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Paul Erickson Obituary
His memorial service is 10 a.m. Saturday at Central Assembly of God Church in Great Falls, with burial of ashes in Big Willow Cemetery, east of Belt. Croxford Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements,
Survivors include his wife, Ra-chelle Erickson of Great Falls; his 7-month-old son, Spencer William Erickson of the family home; his parents, Lynn and Shirley Erickson of Great Falls and Ron and Kathy Wachholtz of Arlington, Wash.; and grandparents, Viana Erickson of Great Falls and Val Adams of Belt.
Paul was born Jan. 4, 1974, in Great Falls, and was raised in the Belt area, where he attended ele-mentary school and high school.
At age 16 he began his career as an emergency medical provider for Belt Valley Fire Department. He worked for a time as a general ranch laborer for the Bowman and Willow Creek ranches in the Belt vicinity, and as a member of the Gliko aerial spray crew.
Paul received his EMT-Basic from Belt Valley Volunteer Fire Department, and worked as an EMT-Basic for Blue Star and Big Sky Paramedics ambulance serv-ices. He completed his EMT-Intermediate with MSU College in Great Falls, and his EMT-Paramedic while working at Great Falls Emergency Services. He was employed for a time as a paramedic for Montana Community Ambu-lance, as well as Great Falls Emer-gency Services.
He became a member of Great Falls Fire and Rescue as a fire-fighter/paramedic in September 2000. Paul was also a member of the Great Falls Police Department S.W.A.T. Team as a paramedic and worked as an emergency room and Mercy Flight Paramedic for Benefis Healthcare. Paul also enjoyed working with his father part time as a union carpenter hanging suspended ceilings.
He and Rachelle Hames were married on Feb. 24, 2005, in a helicopter over Las Vegas.
Paul had many special talents and interests. He loved his Harley, camping, four-wheeling, boats, guns, trains, barbecuing, home improvement, working in his yard, S.W.A.T., the fire department, E.M.S., flying, collecting antique fire memorabilia and spending time with his wife and son. Paul spent countless hours volunteering for the Belt Valley Fire Department ambulance service with his friends, Jeremy Virts and Justin Stokes.
He was preceded in death by grandparents Gust E. Erickson and William "Willy" Adams.
Paul was totally devoted to his wife, Rachelle, and his young son Spencer. The family asks that you include them in your thoughts and especially your prayers.
Condolences may be sent online to [email protected] and/or greatfall-stribune.com/obituaries.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Paul Erickson
Christopher Clad
February 22, 2007
I just heard of this tragedy today,(Feb.22),I'm still in shock, Paul was a true friend and a trusted co-worker in a challenging profession. I will never forget him. May God be with your family. I am so sorry.
GEORGIA&JUDY MOE
February 22, 2007
FOR ALL OF PAUL'S FAMILY: WE WERE VERY ,VERY SADDENED BY THE LOSS OF PAUL. WE KNEW HIM FOR MOST OF HIS YOUNG LIFE. WE WERE PROUD OF THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS HE MADE FOR THE MEDICAL FIELD.GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU.
February 19, 2007
May your memory live on forever in the hearts of your family and friends. On behalf of Emergency Management International (USA), Inc, we want to send our condolences to the friends and family of Mr. Paul Jason Erickson. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Debbie Murphy (Adolphson)
February 19, 2007
My prayers and sympathy go out to all the family. I remember Paul from high school as a good kid. More recently, he helped out my parents during my dad's illness and is very appreciated for his kindness and professionalism.
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Aaron and Jennifer Wescott
February 19, 2007
Dear Rachelle and Spencer, My family would like to send our condolences to you. Paul precepted me at GFEMS and my wife was a dispatcher for 4years. May God Bless you in this time of sorrow. Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your precious baby boy. Respectfully, Aaron and Jennifer Wescott
Lorrie & Gail Vennes
February 16, 2007
Rachelle, Spencer and family;
May God wrap his arms around you, hold you and give you peace. The loss of Paul has left a empty place in our hearts. He was one of my "Belt Kids" and he will be missed. Paul was an excellent Paramedic, our family knows first hand! God Bless now and always, our prayers are with you!
Tina Bennett and Family
February 16, 2007
A month that should have been a happy one for you and your family turned out so sad. You will be missed by many and your dedication will be remembered. A hero to so many. May god bless the ones you leave behind. Rest in peace darlin..
Cody Parker
February 16, 2007
Deepest Sympathies from all of us here At the Chugiak Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department In Chugiak Alaska. We have many Members who came here from the Great State of Montana and are all deeply saddened to hear of your loss. Once again our deepest sympathies. He will always be a hero.
