Forrest W. "Swede" Erickson

Forrest W. "Swede" Erickson, 79, of Westborough, died on Monday, July 28, 2008 at the University Commons in Worcester. He was the husband of the late Gilda Ann (Rhaina) Erickson and the late S. Jean (Dingwell) Erickson.

Born in New Sweden, Maine, he was the son of the late Albert and Louise (Johnson) Erickson and was educated in New Sweden schools.

During WW II he served with the U.S. Navy and was awarded the WW II Victory Medal and during the Korean Conflict served with the U.S. Army.

Mr. Erickson was employed as a machinist for Bay State Abrasives in Westborough. He also worked as a part time bartender at the VFW and in shipping and receiving for BJ's Wholesale Club.

He was a member of the VFW Post 9013 where he served as past commander.

He is survived by six daughters, Debra McKinnon of Easthampton, NJ, Denise MacDonald of Sunnapee, NH, Cynthia Haskell, Nancy Pond and Maureen Bliss all of Westborough and Janice Dreyfus of Webster; one sister, Albertine Adams of Auburn, nine grandchildren and one great grandchild.

He was the father of the late Sandra Marie Erickson and brother of the late Alton Erickson.

His funeral service will be held on Thursday, July 31, at 10:00 A.M. in the Rand-Harper-Pickering Westborough Funeral Home, 62 West Main St., Westborough. Burial, with military honors, will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery.

Calling hours at the funeral home are Wednesday, July 30, from 5 to 8 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Westborough Food Pantry, P.O. Box 502, Westborough, MA 01581.

westboroughfuneralhome.com