them. Pat was predeceased by his siblings, Milton, Ruth and Annette. He is survived by his wife Pauline, daughter Kathy, sons Lance, Rob and James, grandchildren David, Jason, Anna and Sarah; great grandchildren, Colton, Brooke and Ashlyn; and Pat’s brothers Howard and Dwight.
The family requests that instead of flowers, please donate to the U.S. Space Worker Hall of Honor in the name of Preston Erlick, details for donating are at the top right corner of the page.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2020 at 11:00 A.M. at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix. For those who are unable to attend, this service will be live streamed and can be viewed at https://www.facebook.com/WhitneyMurphyFH/live/ . Condolences and Hugs from Home may be expressed on Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home’s website.
chris
Preston was a brilliant man who had a very long life and will be missed by everyone who knew him or knew about him. He lived a happy life, and was a great father and friend and a loving husband. As a father he inspired his children and inspired his collegues to succeed in everything they do.
Good Bless,
Joe Garcia
I am so sorry for the loss of Pops he was like a dad to me and you all treated me like family. I will miss seeing his smiling face and hearing his stories of life. He was such a great man and will truly be missed by all. My thought and prayers are with you all. Sending you love and hugs.
Myrna
Adieu, dear friend of ours, your departure hurts us much. In life we shared many hours, of fun and happiness. But life is an unknown adventure, bringing us often unexpected events. Presenting us with challenges that needed to be addressed. You weathered the up and downs of life with grace and tenacity. Now with your family at your side, you have entered the path of eternity. RIP, with love, George and Myrna.
George and Marly Jones
Our deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Erlick. We had the pleasure of spending some time together and enjoyed very much his company and that of his family.
Stephanie Jackson
I’m so honored that I got to know Preston during the last year of his life – he was an amazing man and his legacy will live on through his incredible wife, children and grandchildren!
Sarah
I have many fond memories of time spent with Uncle Preston… from visits to CA as a kid to discussion groups at the senior center earlier this year. It always amazed me how sharp his mind and memory remained throughout the years. I’m very grateful my boys were able to get to know him and to have him be a part of our lives. The memories will be treasured forever.
Larry Serbin
Heartfelt sympathies and condolences for your family at this time. Robert’s dad, or “Mr. Erlick” is fondly remembered even back to our childhood. Robert told me the story one time how when he was in his in his late teens, he had developed the habit of waking up late. His dad came into his room late one morning and lamented , “The sun is up, but my son is not.” Always thinking of his family.