Max Ericksen

Biography

Max, 89, passed away peacefully from this life, on September 9, 2014 surrounded by his family who loved and honored him. Born June 17, 1925 in Idaho Falls, Idaho to Leonard Douglas and Jennette Staples Ericksen.
His grandmother, Ane Marie Madsen, crossed the plains with the Willey Handcart Company, and Max was blessed to have her influence in his life for 4 years.
He was raised in the small town of Hamer, Idaho where he learned to hunt, fish and help his dad at the railroad depot. He loved life! As a young boy he developed compassion and empathy for the local Indian tribes. He spent many years studying and appreciating their traditions. He moved with his family to West Bountiful, Utah and attended Davis and East High Schools. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and served during World War II in the Naval Air Transportation Service. He married his high school sweetheart, LeIsle Blunt, in the Salt Lake Temple on June 25, 1947. They loved living in Bountiful where they raised their 5 children: Greg (Denise), Mike (Cheri), K.C. (Nancy), Steven (Lucinda) and Robyn (David) Beck.
Max was innovative and had great vision. He owned and managed the Western Sportsman for years and later started a company (with a few friends) called, “The Do-It All.” He worked with the U.S. Air Force developing a system to help airplanes land safely. Later he founded Pro-Mark, Inc., the parent company of Orbit Irrigation, which grew into a worldwide manufacturer of sprinkler products. For over 40 years, the Company has provided a living for hundreds of associates and their families.
Max served his community and loved children. He sponsored “Little Biddy Buddy Day,” an activity day where kids of all ages were taught how to fish, play outdoor games and enjoy a picnic with their family. He owned one of the first air boats in Utah and used it to hunt with his boys. He also used the boat to search for downed planes and rescue hunters stranded or lost in the marshes of Farmington Bay. He served as a Deputy State Fish and Game Conservation Officer.
A favorite saying was, “Keep your fly on top of the water and your powder dry.”
After many years of fishing and hunting, Max gave up this sport, saying that, “he had nothing against the animals.”
He later became a fisher of men as he was blessed to serve with his eternal companion in the Philippines Manila Mission. This was a special season for them as they enjoyed serving as ‘member locators’ and they dearly loved the people there. They served with the same vigor and dedication that they exemplified in all aspects of their lives.
Max had a vast array of knowledge and abilities. He could converse well on almost any topic and could fix anything. He spent his time, his talents, and his means on that which would build his eternal family. His family was always number one. We are grateful for his life and his love and we miss him so much.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother; sister Virginia Ruthetta Laird; brother Leonard Douglas; and grandson, Kristopher Ericksen. Survived by his sweetheart of 66 years, 5 children and their spouses, 24 grandchildren and 49 great grandchildren.
Friends and family may visit between 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 16, 2014 at Russon Brothers Mortuary 295 N Main Bountiful, UT Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 17 at the Bountiful Canyon Estates Ward, 965 Oakwood Dr. Bountiful, where friends and family may visit between 9:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. Internment will be at the Bountiful City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers please donate to the LDS Church missionary fund or a charity of your choice.
Online guestbook at www.russonmortuary.com

Funeral Service

Wednesday September 17, 2014, 11:00 a.m. at Bountiful Canyon Estates Ward
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