Mark Alan Erickson (61) – loving son, devoted husband, doting father, passionate lover of life – passed away peacefully on January 17, 2021 at St. Peter’s Health in Helena, MT after living with pancreatic cancer for 2 years. Mark was surrounded by his wife, daughters, son-in-law, and granddaughter at the time of his passing.
Mark was born on December 18, 1959 to Paul Erickson and Bettie (Kurtz) Erickson in Helena, MT. Mark was the youngest of four children, looking up to his sisters Susan (Erickson) Hoskins and Leanne (Erickson) Mullaney, and his brother Rolin Erickson. From an early age, Mark displayed a caring, adventurous, exuberant, ambitious spirit, and his passion for life never wavered. Mark poured one-hundred-percent in to everything that he did, with his most profound passions involving his love for his family, Montana, and his career.
Mark grew up in a loving and supportive household where laughter and stories around the dinnertime table were a daily occurrence. The Lord was the foundation of their family, and Mark’s faith served as a compass throughout his life. As a boy, Mark loved to join his father on surveying exhibitions and regularly spoke of his dad’s large laugh and calm presence. Mark also held a deep love and admiration for his mother (and her cooking!), cherishing his time with her on the golf course, performing “honey-do’s”, and catching up with her on one of their weekly phone calls. Mark and his mom shared a special bond and their love for one another could be felt whenever they were in one another’s presence.
Mark always appreciated time with his sisters, whether it be engaging in lively conversation, receiving a back massage, or helping eat a delicious treat they prepared. Mark greatly respected and looked up to his brother who was one of his closest friends and, as Mark would joke, his bodyguard growing up. Mark genuinely valued his unique and special relationship with each of his siblings, instilling this shared value within his own daughters.
In 1980 while attending Montana State University (where he would admit that he skied more than attended class), Mark began dating Jane Floding. Mark immediately appreciated Jane’s kind, giving nature and would often reminisce on their courtship. Mark married Jane, the love of his life, in 1983, committing themselves to each other and a lifetime of adventure, support, balance, and partnership. Mark and Jane were married for 37 years, fitting a lifetime of memories in to their time cut short, and setting a beautiful example of love, devotion, strength, and teamwork for their daughters.
After marrying, Mark and Jane settled in Butte, MT where Mark worked for Montana Power. In 1986 they welcomed their first daughter, Sarah. Mark was a natural father, excited to teach his first born important life skills, such as elk bugling, from an early age. In 1991, Mark and Jane welcomed their second daughter, Nicole, just before being transferred to Denver. True to his style, Mark continued to pour his heart and soul in to every venture he took on: husband, father, entrepreneur, student, colleague, friend. While committed to work, Mark always showed up for his daughters, supporting their various interests, extracurriculars, and academics. Mark also enjoyed picking up new hobbies alongside his daughters, including snowboarding, scuba diving, and wake surfing, and thrived on teaching his family the activities that he had enjoyed since childhood, including snowmobiling, golfing, shooting, and fishing. Mark’s adventurous spirit led him and his family on many travels and vacations, including live-aboard scuba diving trips with his daughter Nicole, fishing and zip-lining in Honduras, swimming with manta rays and watching the whales migrate in Hawaii, relaxing on the beach in Mexico, and golfing in the Grand Caymans. Mark’s positive energy was contagious and there was truly nothing that brought him more joy than making memories with his family, at home and abroad, every chance that he had. Until his last day, Mark’s love for his family was easily felt and known.