Hymm to the Fallen Heros
Young and aged
volunteer and career,
man and woman
of all races and colors,
you left aching hearts behind
An eternal flame
warms your names
inscribed on cold, lifeless plaques
around this stone cairn
In the hearts you left behind
your memories abide
in undying gratitude
You asked nothing more
You knew the risks,
served without fear
and paid the highest price
You embody a quality
of which many only dream
Your selfesness for others
is now your eternal crown
O fallen comrades,
give us all this quality
that we may more fittingly
prolong your memory
Annonymons
June 1999
National Fallen Firefighter Memorial
Emmittsburg, MD
Heather Laird (Lynch)
February 13, 2007
Rachelle and Spencer - My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time and have been for the last week. I can't think of the right words to say about how truly sorry I am for your tragedy and I also can't find the right words to express what a wonderful person Paul was (is). Paul was a great inspiration to the communities of Belt and Great Falls. He is a real Hero. May God Bless you and your family.
Maxine & Pat Carroll
February 12, 2007
To all the Erickson families:
We cannot believe what happened and
it is such a loss for the medical,
fire dept. and SWAT fields he was
such a great young man. And Rachelle and Spencer, we hold you in our loving care. Also Lynn, your favorite Cousin, our thoughts
are with you - I know how hard it is to loose a son. May you all take
care and may God be with you. Can't
forget Viana, may god bless her. I
have kept in touch with Sharon and
that has helped.
Our Prayers and sympathy,
Maxine and Pat Carroll
Becky Stokes
February 12, 2007
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Paul was a very special man, and he will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Carl&Sandra Hendrickson
February 12, 2007
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
anna saito
February 12, 2007
Paul was my cousin. My mom Teresa Adams, her sister and his mom Kathy. Paul, I love you and I miss you. I fall asleep to the thought of you and wake up exactly the same. All I can do is think of memories. After granpa willy died, I spent a few days with you, and while I stared out the window at the rain in tears at your home, you came p from behind and held me and cried with me. I never felt so comforted in my life. I miss you, now there is a place in my heart where only u and god dwell.
Shiela/ Larry Brubaker
February 12, 2007
Rachelle, Spencer and Paul's family:
We want you to know how lucky we have been to have Paul as a member of our family. You know when Grandpa Harshman said he passed muster that he must be a very special young man and we sure found that out. He loved his family with all of his heart and we will are so much better for having him love you and Spencer. We appreciate so much that he was there to honor Grandpa Maurice in Dec. and now they are looking over us all. Love, Aunt Shiela and Uncle Larry
Jamie Buhl
February 12, 2007
Family and friends,
You are in our hearts, please let us know if we can do anything at all.
Jo and Jamie
The Bridgeford Agency
Cynthia Adams
February 12, 2007
I met Paul 29 years ago this week. He was larger than life in strength of character and outstanding achievement. He was respected and loved by many. He lived a brief but full life which he left, a hero. My heart goes out to his parents Kathy and Lynn, and his best friend Jeremy. My heart aches for his new wife Rachelle and thier baby son, Spencer. You are all in my prayers. Times like this make one wonder why, but I like to take comfort in thinking that Paul learned and accomplished what we all need to while we are here. Someday I believe, if given the priviledge, we will finally meet up with Paul and there he will be, with that big smile on his familiar face, saying "Hey, what took you all so long?"
Travis Elam
February 12, 2007
Paul and I were classmates from the time we were in kindergarten in the basement of the Belt VFW. With football, basketball, baseball, etc., we saw each other almost daily for 13 years. This week has been a wave of memories and tears. My heart breaks for Lynn. You obviously raised a fine man, husband, and father. My prayers are with Paul's family, especially Rachelle and Spencer. God bless those few who risk their lives for so many.
jessica ervin
February 12, 2007
Please accept my deepest sympathies.Paul was a great man that touched so many people's lives and my prayers are with all his friends and family.
Mickey Ledford
February 12, 2007
Rachelle I'm so sorry for your loss. When I worked at Benefis it was always a joy to visit with you and share in you joy of your new life and love with Paul. You two will always be a very special couple. He will continue to live on through you and Spencer. You are in my heart and prayers. God holds you and yours close to his heart.
Brandie Ellis-Ellington
February 12, 2007
My heart goes out to Paul's family. He was great guy, always friendly and willing to lend a hand. My prayers and thoughts are with his wife and family. He will be missed.
The Sanborn Family
February 12, 2007
To the Erickson Family; our deepest thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this tragic time of loss, and to Paul, thank you for all your selfless acts of kindness and to everyone you have helped throughout your years as an EMT, including our son when he was in his wreck. Thank you and God bless.
Bonnie Anderson (formerly Bacon)
February 12, 2007
I worked with Paul at GFES for a couple of years and knew Paul as a very nice and respectful person. He was a hero for risking his life everyday for the people of GF and all over. My prayers are with the family.God bless and protect you.
Kim Herron
February 12, 2007
Rachelle my thoughts and prayers are with you. I am so sorry for your loss.
Tim & Dana Mack
February 12, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers will be with all of the ERickson Family, at this time of loss. There are fond memories that go around our home of Paul. He was a great example to young people
Carmen Sibley
February 11, 2007
Lynn & family - our thoughts & prayers have been with you this past week. May the Lord comfort you, as well as Rachelle & Spencer, in the days ahead. We love & care for you all. Your cousin, Carmen (Hendrickson)& Gary Sibley
Noah Schulz
February 11, 2007
I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your son/husband/dad. Paul was a caring/good friend and a compassionate person when it came to his work. He taught me the ropes of the ambulance lifestyle. My thoughts and prayers are with you all in this time.
