O.C. Ross Erickson— 2009

   O.C. Ross Erickson of Fort Macleod, beloved soul mate of Clare Bryan-Erickson, passed away suddenly and yet not unexpectedly with an unsure amount of health problems on Thursday, Dec. 31, 2009, at the age of 68 years.
   Forty-five of his closest family and friends gathered on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2010, to celebrate his life and mourn his passing.
   Ross is survived by his daughters Beth and Helen; grandchildren Kyle, Shannon and Kimberly; great grandson Thomas; his elder sister Bertha and younger sister Marie; brothers Douglas, Stewart and Guy; as well as their spouses; nieces, nephews, cousins and greats.
   Ross attended an apprentice artillery reunion in June of 2009. A cairn was dedicated in acknowledgement of the contributions made by him and his fellow soldiers at CFB Shilo. His oldest buddy, Jack Magilton, and fellow inductees of 1957 have expressed their gratitude that they were able to share this time together.
   A brief service was also held in Ajo, Arizona for his many friends there. His golfing friends in Fort Macleod will have a similar informal toast to Ross in the spring.
   His obit of his service record will be submitted to the Last Post via the Fort Macleod Legion. Thank you for your patience on behalf of Clare and the Erickson family.
   Memorial donations may be made in Ross’s memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, P.O. Box 2211, Lethbridge, T1J 4K7 or the Canadian Cancer Society, 317 10th St. S., Lethbridge, T1J 2M7. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Eden’s Funeral Home, 2424 Fifth Ave. S., Fort Macleod.