They say that you can take the boy out of Montana, but you can’t take Montana out of the boy. Another one of Mark’s greatest joys in life was living in Montana and enjoying all that the Treasure State has to offer. As a young boy, Mark could be found dirt biking, hiking, fishing, or camping around the hills of Helena with his brother and close pack of friends. As he grew older, he continued to enjoy the outdoors, regularly sneaking away to hunt, backpack, fish, snowmobile, camp, and boat. While Mark lived and worked in Denver for the majority of his adult life, his roots remained buried deep in Montana soil and he traveled home to Big Sky Country every chance he had. In 2001, Mark and Jane purchased a home on Hauser Lake which became a place for family and friends to gather, laugh, celebrate, and play. Mark loved to provide a good time for others as much as he enjoyed having a good time himself, and he was always up for an impromptu yard game or day on the lake with family and friends. Mark relished the happy memories that were created with his wife, children, siblings, nieces, nephews, in-laws, friends, and neighbors throughout the years. After Mark’s cancer diagnosis in March 2019, he continued to make the most of every day. Mark always adamantly stated, “I’m not battling cancer, I’m living with cancer,” supporting his positive and optimistic view on life. Family and friends are especially grateful for their memories with Mark during this time, filling their days travelling, fishing, trap and target shooting, side-by-siding, camping, gardening, pheasant and grouse hunting, playing yard games, wake surfing, and taking leisurely cruises on the pontoon. Mark especially enjoyed this time with close family members, including his son-in-law, Nick, who he considered a friend, confidant, and son he never had.
Mark was a force to be reckoned with in every facet of his life, with his professional career following suit. Mark graduated with his B.S. in Petroleum Engineering from Montana Tech in 1983, a degree that he honored and felt proud to have earned. Mark supported his Alma Mater throughout his professional career, remaining involved and invested in various contexts. Upon moving to Denver, Mark earned his M.S. in Mineral Economics from Colorado School of Mines in 1995 and utilized his degree and contacts to begin pursuing his desire to start up his own companies. Mark ultimately brought two companies public on the stock exchange, with the most recent being Extraction Oil and Gas, founded in 2012. Mark loved the challenge associated with building something new, and he thrived on the opportunity it gave him to surround himself with hard-working, like-minded professionals in the industry. Perhaps more than anything, Mark enjoyed building a work family in which everyone was encouraged to learn from each other, grow together, and show up knowing they were appreciated, valued, and believed in. Mark cherished the opportunity to provide a supportive work environment along with a better life for all of his employees and their families. A natural born leader, Mark put forth his all as he expected much from others, leading to mutual respect between himself and colleagues. As a close business partner recently stated, “The confidence he had in people helped people have confidence in themselves,” and the impact he made will be forever remembered as his legacy is carried forward.
Anybody who knew Mark speaks of him as generous, easy going, caring, and the life of the party. Others describe Mark as “the greatest of all time,” “an inspiration,” a “firecracker,” a great friend and partner, a lifelong learner, positive, patient, strong, optimistic, fun-loving, respectable, and “one of the good ones.” Whether you knew Mark as “Markie,” “Lid,” “Buddha,” “Big Dog,” “Erickson,” or “Daddy-o,” chances are that he put a smile on your face, made you laugh, or helped you believe in yourself. Mark was a great listener and had a special way of putting things into perspective, always providing a confident and calm space. He never judged, held a grudge, nor gossiped; rather, he greeted everyone with a smile and would be the first to invite you to join in his next adventure. Mark’s life cannot be captured by words as words can’t capture the way that he made you feel, but those who knew Mark in any capacity know that Mark was, simply put, great. Mark will be sorely missed but forever celebrated as his legend lives on through the stories and memories reflecting his zest for life. Mark always said, “I’m not here for a long time, I’m here for a good time,” a prophetic proclamation to his spirited life with us on earth.
Mark is preceded in death by his father, Paul Erickson, his parents-in-law, Jim and Ronnie Floding, and his grandson, Nathan Yanker. Among other loved ones, Mark is survived by his mother, Bettie Erickson Roosma; wife Jane (Floding) Erickson; sister Susan (Erickson) Hoskins and her husband Ron Hoskins; sister Leanne (Erickson) Mullaney and her husband Mark Mullaney; brother Rolin Erickson and his wife Taffy Erickson; daughter Sarah (Erickson) Yanker and her husband Nick Yanker; daughter Nicole Erickson; and granddaughter Annabelle “Baby Belle” Yanker.
Mark did not want a funeral but rather requested a celebration of life. Immediate family will gather for an intimate memorial this week, however an open celebration of life will take place at a later date in Summer 2021.
