COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Richard “Dick” Carl Erickson passed away March 10, 2011, after a valiant fight against cancer. He spent the last few hours of his life surrounded by his loving family.
For the last six years he worked building bicycles for WalMart, Colorado Springs, Colo. As an extraordinary gesture by the WalMart store management and a testimony to his work ethic and character, the store will place a memorial tile in the floor adjacent to the bike rack in his honor. He had moved to Colorado 11 years ago, as part of a move by all of his children to relocate to one area to be together as a family. He found the mild winters, amazing scenery and activities a well-deserved reward. Richard had retired Feb. 29, 1996, after a 38 year career as a district manager of circulation for the Aroostook Republican and the Bangor Daily News in the county. He received numerous awards for his service. He spent countless hours working with youth in the community, making them “sunrisers,” including all five of his children. He also interacted with many business owners and families, and could always be counted on to ensure the morning paper was delivered. In November he could always be found with an orange coat and rifle nearby as he looked forward to the quest for deer. In 1977 he was inducted into the Biggest Bucks in Maine Club. During the winter months he could be found doing activities that he enjoyed and took pride in. Snowmobiling and ice fishing with his family and friends was always at the top of the list, and when weather called he could be found plowing driveways around the Caribou area. Richard was also proud of his Scandinavian heritage and was a member of Gustaf Adolph Lutheran Church, New Sweden. He had an amazing and rich history of skills and talents that he learned while growing up and living in the New Sweden and Caribou area. This balanced combination of abilities allowed him to build his own house and camp from the foundation up, and smaller projects like tree houses, toy boxes, shelves and anything his family asked him to build. He was resourceful, creative and always added his special touch. Richard recently enjoyed showing off his father’s antique John Deere tractor throughout Colorado, including the National Western Stock Show Parade through the financial district in downtown Denver. The last parade was March 12, 2011, when he was escorted by the tractor from the memorial service in Colorado Springs, Colo., which was attended by his family, friends and co-workers. Richard had many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who he spent countless hours with, sharing his gentle and giving self. Richard was well respected for his humility, temperament and integrity by his family, friends and co-workers. Many people, regardless if they knew him for five years or 50, have referred to him as a true gentleman, who always did what was right, even when that path was more difficult.
Richard was predeceased by his parents, Oscar and Bertha Erickson; his brothers, William and Frederick; and his sister, Shirley. Richard is survived by his wife, Janet; his two daughters, Vicky Duffy and Stasia Erickson of Colorado Springs, Colo.; his three sons, Scott Erickson and wife, Jamie, of Montana, Dean Erickson and wife, Susan, of Fort Collins, Colo., and Troy Erickson of Idaho Springs, Colo.; seven grandchildren, Rebecca Campbell, Heather Wingfield, Ian Erickson, Jennifer Erickson, Haley Erickson, Kelsey Erickson and Hannah Erickson; great-grandchildren, Kristofer Wingfield, Jacob Wingfield, Lincoln Wingfield, Mackenzie Stultz, Chloe Campbell and Cash Campbell; his brother, Oscar Erickson Jr. of Caribou; and his sisters, Irene Patrick of Woodland, Janet Erickson of New Sweden and Patsy Bechtel of Caribou. He will also be fondly remembered by several nephews, nieces and cousins.
A memorial service will take place at a later date in New Sweden. Donations may be made in Richard’s name to New Sweden Historical Society, 116 Station Road, New Sweden, ME 04762.