David Henry 'Skip' Erickson

David Henry "Skip" Erickson, 67, of Glasgow, Mont., died at home after a tenacious but adventure-filled four-year battle with cancer. His was a life well lived.

He was born on May 2, 1948, in Glasgow, to Douglas and Winnetta Erickson. He grew up in Nashua, with his parents and four younger sisters. From his early childhood, he developed a deep attachment to wildlife and nature.

His teammates selected him as the captain of the Nashua High School basketball team. He graduated in 1966 as class valedictorian.

He enrolled at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y., in the summer of 1966, after nomination by U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mike Mansfield. As part of his education, he spent one year at sea transporting commercial and military cargos to Vietnam and other Asian countries. In 1970, he graduated with his bachelor's degree and as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Naval Reserve. Following graduation, he sailed the world for three years, ultimately retiring from his maritime career as a ship's captain.

He married Marion Daley in 1968 and they had two children, Rachel and Robert. He married Lorinda Carleton in 1988. Throughout his life, he was a caring son, brother, husband, father and grandfather.

His affection for his family and the outdoors brought him back to Glasgow in 1973. For 40 years, he was a well-respected insurance and real estate agent at United Insurance and Realty, ultimately becoming an owner of the company.

He enjoyed distinguished involvement with his community. Among many other things, at different times he acted as the president of the Valley County Sportsmen's Club, Two Rivers Economic Development, the Glasgow/Valley County Planning Board, the Glasgow Rural Development Program, and the Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital Foundation. In 1994, Gov. Marc Racicot appointed him as an original member of Montana's Private Land/Public Wildlife Council. He was a 40-year member of the Glasgow Kiwanis Club, arranging countless presentations to the community, which frequently included his own ubiquitous hunting and travel slide shows. In 2015, the Chamber of Commerce presented him with its President's Award.

An avid sportsman, he explored and hunted on six continents, but always maintained an affinity for eastern Montana. Throughout his travels, he collected a remarkable array of wildlife, photographs and memories. He was a student – and later a master teacher – of hunting ethics and tactics. Just as he lived his life, he consistently hunted the "right" way.

Over the last few years, he developed the World Wildlife Experience portion of the Children's Museum of Northeast Montana, which highlights some of his more interesting wildlife specimens. More than 130 mammals, fish and reptiles are on display. He conducted tours to students and adults, imparting his knowledge of the world's wildlife and culture.

He was a leader for his family, friends and community. He was a talented and entertaining storyteller. He created consensus through his wisdom, quick wit and humor. The many people that he touched respected and admired him. He lived and died with unsurpassed character.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Douglas and Winnetta Erickson.

Survivors include his wife of 27 years, Lin Erickson; a daughter, Rachel (Erickson) Larson and her husband, Jeff, of Glasgow; a son, Rob Erickson and his wife, Casey, of Missoula; three grandchildren, Ryan Larson of Salt Lake City, and Cooper Larson and Sophia Larson of Glasgow; four sisters, Jacalyn Pippin of Lewistown, Kerry Kittleson of Miles City, Sherry Yager of Wayzata, Minn., and Shelly Sommers of Lake City, Minn .; and six nephews and nieces, Jennifer McAllister, Chas Zimdars, Josh Kittleson, Kortney Esper, Mataya Yager and Takira Yager. His family and friends will sorely miss him.

Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 21, at the Evangelical Church in Glasgow, immediately followed by burial at the Nashua Cemetery with a reception thereafter at the Glasgow Elk's Club.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Children's Museum of Northeast Montana at P.O. Box 369, Glasgow, MT 59230, or at nemtchildrensmuseum.org.

Bell Funeral Home of Glasgow was in charge of arrangements.