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Dean Lingelbach says
My heart goes out to the whole Erickson family. What great memories I have got with Mark. So much fun. Work hard to play hard is my description of him.
Suzie Wright says
My memories of Mark are too many to count. From trying to keep track of him underwater on multiple dives as he chased after finned critters, to watching him race high-speed go-carts around the Gasco parking lot. He was fun-loving, hard-working, smart, caring, and tall in every way that counted. He was a special man and a great friend to everyone who knew him. The world lost one of the good ones. We’ll miss you, Mark.
Patty McCormack says
So many fun memories of Mark. All his lake toys, boats etc. His laughs and silly jokes. And his garden was beautiful. Mark took pride of his family and I know that he will always be sending them smiles and hugs up above. Rest In Peace Mark.
Bill Donovan says
My condolences to the family.
Mike Corak says
I had the pleasure of not only working with Mark on a joint project in Denver, but playing with him as well. I remember a float trip of the Big Hole River and countless games of racquetball in “the old days”. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and the countless close friends who had the pleasure of working with Mark.
Cathy Schneckloth Dawe says
What a wonderful tribute to Mark Erickson! Our families were neighbors way back, when all the boys seemed to be named Mark. We also had a Mark . If I remember correctly, my brother became “Big” Mark, Mark Erickson was “Lid” and Mark Mullaney was “Mullaney”. I know there were more Marks but not sure what all their stage names became. They were a lively bunch and our parents were beside themselves with their antics on most occasions! What one boy didn’t think of one of the others came to the rescue. Great memories for sure. Lid you will always have a special place in our hearts. May God give each one of your family comfort and peace during these sad and difficult times. Love & Prayers❣️🙏🏻
Jason and Thomas - Winery Developers says
I would like to express our deepest sympathy to the family. We had the pleasure of spending time with Mark snowmobiling when Nicole was opening her winery. He was everything that was described above and while sad to hear of his passing we were grateful to have known him for just a moment. Praying for peace and comfort!
Neal and Debbie Hurni says
Dear Jane & family
We are so sorry to hear about Marks passing. He is in Heaven with Paul & they are laughing & having fun. Cathy you are right, there were lots of Marks. When our youngest son was born, we named him Marc (Johnson) after all of the other Marks because Dave Johnson (Marcs dad) was such good friends with all of them. Many Saturdays we all sat in the kitchen of the Erickson home talking & laughing & munching on something scrumptious Betty had made. Mark loved his motorcycle for sure. I remember when Jane & Mark got married. Rolin and Dave Johnson and Mark grew up together. We are praying for all of you & celebrating Mark’s life. God bless
Kent Richards says
Very sorry to hear of Mark’s passing. My condolences to the entire Erickson family.
Robert Hunt says
My thoughts are with the Erickson family. Mark was such a friendly and likeable man. God bless, Sarah, Nick, Jane and Nicole.
Jim & Sue Hennessey says
Mark loved life and loved sharing life; a gem we will greatly miss.
Our prayers to each and every family as you heal from Mark’s passing.
Robin Dean says
Mark was one of the best things in my life. I had the privilege of working or consulting for every oil and gas company that he helped to found. He always brought out the best in me professionally. I miss you, my friend.
Carol Christnacht says
So sad! Mark swam with me for years. What a gentle kind soul.
Jim Porter says
My deepest sympathies to Mark’s family. Worked with Mark on his many oil & gas projects, it was always clear that Mark was a family man, devoted to his wife and daughters. We have the comfort of the words of our Lord Jesus, “Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted.” My prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
TIMOTHY J O'LEARY says
I’m so sorry to hear about Lid. He took me fishing when I was a kid. I got to reconnect with him in Colorado around 1992. While fishing with him there He had a great story about setting up his camp along a river he intended to fish. He watched some “call a rad Uns” casting hastily through the hole he had in mind. They left fully skunked after about 15 minutes. The way he told it was he finished his beer and went down with his royal wulffs, Joe’s hoppers and hairs ears droppers and cleaned up. I will always member his jovial laugh -talking about the “call a rad uns”. The Erickson’s, Mullaneys, and Shneens, were the big brothers I never had. I will always look up to them and especially Lid. Rest In Peace little big brother.