Noah J. Schulz NREMT-P F-M Ambulance
Sara Vigen
February 11, 2007
The family & friends of Paul, along with the medical community of Great Falls have been in my thoughts and prayers everyday the past week. Paul was a friend of the family. Our mothers spent much time together when we were younger. I am so sorry to hear of this loss. Paul was a wonderful person, who clearly had devoted his life to aiding in the medical care of those in need. What an honor to say that I grew up around this local hero.
Millissa Riggin
February 11, 2007
Rachelle, I am so deeply saddened by this horrible tragedy. When I worked O.B. last summer and saw you and Paul together with your son I thought you made the most beautiful family. I am heart broken for you. Stay strong, you have so much to offer!
Bob and Merry Coats
February 11, 2007
Our prayers are with you at this difficult time. Paul was a dedicated young man and he went doing what he loved. We now have three new angels watching over us. It is not ours to understand why but we do know he was loved and will be greatly missed by all of those who knew and worked with him. God Bless all.
brenda fuller
February 11, 2007
paul you were a great neighbor out in armington...my dad and you did many a call for the belt ambulance..you will be truly missed..my prayers go out to rachelle and your entire family
Stacy Snider
February 11, 2007
I am so sorry to hear of Paul's tragic accident. He was a wonderful guy and will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories of Paul bring you comfort.
Renee, Colton & Shaun
February 11, 2007
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Paul. You are all in our thoughts and in our prayers during this difficult time. Paul was a great person, and loved helping people. He will always be remembered and missed by many.
Carol & Jim Nickle
February 11, 2007
Our Family's thought's and prayers are with you through your pain and sorrow We love you all so very much..
Nicole Alday
February 11, 2007
Rachelle, Spencer & Family,
Words cannot begin to express to you how much my heart aches for you. there are few times in life when you get to witness the kind of love experienced when soul mates find one another, yours is a love that will transcend time & that will live on in Spencer. Paul was a man of honor and duty that I respected a great deal. A picture of what we are taught men should be while growing up. I wish that I could find the words to express my sorrow to you. My thoughts and prayers are with you always.
David & Ruth Gliko
February 11, 2007
Knowing Paul as a little boy and a fine son and watching him grow into a man, husband and father was our priviledge. Blessings for all those who loved and were loved by Paul.
Angela Hughes
February 11, 2007
My heart was so saddened to hear of your loss Rachelle. Paul was a kind and warm hearted man, I know you will miss him more than anyone will know. He must have been so thrilled to have a son and I know you will cherrish those memories. I hope you find much strength in your friends and family through this difficult time. My thoughts are with you.
Thoughtfully,
[email protected] Bricker
February 11, 2007
to the Erickson family...you are in my thoughts and prayers.Give each other hugs for me, especially Auntie Viena. She is also in my thoughts, often. It is so hard to deal with this, and we can only ask ''why'' . but the Lord has all the answers and we just have to trust in Him to have Faith for tomorrow. Mary (Hendrickson) Bricker
Jennifer Rosendahl
February 11, 2007
I just wanted to send my prayers to the family of Paul. His mother and my mother have been friends for years. This truly is such a tragic loss. Paul was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure to say they knew him. May god bless him and his family in their time of loss.
The Hepner Family
February 11, 2007
Our deepest sympathy goes out to all of you during this difficult time. May God help all of you in the days ahead. Keep in mind that now Paul has become an angel of God and will be watching over all of you. God Bless all of you.
Dail Hardinger
February 11, 2007
Lynn and family;
Sorry about your son. Did not know him but I new you (Lynn) for many moons. It seams some things never stop.Your son looks like you Lynn. Take care. Dail
Helen Viot
February 11, 2007
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Tanya Gifford
February 11, 2007
Paul was and will continue to be a big role modle. He helped Kelly Mc keever teach my EMT-B class and I will never forget his personnality and drive for the EMS feild. He has done wonderful things for everyone he has helped in this large community. My prayers are with everyone who is suffering this great loss. God bless all of you.
Brenda Snider
February 11, 2007
I am very sorry to hear of
this tremendous loss. He was
a great asset to his community
and will be missed dearly.
My condolences to all of his loved
ones. He'll be watching over you.
Tammy Drummond
February 11, 2007
Rachelle and Spencer, My prayers are with both of you at this time of sorrow. My heart hurts for you and I have shed many tears over your loss. I love all of you with all my heart, you are like my children and dear friends. I know Paul loved you with all his heart. You could see it on his face whenever he looked at you. Paul is a wonderful person, very caring and giving. He will always live in our hearts. God's Blessings to you and Spencer. You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
Love you,
Bobbi and Ike Haagenson
February 11, 2007
Bobbi and Ike offer our heartfelt sympothy. We have great respect for Paul. He excelled in his endevors in the medical field, in caring for and helping others in need. He is and will allways be a Great Man In our opion.
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