Dorothy Patricia Erickson

Dorothy Patricia “Pat” (Johnson) Erickson was born on March 30, 1932, in Prairie City, Oregon, to Helen Illidge Johnson and Ray George Johnson. Her father was working as County Agent out of nearby John Day, Oregon. When she was three years of age, the family moved to Corvallis, Oregon, where her father began teaching Animal Husbandry at Oregon State College. They stayed there until 1947, save for a year in Fresno, California, with relatives of her father, while Dr. Johnson traveled to China and Tibet during WWII. Her sister, Kathryn Ann was born in Corvallis in 1937. Returning to Corvallis, Pat completed Junior High. In her freshman year of High School, the family moved once more. This move took them to Caracas, Venezuela where her father joined the Venezuelan Basic Economy Corporation (a Rockefeller organization). Schooling was at the Presbyterian Mission Church School through her Sophomore and Junior years of High School. Pat and a friend, Marilyn Lazarus, returned to the United States to attend Fairfax Hall Junior College and Preparatory School in Waynesboro, Virginia for their senior year in High School, graduating in 1949. Her parents moved back to the U.S. and were residing in Salem, Oregon, in preparation for moving to Manila, Philippines. Pat remained with her grandmother and aunt and began her freshman year of college at Oregon State College where her father had once taught. She became a member of Chi Omega sorority and was Junior Princess in the OSC annual rodeo court. Once again joining her parents, Pat moved to Bozeman, Montana, and continued her education at Montana State College where her father was in the Extension Service. She met and married Frederick Paul Erickson of Great Falls, Montana, and her parents moved to the Philippine Islands, Iran, India, and Egypt before retirement to Fresno, California. After graduation, Fred began his USAF flight education at Hondo, Texas, and Pat joined him with daughter, Paula Eleanor. Frederick Ray was born in Victoria, Texas, and Kenneth Scott at Charleston, South Carolina. From South Carolina, the family was transferred to Japan and then to Okinawa before returning to the U.S. and a stint at Malmstrom AFB in Great Falls, Montana, where they built their house. During this time, Fred spent a year solo on Fire Island, Alaska in the Bay of Anchorage, and Pat and the children remained in Great Falls near Fred’s mother. When Fred returned, the family moved to Holloman AFB, New Mexico. The next, and last military move was to Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, where they remained until retirement in 1974. Retirement brought a return to Great Falls where Pat and Fred remained. A watercolor, batik and jewelry artist, Pat had become a member of the art communities during each military station. Upon return to Great Falls, she became a corporate member of Gallery 16 (1977) and considered the members as her second family. She was also active in the Great Falls Arts Association as well as the Montana Watercolor Society. Pat was preceded in death by her husband, Frederick Paul Erickson of Great Falls, MT; son, Kenneth Scott Erickson, USMC; and parents, Helen and R.G. Johnson. Surviving Pat are daughter, Paula Shubat of Great Falls; son, Frederick Erickson (Andrea Schon) of Phoenix, AZ; sister, Kathi Lovejoy of Beaverton, OR ; nephew, Steve (Michelle) Lovejoy of Dallas, OR; niece, Stacy (Mike) Nakajima of Tigard, OR; six grandchildren; three grand nephews; six great grandchildren; and special friends, Marcia Hocevar and Judy Ericksen. Per Pat’s wishes, she will be cremated. At a later date, her ashes will be spread to join her husband and son. The family wishes to thank the physicians and staff of the Great Falls Clinic and Benefis Peace Hospice for the respect and care shown to our mother. Memorials may be made to a charity of your choice.