Josh Carlisle says
Molly and I are very saddened by Marks passing. Our paths had crossed by chance and I was able to work for one of the companies that Mark had founded. Without Mark, my family’s life would be so different today. We are very fortunate to have been able to get to know and work with Mark. Thank you for your ever loving character and generosity. Rest In Peace, sir.
Jayci Godinet says
My thoughts and prayers are with Marks family and friends. I am so extremely saddened to hear of his passing. I didn’t know Mark well but he has made a lasting impression on me. He was always so kind and genuine to me the times I saw him. He made me feel special in the workplace and I will be forever thankful for that. Rest in Peace Mark.
Ronald and Darlene Lamping says
JANE,S FAMILY.. SO SORRY ABOUT MARK,HE IS BLESSING REST AND WILL MISS HIM. HE IS GREST GUY, GIVE US RIDE BOAT AND PLAY HORSE SHOE ENJOY AROUND HIM..HE HAS LONG GOOD LIFE.. WE LOVE YOU ALL AND TAKE CARE IN GOOD HEALTH..HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON.MAY GOD BLESSING..LOVE YOU..RON AND DARLENE LAMPING
Lowell Hanson says
I can only add “Right on” to all of above.
Maureen and Erin says
Jane & family we are so sorry to hear of Mark’s passing. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Mo Oelkers & Erin MONDIE🙏🏼
Chad Yeager says
Our thoughts and prayers are with Mark’s family and friends. Mark truly changed our family’s lives and my time working with Mark will always be remembered. Mark’s laugh and spirit filled every room he entered. His presence will be greatly missed.
Paula Gutierrez says
My thoughts and prayers are with Mark’s family and friends. I worked with Mark at Extraction Oil & Gas, and there isn’t one memory I have of him where he wasn’t smiling. He always greeted me with a hug. We shared chili recipes over emails he was more than a boss, he was a friend. I will never forget Mark and my time at Extraction, so many of his employees became an Extraction Family, and bond none of us will ever forget. Rest in peace my friend, you will truly be missed but not forgotten.
Don Andrews says
Mark is a great guy known him for many years would do anything for anyone thoughts and prayers my friend
Barbara Calerdine says
Mark you influenced and helped so many of us. It was such a privilege to work with you and be a friend. Jane, Sara and Nicole to your entire family there aren’t any words. Thank you for sharing him with all of us. I know his inspiration will live on in all of you.
Michael Van Diest says
Leanne, I am so sorry to hear about Mark. Way too young. I just wanted reach out and pass on my condolences to you, Susan, Rolin and your mom. You are all in my thoughts an prayers. There are no perfect words for this but hopefully your memories and faith and your family will help each of you. God Bless!
Ronda jenko says
To Jane and family, Mark will be missed, he was such a fun loving guy who enjoyed sharing his beautiful place on the lake with friends and family! Mark was about having a good time and always made you feel welcome! He was the king of all the holidays and wanted to make the best of it whether it be socializing ( which included a few beers ) boating, fireworks, volleyball, watching football, horseshoes, skating and ice fishing. Mark knew how to live life and amazed me how positive he was even throughout his cancer diagnosis. He was a great guy who will be deeply missed! God bless and May your memories bring you comfort.
Mari Johnson says
We miss him sorely on this side, but oh what a raucous joy arose from the angels when he passed through; you can see him smiling and laughing at such a greeting. What a remarkable, beloved soul who has blessed us all.
Troy Bertelsen says
My heart is with you Erickson family and Mark. I am sending you love, compassion and medicine prayers for your connections with Mark to remain, and even grow stronger, in all time.
I am just learning of his death today, the day before our 45th Helena High School Class of 1978 Reunion, and I am sure we will honor him properly with our hearts wide open.