Donald Erickson

Don Erickson , beloved Husband of Renee Erickson, passed on to the next life on October 23, 2025. He leaves behind a great legacy of loving compassion and friendship to all that knew him.

Don is survived by his wife of 21 years, his brother Jimmy, his sister Jeanette, and a daughter by his previous marriage, Pam.

He has left behind a legacy of laughter, spontaneous humor, and a lifetime of kindness as a gentle, giving person. He was known as someone who never became angry no matter what the circumstances.

He came into this life on February 18, 1942, and was raised on his parents' farm in Lancaster, Minnesota, with two sisters, Jeanette, who now resides in Tucson, and Eunice, who is long deceased. He has an older brother, Jimmy, of Crookston, Minnesota who survives him.

As a young man, he left Minnesota to join the Army and spent the Vietnam War era stationed in Germany. After military service, he was employed as a surveyor for a short time in Mississippi.

In or around 1968 he went to stay with his uncle, who, at the time, was living in Tucson, Arizona. When he discovered shirtsleeve weather in the winter time he announced to his brother that he wasn't going back to the cold winters!

He found employment with Cella-Barr in Tucson as a surveyor and spent the next 40 years working for them.

In 1969 he married Janet Swinford and had one daughter, Pam, in 1970. Janet passed away in 2002.

He met Renee in 2004, and they were married in September of that year. In 2018 they retired to the Show Low area.

In the 83 years that Don lived, he was so many things to so many people. He was a son, a brother, a hero, a husband, a dad, a papa, an uncle and a friend. Don truly had a heart of gold, always looking out for others, lending a listening ear, or his arms for a hug. Don wasn't just present; he was fully present 100% of the time. Don didn't just live for his happiness but for the happiness of others.

One little known fact is that Don liked to sing, especially to Renee. He liked to sing her Elvis songs. One of her most cherished memories is when he softly sang to her "Can't help falling in love"...

"Only fools rush in

But I can't help

falling in love

with you

Shall I stay?

... Take my hand

Take my whole life too

For I can't help

Falling in Love

With you....."

Don was well known for his spontaneous sense of humor. When Renee's Mom passed, they decided to dedicate a tree in her honor as part of Tucson's Clean and Beautiful program. But instead of the desert magnolia tree, the city planted a desert mesquite tree with 2" thorns. Don's comment was, "well, I guess we're stuck with it!"

Don left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. He was hard working and dedicated. Despite his many responsibilities, he always made time for his family and friends. We find comfort in knowing that Don's legacy lives on through the fine example he set, the lessons he taught, the love he shared, and the memories we will cherish forever.

The family would like to recognize the tender care that they received from Hospice Compassus for over 10 months. Each visit brought not only medical treatment but also warmth, friendship, and compassion, for which the family was truly grateful.

A Celebration of Don's Life will be held Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 1:00 pm at the Red Setter Lodge in Greer, Arizona.