Richard Everett Erickson

Richard Everett Erickson, age 77, died peacefully on Nov. 20, 2022, from complications following a long battle with Parkinson’s disease, with his daughter at his side.

Rich was born on April 5, 1945, at Billings Deaconess Hospital in Billings, Montana, to Walter Erickson and Verna Erickson. He grew up in Billings with older brother Wally, graduating from Billings Senior High in 1964. He entered into active duty service with the Navy in 1966 and served two years in London, England, and a year in Vietnam, for which he earned a special service medal.

Rich was honorably discharged from the Navy as a Second Class Radioman in 1970 and returned to Billings, where he met and married Nancy Pirrie in 1971. They moved to Rapid City, South Dakota, where Rich completed two years at the National College of Business. They moved back to Billings, where they had two children, Chad and Stacie. Rich joined the Billings Jaycees in 1972, serving as Director and Vice President of the Billings Chapter before serving as President of the Montana Jaycees. The family relocated to Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, where Rich took a position at the Jaycees’ National Headquarters in Tulsa. There, they had their third child, Ryan. Rich and Nancy later divorced. Rich relocated back to Billings, where he dabbled in several different jobs throughout the years until he found his calling with the Montana Rescue Mission as a Chaplain’s assistant, working there until he retired due to the progression of his Parkinson’s disease.

Rich enjoyed spending time outdoors, whether it was skiing, hiking, biking or camping. He volunteered for 10 years with the National Ski Patrol at Red Lodge Mountain and was also a CPR instructor for many years.

Rich had incredible faith in the Lord and was very active in a variety of groups at Faith Chapel. He took great comfort in scripture and devotions. He made many friendships at Faith Chapel and was always available for a chat or a cup of coffee. Rich especially enjoyed T.E.A.M. Mentoring, which is a Christian-based program that assists those being released from prison back into everyday life.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his children, Chad Erickson (Kimberly), Stacie Harlan (Josh) and Ryan Erickson (Sara); and six grandchildren, Isabella, Aidan, Emma, Micah, Julia and Autumn; brother, Wally Erickson; nephew, Toby Erickson; and cousin Carol Waggener; and other relatives and friends.

A service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 28, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, 1001 Alderson Ave. Burial with full military honors will follow at 1 p.m. in Yellowstone National Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Montana Rescue Mission.

A very special thank you to those who helped care for Rich the past few years. You held a very special place in his heart. You made his day brighter by making him laugh uncontrollably or by bringing him good things to eat.