Emil Clair Erickson

1925 - 2016

E. Clair (Bud) Erickson
5/1/1925 ~ 1/2/2016
Ephraim, UT-Emil Clair (Bud) Erickson passed away on January 2, 2016 in Ephraim, Utah at the age of 90. He is survived by his brother, Robert (Dena) Erickson; his daughters Jane Erickson (Dave Wallace), Ann (Heber) Maughan, Carol (Dave) Tibbs; his sons Chris (Diane) Erickson, John (Debra) Erickson, and K.C. Erickson; 20 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Winona Greaves Erickson, his brother Keith Erickson, and his parents Evan Christian Erickson and Vera Daveda Erickson. Winona and Bud married in 1950; she was the center of his attention and a full partner in every sense of the word for fifty-two years. Together they strove to meet the demands of six children through the economic, emotional, and spiritual challenges of life. In addition to earning a bachelor's degree in education from BYU, and a master's degree in social studies from Western State College; Bud participated in post-graduate study in California, Indiana, and Logan, Utah. The journeys to and living in locations across the country enriched the family with new geographical and cultural experiences. Bud relentlessly emphasized education; the most common question to a request to go somewhere in the evening was, "What's the status of your lessons?" His passion for education became his vocation. He taught social sciences in the South Sanpete School District for over 36 years. While students appreciated his teaching and subtle sense of humor, they were also offered the opportunity to participate in student government, Model U.N., and student delegations to Colonial Williamsburg. He wanted history, government, and politics to be as real to them as it was to him. Bud served on the Board of Trustees of the Utah Education Association and was active in the National Education Association. Bud also taught through skills and experiences. His familiar fluorescent orange hat on a ski hill assured ski-club students and friends they could find an instructor, advisor, or comforter. He enjoyed and endured week-long backpacking adventures into the High Unitas Wilderness with scouts who had earned a rank advancement. As a life-long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Bud served as Stake Clerk, High Priests Group Leader, Young Men President, Bishopric Counselor, and High Councilor. Bud and Winona served a Family History mission in Salt Lake City. They served nearly 14 years as ordinance workers in the Manti Temple. Bud and Winona partnered with others to restore the historic Ephraim Co-op, a place Bud lived as a child. Bud also served on the Ephraim City Council and as Mayor. Bud served two years in the Navy during World War II, providing transportation for a submarine and ship repair yard in the San Francisco area. Bud had little use for delusions of grandeur; but to possess his friendship was to possess loyalty, assistance, expertise, humor, and a refined form of devotion. To be his child carried his love, support, concern, and unparalleled unselfish sacrifice. We can't know what it was to be his wife, but believe Winona is finally, and joyfully, experiencing this again. Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 9, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. in the Ephraim 8th Ward LDS Church at 400 East Center in Ephraim. Friends may attend a viewing and visit with the family from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. prior to the funeral. Burial will be after the funeral in the Ephraim Park Cemetery at 700 North Main. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Ephraim Public Library. Online condolence rasmussenmortuary.com