Herbert Eriksson

Rick Eriksson, one of the most remarkable spirits to have ever lived among us, passed away peacefully Friday, January 4th. He was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and then spent his early years in Leksand, Sweden.  When he was seven, he moved back to Connecticut to be with his family but he always had a deep bond with his relatives in Sweden.

In 1948 he enlisted in the US Marine Corp and served in Korea at the end of the war.  He was determined to not have a military mouth and instead learned many large, unique words that delighted many for years to come.  After serving a mission in Sweden he returned home to Oregon and then hitchhiked to Provo, arriving with only $15 and his GI bill for college.  He loved his time at BYU and called it his “Glory Days.” His beautiful sons, Joseph, Lars, and Robin were born during his marriage to Siv Jonnsson.

In 1968 he married Carolee Eriksson, and they have enjoyed a lifetime of beautiful music together.  He sang with many choirs including the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Many will remember his beautiful, passionate bass voice singing the hymns during Sacrament meeting, and Old Man River will never be the same. They adopted five children, Merry, Lisa, Britin, Justin and Kori.  He worked for many years with the US Department of Agriculture. He enjoyed reading, competing in weight-lifting, running track, hiking, and waterskiing.

Saturday mornings were filled with the sounds of Classical 89 and the clanging of weights in the garage. He loved to travel and enjoyed trips to Sweden, Israel, and Germany, as well as many exciting family reunions in the states. In his later years, he loved nothing more than relaxing on his loveseat with the cat in his lap, eating some dark chocolate and holding his sweetheart while watching BYU football games and Golden Girls reruns. He had a powerful testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and of the prophet Joseph Smith.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Carolee Eriksson, his children Joseph (Vickie), Robin (Julie), Lisa (Alan) Clayton, Britin (Malia), Justin (Kandice), Korrin (Jon) Watters, 16 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and his siblings, Sally, Millie, and Bob. He is preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Dorit Eriksson, his younger brother Carl and sister Irene, son, Lars Moroni and daughter, Merry Lynn.

He gave the biggest hugs, had the most tender heart and such uniquely guileless love.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 12, 11:00 a.m. at the Farmington Rock Chapel, 272 North Main, Farmington, UT. Friends may call Friday evening from 6-8 p.m. in the same building for a viewing and again at 9:45 a.m.-10:45a.m at the ward house, prior to the services. Interment will be in the Lakeview Cemetery in Bountiful.