Collins Mathew Erickson
Ingomar, MT – Collins M. Erickson, 52, of Ingomar passed away Sunday, January 12, 2014 in the company of his family at the Cedar Wood Villa Care Facility in Red Lodge. Collins’ body finally wore out after over 47 years of fighting his mobility and physical capabilities following a horse riding accident when he was five, but he held on long enough for his family to arrive to say goodbye.
Collins was born on August 16, 1961 in Forsyth, MT to Erik and Patti Erickson of Ingomar in east-central Montana, the second of their four children. He hit the ground running and quickly developed an adventuresome and “don’t say no” attitude that challenged those around him. Following his accident when he was five and months of hospital care, Collins began a long journey of therapy and education at various facilities and schools in the region. During time spent in Billings, Forsyth, and Jamestown, N.D., Collins shared his life with 17 foster families with time on the Erickson Land & Livestock ranch in between.
After his 18th birthday Collins had had enough of being away from his family and home and came back to the ranch and the care of his parents. He participated in most ranch activities and mastered driving golf carts where they weren’t meant to go and wearing many out before finding his Mule (Kawasaki) that met his challenge and kept him mobile for many years. He also worked to obtain his driver’s license which broadened his adventures around northern Rosebud County and many trips to visit his friends in Melstone. When the Ericksons moved from the Ranch in 1987 Collins became the fixture in Ingomar as much as the famed Jersey Lilly. He also spent as much time as he could riding shotgun for Erik and Erickson Trucking around southeast Montana.
Finally in 2002 Erik and Patti were unable to provide the care that Collins needed so he began time in care facilities in Forsyth and Boulder, MT before moving to Red Lodge in 2006. Collins care was challenging at times but he developed many lasting friends at those facilities that carried to the end.
Collins was preceeded in death by his father Erik in 2008, and is survived by his mother Patti; brothers Mark (Kim) and Alan (Jane); sister Marni Talkington (Todd); nieces and nephews Justin, Britnee, Jamie, Andrew, Desiree, Steven, Julissa, Janice, Erik, Shea, Hayden, and Peri. We would also recognize those care providers at the Montana Development Center in Boulder, and the White Group Home and Cedar Wood Villa in Red Lodge, as well as the many friends that made the effort for Collins to live as normal of life as possible.
Private Family Burial will take place in April. A gathering at the Jersey Lilly in Ingomar will be held on April 12, 2014 at 2:00 PM. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth is assisting the family with these arrangements and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com
Memorials may be given in memory of Collins to the Tri-City Rec Club in Ingomar or a charity of their choice.
Mike and Karen Stroh says
Mike and Karen Stroh,
Patti and Family, We cannot express our sorrow enough for you and the family.
We are so sorry for your loss. Praying for God’s peace, and comfort at this difficult time for you.
Please know that you are all in my prayers and thoughts.
Our sincere sympathies go out to all of you.
Karen Kautzman says
Patti and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I often think about the many times I walked outside the nusing home beside Collins looking at the stars. He loved that night sky and I enjoyed the time with him. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Ron & Teddy Robertson says
Dear Patti and Family,
There are just no words to wrap your mind around the loss of a child. There’s never been a time that we didn’t think of Collins whenever we stopped at the Lilly. He really was part of the fabric that was Ingomar. May God bless and keep you in His loving arms.
Connie Brown says
Patty,
Sorry for your loss, you are in my thoughts and prayers; may God give you the strength as you endure once again a difficult time in your life.
Penny Teeters says
Patti:
My thoughts and prayers are with you and all the rest of your family at this very sad and difficult time.
Cathy Byron says
Patti –
We watched Collins from elementary to adulthood – from small wheelchairs to his wonderful golf cart. He held a special place in the heart of all who knew him. And Patti, you and Erik were wonderful role models of parents dedicated to advocating for a child’s well-being. You taught us all a lesson in commitment, love and endurance. Know that you do not walk this road alone. Many of us are a phone call away – and while we wait to help in any way we can, we are knocking on heaven’s door asking that your heart be filled with His Peace. We ask knowing that it will be given …
Cathy & Pat Murnion says
Patti,
Our deepest sympathy for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Linda Jackson says
Mrs. Patti I’m so sorry to hear about Collins. He was a wonderfull man. Very determined to do what he wanted to do. I will always admire his strength to do what he wanted and not just let someone else tell him what to do. I enjoyed the years he was in our facility here in Forsyth. With deepest sympathy.
J Johnson says
My sincere condolences to the family of Collins M. Erickson – May you find comfort in your loving memories, great pictures and in recalling the many talents of Mr. Erickson. It was not God’s purpose that mankind suffer and die and God has promised that a time will come when no one will say “I am sick” (Isaiah 33:24). The Bible promises a resurrection of dear family members and friends that we have lost (John 5:28, 29). The Paradise that was originally promised for the earth in the Garden of Eden will be fulfilled and cause God’s “will to be done as in Heaven also upon Earth” (Matthew 6:9, 10). I hope you are comforted by Bible promises of a hopeful future (John 17:3).
Julie LaBree says
Patti, Mark, Alan, Marni and families,
Thinking of you all. Collins is whole again and I like to think he and Eric are keeping each other company. I always admired how well you took care of him-even though he was difficult at times. He couldn’t have been born to a better family! I enjoyed watching him and Dad goof around too. May you all find comfort in your stories and memories.
I know I speak for Dad too when I say-With heartfelt sympathy,
Julie
Judy Fleming says
Patti.
I was so sorry to hear about Collin. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Shelley Kent Garrett says
Praying that God give you and your family a big hug to comfort you in your loss. I had many great memories of Collins. He was the main source of childhood entertainment in Ingomar, since he had ‘wheels’ before most of us! One time we ventured off in the go-cart to travel to Jordan MT and probably went much farther than the parents would have cared for before turning around to head back home. smile
Blessings to you all.
Clen and Barbara Kent says
Sorry to hear of your loss. We have many memories of Collins and his golfcart traveling all over Ingomar. Our son Derek was often his companion and occasionally we’d have to put a search on to find those boys. Our love and prayers for you all.
Cherie Kent Patton says
Dear Patti, Mark, Alan, Marni and families,
I still remember the exact moment when I heard about the accident with Collins. I would have been nine and it stands out in my memory as vividly as other significant events like when JFK was assassinated and 9/11. I remember the heart break I felt for all involved and now I grieve with you all for him again. I remember him before the accident and how energetic and full of “spit and vinegar” he was. I always enjoyed visiting with him and still remember that smile and how patiently he would visit with me. He really was always so sweet to me. I pray the Lord is near as you walk through this time of sorrow.
MIke & Lynn Blakesley says
Patti & family,
We were sorry to hear of Collins’ passing. I always thought it was so cool that his “can-do” attitude stayed with him even after his accident, when lots of people would have just given up. He was an inspiration. I’m sure he is enjoying a happy reunion with his dad (and I’ll bet my dad is nearby keeping them company as well).
Marlene Newman Rule says
Johnna told me about Collins’ passing today. Wish I could be in Ingomar for the gathering. Just know I am thinking of you, Patti, Mark, Alan and Marni and all the family. Collins always had a smile for me and definitely enjoyed the “Lilly” especially during the rodeo. God Bless.
Dottie and Dale Nansel says
To all of you who worked so hard , so lovingly , and so expertly to give Collins the very best quality of life possible … be assured that he is in a “better place” now .
Jack & Sandi Van Pelt says
Patti and family,
We are sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.