Stacey Douglas Ericsson

In Loving Memory of Stacey Douglas Ericsson Stacey Douglas Ericsson was born in Goleta, California, on August 29, 1973, the beloved firstborn son of Catherine and Douglas Ericsson. On May 26, 2026, Stacey entered into eternal rest in Bakersfield, California, leaving behind a legacy of love, creativity, faith, and kindness that will continue to live in the hearts of all who knew him. From the very beginning, Stacey brought light into the world. His unmistakable dimples, warm smile, infectious laughter, and endless curiosity drew people to him wherever he went. Family, music, art, learning, friendship, humor, and faith were not merely interests to Stacey—they were the very threads woven into the fabric of his life. His life's journey carried him from Santa Barbara to Palo Alto, Sunnyvale, Los Angeles, and eventually Bakersfield. Along the way, his family grew to include three younger siblings whom he cherished deeply. The bond shared by Anna, Mark, Stephanie, and Stacey remained one of the great blessings of his life—a source of laughter, support, and unconditional love through every season. A lifelong learner, Stacey pursued his education at Homestead High School, De Anza College, UCLA—where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in History—and California State University, Bakersfield, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Stacey immersed himself in theater from childhood through adulthood, performing in church productions, children's theater, school dramas, college performances, and community theater. Music was one of his greatest passions. Whether playing guitar, piano, or drums, composing songs, directing performances, or exploring genres from jazz and rock to rap and pop, Stacey poured his heart into every note. His creativity became a love language. He wrote and performed songs to celebrate life's most meaningful moments—the birth of his children, family milestones, travels with loved ones, and cherished adventures. Whether performing with Warwick Place, creating as WordSpitter, or simply entertaining family and friends, Stacey shared his gifts freely and joyfully. His dream was to build a career as a singer, songwriter, composer, and performer. In 2003, a devastating automobile accident nearly claimed his life. Though the accident forever altered his path, it also opened the door to blessings he could never have imagined. After his recovery, a member of his rehabilitation team introduced Stacey to Kristin Marek. They married in 2008 and built a beautiful life together in Bakersfield. Their greatest joy was raising their four children—Zoe Catherine, Kai Samuel, Liam Jeffrey, and Mia Marie Louise—who were unquestionably the delight and pride of their life. They loved taking the kids to Hume Lake and Orcas Island for family reunions, swimming in the backyard pool, paddling, roasting s’mores, and embracing all the memories that summer and family bring. Stacey embraced the Christian faith at an early age, and throughout his life, his relationship with God continued to deepen and mature. He was a beloved and familiar figure in the Bakersfield Christian community, regularly participating in Sunday services, Bible studies, and weekend retreats. One of his absolute favorite memories was taking his sons on their first overnight camping retreat with the Influencers ministry in Tehachapi. Blessed with a deep gift for music, Stacey was often asked to lead and accompany worship with his guitar, frequently playing his own original songs to share his spiritual journey and connect with others. Committed to providing for his family, Stacey redirected his talents toward education. After years of serving as a substitute teacher throughout Kern County, he earned his teaching credential and began working as a full-time educator in the Delano Union High School District in 2008. He taught English and Social Sciences at Cesar Chavez High School for one year and then transferred to Robert F. Kennedy High School, where he taught Social Sciences and served as the Department Chair, Resource Leader, and WASC Focus Chair before spending the final nine years of his career as an Art Instructor. Teaching was more than a profession for Stacey—it was a calling. His passion for history, art, music, language, culture, and storytelling transformed his classroom into a place of inspiration. Students were drawn not only to his knowledge but to his authenticity, humor, creativity, and genuine care for their success. He was deeply respected and loved by students, colleagues, and administrators alike. Stacey was preceded in death by his mother, Catherine Ericsson; his grandparents, Bernard and Virginia Ericsson, and Owen and Betty Onsum; and his aunts, Dana Ericsson and Judy Fortenberry. He is lovingly survived by his wife, Kristin Ericsson; his beloved children, Zoe, Kai, Liam, and Mia Ericsson; his father, Doug (Brenda) Ericsson of Newark, California; his siblings, Anna Ericsson of San Jose, California, Mark (Ritsuko) Ericsson of Kurume, Japan, and Stephanie (David) Misson of San Jose, California; his nephews, Ryotaro, Eidai, Ledier, Luke, and Dan; and his nieces, Rio, Annabelle, Cailey, and MacKenzie. While our hearts ache with the loss of Stacey's earthly presence, we are comforted by the memories he leaves behind and the assurance that his faith has welcomed him into God’s Kingdom.

Stacey Douglas Ericsson

August 29, 1973 - May 26, 2026

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Stacey Douglas Ericsson

August 29, 1973 - May 26, 2026

365 Days of Grief Support

Explore

About Us

Grief & Healing

What We Do

Obituaries

Plan Ahead

Resources

Contact Info