Evan Erickson

DR. EVAN ("Bill") DEHLIN ERICKSON was born on January 4, 1919 in Raymond, Alberta to Alif Dehlin Erickson and Ruby Stevens. He passed away peacefully on April 4, 2009 at the age of 90 years. Bill's family moved to Stirling when he was 8 years old and he completed his schooling there. After high school, he attended Brigham Young University for a year and then in 1941 he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force. He served as a navigator in the Air Force for 4 years. He married Hazel Maxine Spackman on July 29, 1943 in the Cardston Alberta Temple. In 1946 he commenced dental school at the University of Alberta and graduated in 1951. During university, he played basketball as team captain for the U of A Golden Bears and had a life long love for the game. After graduation they moved to Lethbridge and "Doc Erickson" opened a dental practice. He later became the Dental Officer of Health for the Barons-Eureka-Warner Health Unit and retired in 1984. Together Bill and Hazel raised 3 sons and 5 daughters. He was a devoted, loving and attentive husband and a kind and patient father. He was an avid gardener and especially loved growing roses and gladiolas for Hazel. He loved to go boating and waterskiing with his family. He enjoyed cross-stitch and petit point and could figure out how to repair just about anything. He was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served diligently in many callings. He was a well-loved Scoutmaster and influenced the lives of many young men. He also loved good music and was involved in singing and leading many musical choruses and productions. From 1988 to 1990, Bill and Hazel served a mission to the Johannesburg South Africa Temple. After returning home they served in the Cardston Alberta Temple Presidency for 3 years. Bill lived a rich and full life. He was an influence for good and had many great friends and associates. He had a keen sense of humour and was generous, honourable and loving. His greatest love was his family and he will be greatly missed by them and all those who knew him. Bill was predeceased by his wife Hazel, parents Lief and Ruby Erickson, brother Richard Erickson, daughter Jennifer Cranfield, son Patrick Erickson and grand-daughters Jessica and Nicole Pitcher. He is survived by son-in-law Timothy Cranfield, daughter Louise (James) Cook, daughter-in-law Margaret Erickson, daughter Carol (Robert) Sherwood, daughter Barbara (Scott) Oliver, son Timothy Erickson, son Scott (Susan) Erickson, daughter Janele (Grant) Pitcher, 27 grandchildren and 13 great grand-children. The family expresses their thanks to Dr. C. Stewart, Dr. M. Wong and the staff of St. Michael's Palliative Care Unit and Lethbridge Renal Clinic. At Bill's request, donations may be made to the Perpetual Education Fund in care of Bishop Richard Hill, in lieu of flowers. Friends may meet the family on Wednesday, April 8, 2009 from 7 to 8 pm at Generations Funeral Home, 703 - 13 Street North, Lethbridge or prior to the service at the church from 10 to 10:45 am. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, April 9, 2009 at 11:00 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Lethbridge East Stake Center, 4105 Forestry Avenue South with Bishop Richard Hill officiating. Interment to follow in the Stirling Cemetery.

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