In Loving Memory: Gary Erickson – Memento Funeral Chapel

Gary Wayne Erickson passed away in Edmonton, Alberta on May 18, 2025.

Gary was born in Loon Lake, Saskatchewan to Alice and Walter Erickson on November 6, 1942. Raised in Pierceland with his brother, Brian, he returned to the area to raise his own family alongside his wife, Carolynn. Married in 1971, they had six children, five of whom survive him.

After attending teacher’s college, he taught in Loon Lake, Saskatchewan before heading back to school to obtain an education degree at the University of Saskatchewan. He then taught in Bonnyville, Chauvin, and at the Beaver and Mackenzie schools on the air force base in Cold Lake. After retiring from teaching he worked in the oil field for many years and enjoyed learning new things and making new friends.

Active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served as Elders Quorum president, counsellor in the bishopric, and ward clerk, among other positions. Gary was generous and always willing to lend a hand, serving others in a quiet way, without seeking recognition.

Gary had a great love for sports and loved to participate and also watch. One of his great joys in later years was to watch his grandchildren participate in different activities. He was always a hockey fan but became a Blue Jays fan in the past decade and would pause most activities to watch a game.

Fishing was another of Gary’s interests and he was always willing to head out on an adventure. Even this past winter he was exploring northern Saskatchewan with his friends, Zane Pikowicz and Bryce Burgess. His family and friends all enjoyed time in the boat with Gary and he always indulged his children and grandchildren when they said “just five more casts” a few times each day before heading to shore in complete darkness.

He was a man of quiet strength and a true adventurer at heart. He had a deep appreciation for the roads less travelled, often choosing the scenic route—even if it meant the journey took a little longer. His adventurous spirit was matched by his gentle nature and unwavering kindness.

He is survived by his children: Allison Erickson, Marc (Crystal) Eriksson, Kjersti (Jason) Wytrykush, Svea (BJ) Pinch, and Lars (Trevor Snaychuk) Erickson. His grandchildren: Brittney (Dysin) Mayo, Connor Wytrykush, Tait Pinch, Ava Pinch, Kajsa Pinch, Henrik Eriksson, Jonas Wytrykush, Lise Eriksson, Maja Pinch, Sawyer Wytrykush, and 3 great-grandchildren: Henry, Eloise, and Isla Mayo. He is also survived by his brother: Brian (Debbie) Erickson.

His wife, Carolynn (Hatch) Erickson, son, Colin Erickson, and parents, Walter and Alice Erickson, preceded him in death.

A service to celebrate the life of Gary will be held at the Pierceland Community Hall in Pierceland, Sasktatchewan on May 24, 2025 at 1:00 p.m.

Donations in his memory can be made to Kidsport Cold Lake.