Frederick Erickson

Major Frederick Paul Erickson, USAF Retired, passed away at Peace Hospice House in Great Falls on Monday, January 2, 2017, after his long battle with Alzheimer's Disease.Born on January 25, 1930 to Fred and Eleanor Margaret (Von Lorenz) Erickson, Fred grew up in Great Falls, graduating from Great Falls High School and going on to graduate from Montana State College in Bozeman before entering the Air Force as a Second Lieutenant.Fred and Dorothy Patricia Johnson met at Bozeman, and their marriage began a partnership that lasted 65 years. Fred and Pat were stationed in New Mexico, Texas, Okinawa, Japan, Montana, South Carolina and Ohio before returning to their home in Great Falls after Fred returned from his tour in Viet Nam. They had three children, daughter Paula Shubat (Edward ) of Great Falls, and sons Frederick Ray of Phoenix, AZ and Kenneth Scott USMC (deceased.)Fred was always interested in photography and prints of diverse subjects decorate the walls of their home. His sports car's passenger seat was set up for video photography and Fred made videos of his travels over Montana's highways and byways, complete with music. These tapes were very important to Fred as his dementia progressed and he played them over and over...soothing him and giving him happy times to remember.Fred and Pat have six grandchildren, Candice of White Bear Lake, MN and her son Westley, Sharon of Tempe, AZ, William (Whitney Lynn) of Tempe, AZ, Alexander (Carrie Jean) of Stow, ME, Leannamarie (Richard II) of Stow, ME and Helena (Christopher) of Fryeburg, ME; great-grandchildren Kenneth, Wyatt, Richard III, Montana and Colton all live in the Stow, ME area.Fred is survived by his wife, Pat; daughter Paula; son Fred; brother Wayne (Joyce) of Polson, MT; and a very special cat, Feathers.He was preceded in death by his parents; son Kenneth Scott, USMC; and son-in-law, Edward Shubat.At his request there will be no memorial service at this time.The family sincerely thanks the caring staff at Peace Hospice for their kindness to Fred and family members.making this trying time easier to bear.