Carlton “Bud” Ericksen, BHS 1934

Bothell Business Owner & Proponent of Local Businesses, 

Respected Bothell Civic & Community Activist


Carlton “Bud” Ericksen was dedicated to serving the Northshore community and a champion of local businesses. Ericksen played football for UW from 1934-38 and a year with the Washington Redskins. From his football days, he learned the importance of teamwork, leadership and always giving your best. In both his personal and professional lives, he endeavored to help others as a

friend and mentor. Ericksen owned and operated a car dealership in Bothell. As a businessman, he was involved in the workings of Bothell. Ericksen was a city councilman, mayor from 1969 to 1973, president of the Chamber of Commerce, president of the Sons of Norway, a member of the Bothell Historical Society, active in the Lions Club, on the site committee for Evergreen Health,

Executive Director of the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce, and a member and president of Washington State Good Roads Association. He devoted a great amount of his energy, time and talent to each of these endeavors. Along with friend Vern Keener, Ericksen started a men's luncheon group that has been meeting monthly for the past 50 years. He was a lifelong member of his church where he sang in the choir. In his eighties he would cheerfully welcome visitors to the Bothell Historical Museum as a docent. Ericksen strongly believed in the importance of a good education and often volunteered his time with students at the high school, offering support and encouragement. At the age of 91 he spoke at the Bothell Alumni Career Day and encouraged students to work hard and accomplish their goals. His faithfulness to the entire Northshore community was always unwavering. Ericksen passed away in April 2008. He truly was, as they used to call him, “Bothell Boy Bud!”