Gary Erickson, 68, of Laurel passed away at his home early Tuesday morning, June 30. He was born on August 22, 1946 in Havre, MT to David and Agnes Erickson of Saco.
Gary attended grades 1 thru 4 at Valleytown Country School and completed his schooling at Saco, graduating in 1964. He participated in football, basketball, baseball. He was known as WingWong, the class clown. Gary could bring a smile to anyone’s day with his great sense of humor and kind and caring ways.
After high school graduation, Gary spent a short time in California and Alaska, returning to Montana where he worked briefly for FLYNN Construction. He then went to work for COP Construction for 41 years until he retired in 2011.
Gary married Runa Keenan on May 2, 1970 and lived in Forsyth with their children, Chad and Tara. They were married for 9 years. Later on Gary married Nancy Walter on May 10, 1980, and they made their home in Laurel. With this union, came two children, Shandra and Shreece. They were later joined by Gary and Nancy’s two daughters, Amber and Jennifer. Gary and Nancy later divorced, but remained friends.
Gary was especially proud of his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed hunting fishing and camping. Gary was an avid supporter and fan of both the Denver Broncos and the University of Montana Grizzlies.
He is survived by his children: Chad (Khara) Erickson and their children Jourdan and Aleigh of .Frisco, TX, Tara Erickson (Judd Fitzgerald) and her son Garrett Beall, of Forsyth, MT, Amber Erickson (Shaun Lambrecht) and their children Harlow, River, Jaxon, and Aydan of Billings, MT, Jennifer (Matt) Shaw and their children Madison, Landry, Jasper, and Emery of Billings, MT, Shandra (Brad) Martin and their children Brittany, Tyler, Taylor, Landon, Braydon, and Parker of Billings, MT, and Shreece Knight and her children Tanner, Brooklyn, Lincoln, Owen, and Charlotte, of Northfield, MN; his parents David and Agnes Erickson of Saco; siblings Mike (Diane) Erickson, Lyle (Joyce) Erickson of Saco, Connie (Alan) Wasson of Whitewater, and Diane (Will) Eklund of Saco; numerous nieces and nephews, and special friend Bill Mayer.
Gary was preceded in death by his grandparents Ernest and Maud Erickson and Charles and Anne Kegel.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, July 6, 2015 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Laurel, MT.
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth is assisting the family with these arrangements. Condolences may be sent by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 am to 11:00 am
Monday July 6, 2015
Our Savior's Lutheran Church
707 W. 3rd St.
Laurel, MT 59044
Funeral Service
11:00 am
Monday July 6, 2015
Our Savior's Lutheran Church
707 W. 3rd St.
Laurel, MT 59044
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Arlene Corbin says
I am so saddened by the death of my dear cousin. I extend my deepest sympathy
Bill Mayer says
Gary and I were like brothers. So many memories. He will always be on my mind. I feel the loss as Gary’s family does.
Dixie Stordahl says
I extend our sympathy to the family of Gary, life long friends of our family. May you feel the arms of Jesus giving you strength at this sad time.
Cathy Donald says
So sorry to hear this news. He wasn’t very old but sounds like he had a wonderful fulfilling life. My heart goes out to you, your Mom and Dad and the rest of the family. I just lost my Mom in March so I am sharing your pain. They are just sleeping until Jehovah will wake them up to a better life here on earth. I really believe this and it’s what helps me cope with situations like this. I am sending my love and prayerful thoughts to all of you. Love you Diane.
Edy Scheele says
So sorry to hear of your loss our
thoughts and prayers are with you all
Patricia Erickson says
The Erickson relatives in California send their love and prayers to Gary’s family. He was loved by all of us who had great family time with him during brandings and hunting trips to The a North Country.
Carroll and Lanell Kaup says
Tara, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this most difficult time. May the wonderful memories help to bring you comfort in the days ahead.
Carol Moes says
Very sad to hear of cousin Gary’s passing. I am so thankful we were able to visit in January and get some great pictures. I will always remember his sense of humor and that “laugh” when he said something “funny”. There are no words to say that will ease your pain and sorrow…..Hold on to each other, share all your memories, he’ll always be with you. The photo you have chosen is so Gary…I can hear him laughing and that is what I chose to remember….Love and prayers to all during this very difficult time….Cousin Carol Erickson Moes
Joe l. Schneidt says
So sorry to hear of Gary’s passing, We had memorable times constructing bridges and related items on various projects throughout the State of Montana. Gary was one of the good guys.
Donna smith says
Tara,
so sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers.
donna n gooch
Kay and Rocky Berdahl says
Chad and Tara, and all Gary Family,
Sorry for your loss.
Justin Walsh says
Our deepest sympathies to your family. Gary was always welcome to talk and good for a laugh. Condolences go out to the entire family.
Kay Crosby Dooley says
Chad, Tera and Gary’s family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers as you grieve for your Dad. I have fond memories of Gary when I babysat for him and Runa. May the love of family and friends be a comfort to you.
Pat and Bob Corbin says
Tara and Judd. So sorry to hear about your dad. You are in our thought and prayers. Hold your memories close and know that you have loads of friends to help you through this tough time. So sorry for you loss.
Cindy Konecny says
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of Gary’s family. Gary was one of my favorite people, he was a joy to work with. He always had a smile and usually a joke to brighten the day.
Erin says
My kids and I have enjoyed being his neighbor for 10 years… we were saddened upon hearing the news of his passing. We always had a silent competition who could keep their yards the greenest. God bless him and his beautiful family. He truly loved his family at the end of the day.