passed away peacefully on Monday, February 9th in the early afternoon at Glacier View Lodge. He was the 3rd son of first generation immigrants, Fred and Emelia Erickson. He was born on June 11th 1940 in Comox, living all his life in Merville, content on the same land his parents owned and raised their three boys.
Dad leaves behind his eldest son Murray, who has been devoted to his care and well being, the very qualities that Dad showed to his parents; his second son Ricky, who he forever worried about and loved unconditionally; his only daughter Tami and her adoring husband John, knowing they had each other filled his heart with contentment. Andrea, the true love of his life that gave him his family who he loved so much. Grandson Adam and granddaughter Quinn (Murray & Carol) and grandson Jakob (Tami & John). Dad was very proud of his grandchildren. He spoke of them often to friends and acquaintances. David Erickson (brother), Mitchell Erickson (nephew), Marty, Trevor (nephew), Glenda, Margaret Erickson (sister in-law), Carol Gairns (niece), son Erik & family, daughter Courtenay, Susan Erickson (niece), Steve, daughter Jennika, Robert Erickson (nephew), Heather.
In Sweden and Finland he leaves many aunts, uncles, cousins and relatives he had only met a few times or never. Because his parents were immigrants, he never had any extended family in Canada until he and his brothers married and had children. The community of Merville became his family as there were many in the same situation. He is predeceased by his maternal grandmother Selma Aronoja, his parents Fred and Emelia Erickson, brother Harry Erickson, his daughter in-law Carol Erickson nee McPhee and sister-in-law Sondra Erickson.
So many friends he shall miss. His crib group he loved to play with, the friend from Nanaimo we never met. We only heard how kind he was with encouraging phone calls to Dad, thank you. The many friends from Merville now and years ago in the good times, his car pool to the mill, the many friends and co-workers from Elk Falls that would stop to visit with him, the Merville neighbor that watched over him and kept his wood pile going, the Merville strong man that would come and pick him up when he fell and his wife that made perogies, his Mexico residing drinking buddy and the best bread making lady that moved into Courtenay. There are so many of you I am sure we have missed but please know we are as thankful for you being part of his life as you are thankful to have known him.
Our heart is full of thanks to the staff of Glacier View Lodge for the caring and comfort they gave to Dad. He felt at home only because you made him feel that way and allowed him the dignity of his days. Also to the staff at St. Joseph’s Hospital for the nursing and the laughter you encouraged. To Dr. Reggler and the years of service to his most loyal patient. He never gave up on you nor you on him.
Dad was a people person. He always had a joke to tell or a fat wallet with a printed joke inside to give away. He especially liked to give newlyweds his famous nuff nuff joke. Always having someone around to talk with made him happiest. He could talk to anyone about anything, confident that people wouldn't disappoint him and join him in conversation and amazingly they usually did. In fact they were quite delighted to converse, it often made their day, wondering, “Who was that man?" “That was our Dad, Frank Erickson"
Flowers gratefully declined. We ask you to donate to the Canadian Diabetes Association, Dad suffered from diabetes for over 50 years or the Make a Wish Foundation. Dad loved children and to see them happy.
Private cremation arrangements.