It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Frederick Erickson on Thursday, June 23rd, after a brief battle with cancer. He was pre deceased by his infant son, Carl Frederick, parents Arnold and Elsa, and son-in-law Garry Romas.
Fred is survived by his wife of 59 years, Muriel, and daughters Christine Romas, Elaine (Dwight) Elmer and Kisa/Karen (Paran) Singam, grandchildren Stacy (Phil) Northey, Mindy (Gary) Mitchell, Kisa Elmer and Scott Elmer as well as great grandchildren Adria and Seth Northey. He is also survived by brother Larry (Kate), Gordon (Siga) and sister Elaine Anderson (Ron), Aunt Esther (Don) McGugan as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and in laws throughout Canada.
Dad was born in Kirkland Lake, ON, but spent the first several years of his life in a farmhouse in Bourkes, ON. He loved to tell us kids about the many obstacles he faced getting to the one room school house in town so we would appreciate how easy our lives were in comparison and be grateful. The family moved back into Kirkland Lake where Dad completed his Grade 13 with Honours. During that period, Dad’s sister brought home her friend Muriel, and Dad was smitten. Shortly after graduation, they were married and spent the rest of their lives together. Dad started his career with Bell Canada, and also began going to University part time. Work transfers and the births of his children got in the way of a degree, but Dad was happy to focus instead on raising his family and his work with Bell Canada.
In 1967, following moves to North Bay and Montreal, Dad was transferred to Dryden. It was the beginning of a life filled with outdoor adventures, many of them with our close family friends, the Etsells. In the summer, we spent our time fishing, going for rides and picnics, blueberry picking, farming, riding our horses and exploring the beautiful countryside around Dryden. Dad’s insatiable curiosity led us down many roads, some of which Mom was sure we would not return from. In the winter, ice fishing and snowmobiling kept us busy. Dad was also very musical. He played several instruments while in a high school band, and for many years after in our house on St. Charles Street.
Throughout the years, he dedicated many hours to helping others in need. Mom was surprised on more than one occasion with a stray, four legged addition to our family. Dad volunteered for Heart and Stroke, Red Cross and Meals on Wheels among other charities. He also supported several people during their struggles to overcome addiction through Alcoholics Anonymous.
Dad’s love of nature, especially trees, rock collecting and bird watching will be kept alive by his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. There are many ex pat rocks from NWO now residing in various locations out west. He taught us all so many things that we will be forever grateful for. Although our hearts are heavy and we miss him dearly, we find solace that Dad is no longer suffering, and God has gained an exceptional angel in heaven. Rest in peace, Dad. Love, your family.
The family would like to thank Dr. Viherjoki and the nurses at DRHC for the excellent care and compassion they provided for Dad during his stay at the hospital.
Service will be at the Dryden Community Funeral Home on Saturday, July 9th at 11:00 AM. Interment to follow at noon, and lunch will be served at the United Church at 1:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Dryden Regional Health Centre equipment fund or the Oncology program through the Dryden Community Funeral Home, 249 Grand Trunk Avenue, Dryden, ON, P8N 2X3.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to dcfh@drytel.net subject heading: Erickson
