Wayne K. Erickson, 84

A Celebration of Life was held at the home of Wayne K. Erickson, 84, who peacefully passed away Oct. 10.

The reception was attended by many friends, neighbors and family, plus his church family from Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.

He was born and raised in Great Falls, completing his education with a BS degree in chemistry at the College of Great Falls. He was employed by Phillips Petroleum and later Phillips Fibers, a subsidiary of Phillips 66.

His wife of 62 years, and three sons, Craig, John and Todd, moved right along with him wherever he was employed by the company, no questions asked, they just eagerly awaited the latest and newest adventures, first in Idaho, then Oklahoma and South Carolina.

He retired at the age of 58, having worked for Phillips for 35 years, and eagerly awaited his newest adventures, returning with Joyce to their new home in Polson.

He loved his job in R&D, having acquired 17 patents for the company, and then later worked as manager at three different manufacturing plants in the Textile and Fibers industry.

Wayne was an avid fly fisherman, teaching his sons the joys of fishing, and later enjoyed watching his grandsons Robin and Keith learn the skills of fishing beginning at the wee ages of 3 years old, respectively.

He was dearly loved and respected by friends, employees and most of all his family.