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Steven Erickson Obituary
1956 ~ 2012
It is foolish to morn men that have died; rather we should thank God that we knew them. Bear moved along on his journey October 29, 2012 following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. His competitive nature, sense of humor and unconditional caring will surely be missed by all that had the fortune to know him. Born to Lt Col Lawrence V and Margaret Louise Erickson on September 11, 1956, Steven's nickname was spawned from a crewcut prior to the little league football season that gave him the likeness of a fuzzy bear. From then on, he was known to all he loved as "Bear."
Bear attended Highland High School and graduated from Westminster College on an athletic scholarship. It was there he found the love of his life, Connie Jo Petterson, and they were married in 1979 spending little time apart. Family and friends were Bear's mainstays; he cherished the addition of his children Maren (18) and Joe (15). Bear could work a room and used his charms to excel in the business world. One of his main regrets as the illness progressed was his inability for partaking in the daily bargaining with his business associates and those he served.
An avid sportsman, Bear loved boating, camping, hunting and fishing. He enjoyed watching a good college football game; he was an unwavering Utah fan. He loved swapping stories of old football experiences in addition to "the one that got away".
Preceded in death by his parents and brother Lawrence Lee Erickson, Bear is survived by his wife Connie Jo, his two children Maren and Joe, sisters Judy (Marv) Shewell and Sharon (Darin) Hansen, brother Michael Erickson and numerous nieces and nephews.
Family and friends are invited to share in the Celebration of Bear's life between 6:00 and 9:00 Friday evening November 2, 2012 at the Parthenon Banquet Room, 3205 South State Street. The Erickson family thanks Bear's colleagues at Airgas and the Intermountain Hospice Services for their kindness and consideration in the comfort they provided Bear. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following organization in Bear's name: Foundation for Homecare & Hospice 2250 South 1300 West SLC 84119 or at www.foundationforhomecare.org. Funeral directors, Neil O'Donnell and Sons.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Steven Erickson
George
October 29, 2022
Salute my friend , I think of you often.
Carrie Brooks
October 26, 2020
Here's to you, Steve. Miss you.
Carrie Brooks
October 28, 2019
Dear Steve,
Miss you dear friend. God Bless. Carrie
Cynthia Sheya Palmer
November 7, 2012
Dear Connie, we were so saddened to hear of Bear's passing. Bear's energy was always so positive, his laugh infectious and his stories amusing. We will miss him. Our hearts go out to you, Maren and Joey - We have you in our thoughts and prayers and we wish you peace, comfort and strength during this difficult time.
Joe and Robin Clifford
November 6, 2012
Seven years of good times to remember with Bear. Both on the field and off. God bless.
Linda Hampton
November 6, 2012
Connie,
I was so shocked to see the news about Bear. I will never forget meeting him when Carol and I crashed Hak's grad party and thinking "I wish they could clone that man." My heart just hurts for your family. There are no words to express the depth of my sorrow. I'm sure you and your kids will hold on to the good memories and allow those to help you. No one is really gone as long as they are remembered.
November 4, 2012
Dear Connie, so sorry to here about Bear. Gary mentioned him whenever he had been at Structural Steel and of course I thought of you then. Our thoughts are with you now. Lorna and Gary Anderson
Pau;l Tucker
November 4, 2012
I Worked With Steve When I Started At Whitmore Oxygen Co. In 1987. He Had Worked With My Father-In-Law, Bud Manning At Zink;s Sporting Good's. He Alway's Had A Good Soul, And I Will Never Forget The Time That I Had The Chicken Pox ( At Age Of 30, When He And His Wife Sat Down Across The Table From Me At The Company Meeting ) And He Told Me " We Have Too Go Sit Somewhere Else " He Was A Funny Guy ! I Will Miss You, Bear.
Mike and Missy Barton
November 2, 2012
I had the great pleasure of being a teammate of Steve's at Westminster College and remember him as being one of the acknowledged leaders of our football team. We lost touch after graduating but I can say with experience that whenever - and wherever - old Parsons are reminiscing about the "glory days", Bear is remembered fondly.
To Connie, Maren, and Joe, our thoughts are with you.
