SM 1, U.S. Navy, WW II.

(U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs).

Don Erickson Obituary

On May 18, 2006, Don passed over and far beyond the Great Divide, and entered his Heavenly home in the Abha' Kingdom. He was surrounded by his loved ones.

Don was born on Jan. 31, 1921, in Minneapolis, to Claus and Minnie (Gravon) Erickson. Ace was 85 years young or, as he would say, "58 years old."

Don enlisted in the Navy in October 1938 and proudly served his country and fought fiercely for our freedom until his honorable discharge in September 1945. On Jan. 1, 1943, he married his best friend, companion and wife of 53 years, Glennis (Jacobsen). On Dec. 26, 1945, their only child, Carolee, was born. She was the light of their lives. Ace owned and operated Rings-n-Things by Don in Billings for 17 years, specializing in designing and making fine jewelry.

Don was preceded in death by his mother, father, wife and daughter. He is survived by four granddaughters and seven great-grandchildren, Jenny Erickson and her boys David Lee and Kent a.k.a. Tigger of Billings, Cyntia Erickson of San Diego, Mari and Rob Crannell and their three boys, Kevin, Zaylen and Chance of Columbus, and Nicole Erickson and her children Dontae' Baker and Ciera Johnson of Billings. He is also survived by two brothers, Bill Erickson (Elaine) of Las Vegas and Claude Erickson of Livingston; a sister-in-law, Thelma Marshall of Yakima, Wash.; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Ace loved being outside in nature with the sun on his back and a golf club or fishing pole in his hand. He was a member of Laurel Golf Course and Peter Yegen, Jr. Golf Course. He taught fishing to every child he could. Ace lived a life full of blessings, the biggest and most important being his family. He taught all of us how to be good family members, patriots and citizens.

Grandpa, you were more than that for us. You were our father, friend, confidant, teacher and mentor. We love and thank you for that foundation for our lives. We will continue your legacy with pride and tons of laughter (the best medicine) with our heads held high and you, Grandma and Mom in our hearts and smiles. You will be missed.

Don was a member of the Baha'i Faith.

"O Son of the Supreme! I have made death a message of joy to thee. Wherefore dost thou grieve? I made the light to shed on thee its splendor. Why dost thou veil thyself there from?" "O Son of Spirit! With the joyful tidings of light I hail thee! - rejoice! To the court of holiness I summon thee; abide therein that thou mayest live in peace for ever more." Baha'i Scripture.

The family would like to thank everyone for their love and support, to his family at Mission Ridge and his newfound family at Big Sky Hospice. We would especially like to thank Don's "night girl," Tura Webb, a.k.a. Hotlips, for all of her love and care.

A service for Don will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 22, at the Smith West Chapel, 304 34th St. West, followed by military honors. Interment will be at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, May 23, at the Laurel Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to Big Sky Hospice.

Published by Billings Gazette on May 20, 2006.