Erwin Ferris, longtime Pacific Palisades resident and avid Malibu High Sharks fan, died peacefully on Dec. 13. He was 91 years old.
Born in Iowa in 1918, Ferris survived the Depression working for the Civil Conservation Corps before World War II called him to service. He trained as a pilot, and eventually became a captain for TWA. On one of his early flights he met Joyce Costello, a recent Stanford graduate who was working as a flight attendant. She became the love of his life. They married in 1951, and raised six loving children: Mary, Kathleen, Barbara, Mona, Tim, and Diane, in Pacific Palisades.
“His life was one of commitment to his family, career and country,” Ferris’ family said in a written statement. “Material possessions and status held no interest for him. His life epitomized the Greatest Generation. Those who knew him well always enjoyed his easy smile, self-deprecating humor, and great sense of humility. He also loved Kobe and the Lakers.” Ferris is survived by his wife and children, eight grandchildren and a large group of friends.
A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Dec. 21 at Corpus Christi Church in Pacific Palisades.