PADI co-founder died.

[captain]

Just received this message from Sam Miller.

"PADI co-founder and pioneer diving instructor Ralph Erickson, (1922-2006, has gone to the big reef in the sky. He was 84 years old.

He was a dear life long diving friend who will be missed.

I accompanied him on his very first dive in the Pacific ocean off Anacapa Island in 1962. The dive trip is recalled with found memories. Ralph introduced me to, and we dove the then new and very radical Demone regulators. This diving trip established a life long friendship cemented by the love of recreational diving.

In our last exchange of correspondence Ralph had retired from teaching/coaching in the Chicago area and was living in Texas where he had been occupying his time by teaching a Dive Historian course.

The "Old Bear" was certainly one of a kind and will be missed"

Sam Miller

 

[Doc]

Ralph changed the dive world, no doubt.

Cool guy.

He signed my C Card in ink.

 

[boulderjohn]

So sorry to see him go.

 

[Divernate5150]

My regards

 

[The Chairman]

Wow... what a landmark that has passed from us.

 

[Sasquatch]

His influence will be felt for years and years.

RIP

 

[ScubaDivaDivemaster]

He will be missed.

 

[Jeff Toorish]

Condolances to his family.

Jeff

 

[Michael Schlink]

I can't say that I knew him, but my older brother did and had some great stories. He always spoke highly of him. He did alot more for diving than many will ever know. RIP

 

[drbill]

Always sad to see a fellow (or lady) diver head to the big reef in the sky. However, he lived a long and productive life with, I'm sure, much joy.