November 2, 2012
Some of my fondest football memories, both at highland and at westminster ,revolve around Steve. May the Lord continue to bless your family
Rex & Heidi Macey
November 2, 2012
Dear Connie,
We are so sorry to learn of Bear's passing. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family now and in the days to come. With much love, Leslie and Hal Stone
Paul Lynne Annika & Gregory Sheya
November 2, 2012
We are so sorry to learn of this tragedy. Connie, Maren and Joe our hearts go out to you. Bear was a great man and a great father, and we are honored to have known him.
November 2, 2012
Connie - His laugh has made my day so many times I can't tell you....Doug and Toni
Paul Perkins
November 2, 2012
It was always a pleasure to know and work with Bear and it's sad that he has passed. I know he fought a good fight and is in a better place. I also know he will be missed. Prayers for the Erickson family at this sad time
November 2, 2012
Dearest Connie,
Our souls and prayers are with you all.
Hugs, Mette and Adam
November 2, 2012
We've all lost a good man and a good friend. Farewell, Steve. Connie our prayers are with you. Stan Finn
Liz Paige
November 2, 2012
I remember Bear for his easy smile and great hugs as well as how adoringly he always looked at you, Connie.
My love and prayers are with you and your children,
Bob McIntyre
November 2, 2012
I was very sorry to see of Bears passing. I knew him as an outside contractor at Airgas, always a fun man to be around.
Kriss Holley
November 2, 2012
Bear was such a fun guy to know and love. We had some pretty good conversations and laughs together. His football, fishing and many other stories we had will always be remembered and smiled upon. He helped me as well through some hard times and kept me smiling. What a guy!! I truly admire Bear. And Connie whom I only had the opportunity to talk to a couple of times, you are great people, and your love for each other and everyone around you showed immensely. You will truly be missed.
Doreen and Joe Perry
November 1, 2012
Steve was a great friend, and loved by all who knew him. Bear you will be missed!
November 1, 2012
Connie, our thoughts and prayers are with you, Maren and Joe. They always have been. I can still hear that great laugh of Bear. It makes me smile. Rick and Ann Barber
November 1, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers go out Connie, Maren and Joe. We will never forget his contagious laugh and we are thankful to have known him.
Michael and Anita Murphy
November 1, 2012
"Bear" was such a fitting name for him that I think I knew him for several years before I realized his other name was "Steve". He was big in stature and big in heart - I will miss him. Connie and the kids - you had the best husband / dad ever.
harold peterson
November 1, 2012
it was great to work with you, at nw transport many years ago,rest in peace
Jim Cosper
November 1, 2012
This is the one. This is the one guy that years down the road, some one will say, "man I wish I could share a cup of coffee,or get his opinion on that". Bear is the guy who will be missed for his contagious laugh, his smile, his humor, his friendship. This leaves a hole in the hearts of everyone that knew him. Our best wishes to his family.
Bear, we all will miss you much.
Carrie Brooks
November 1, 2012
Dear Connie,Maren,Joe
I will never forget Bear's contagious laugh and big bear hugs. Camping, fishing and the raft trips.
Love to all.
Carrie B.
Taylor Dean
November 1, 2012
We will miss you, Love all at Structural steel and plate fabrication.
Phil and Sharon Bowden
November 1, 2012
Bear is was a honor and privilege working with you the last 12 years and in that time you becoming one of my best friends.....You are going to be missed...
Max Musgrove
November 1, 2012
It was and remains a high privilege to have known and worked with Bear. His influence and friendship helped me in so many ways, within the workplace and with personal matters as well. He was the very definition of leading by setting an example...
I owe him big-time and will always remember him. So long, old friend.
Doug, Patricia and Family Nelson
November 1, 2012
It is a testament to this man's character that every memory we have of him are of his smile, laugh and caring nature for all, but especially his family. A life far too short indeed, but a legacy that will last forever in the minds and hearts that knew him. We feel sadness, but also are so glad to have known him. Our thoughts and prayers are with Connie and his family.
October 31, 2012
Steve is a great guy and I am grateful to have known him. My thoughts & prayers are with your family.
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