Kenneth Erickson

Kenneth John Erickson, 69, surrounded by family, passed away peacefully at his home in Aurora, CO, on March 17, 2014 after a courageous battle with prostate cancer.

He was born on June 29, 1944 to Kenneth and Marla Williams Erickson of Billings, MT. Ken attended Billings area schools, graduating from Billings West High in 1962. He enrolled at Eastern Montana College for one year before transferring to Montana State University in Bozeman. He graduated in 1967 with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering.

Ken met Diane Shepovalof in December 1966, their first date being on New Year's Eve. They married on October 7, 1967 in Billings, relocating to Butte where Ken started his career with Montana Power Company. In 1969, they were transferred to Cut Bank for two years. In 1971, the company transferred them back to Butte where they lived and raised their family. In 1987, Ken was promoted from Section Head Engineer to Director of Gas Production and Transmission where he worked the remainder of his career 33+ years before retiring in December 2000. After countless road trips between Denver, CO and Butte, Ken and Diane decided to move to CO in 2008 to be close to their children and grandsons.

Ken loved spending time outdoors with his family and friends. His passions included floating especially the Middle Fork of the Salmon in Idaho, fishing, hiking, skiing, camping, biking, running, carpentry, and working on cars his favorite being his '66 Pontiac GTO.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, a prematurely born younger brother, as well as aunts, uncles and grandparents. Survivors include his wife, Diane; his children, Russell Tatyana Erickson and Stefanie Alfred Granger; his four grandsons, Brandon and Shaun Erickson; and Alexander and Thaddeus Granger; beloved mini schnauzers Diesel and Royce and ten first cousins.

Ken will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, father-in-law, Papa, cousin, and friend. His wisdom, courage, love, dedication, helping hand, and sense of humor will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of formal services, an intimate gathering of family and close friends is planned for later this year in the Colorado Rockies to celebrate Ken's life. Please share all love, thoughts, and stories. In memory of Ken, donations can be made to Children's Hospital of Colorado www.childrenscoloradofoundation.org or Dumb Friends League www.ddfl.org.