MELVIN ERICKSON obituary

Melvin C. Erickson Jr., 61, died Sunday, Jan. 22, 2006, at Northern Montana Hospital with his family by his side from effects of Agent Orange. Cre-mation has taken place. A memorial service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at the Holland & Bonine Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Rowlie Hutton officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow at the Highland Cemetery. A fellowship luncheon will be held at the Vets Club immediately following the graveside service.

Melvin was born Sept. 28, 1944, in Whitefish to Melvin Erickson Sr. and Ella May (Cady) Rowin. He was raised and educated in Havre. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in May of 1967 and served until 1968 in Vietnam, where he was exposed to Agent Orange. He was honorably discharged in 1973.

Melvin returned to Havre and was employed with the city of Havre in the Sanitation Department he retired after 30 years. Melvin enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing, bowling, throwing horseshoes, gardening and, especially, spending time with his family.

Melvin was a member of the Eagles, the VFW and the Moose Club.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Ella May (Cady) Rowin; his father, Melvin Erickson Sr.; sisters, Donna Roberts and Charlene Rowin; niece, Roxanne Shelstad; and great-nephews, Nathan Green and Clayton Morse.

Melvin is survived by his wife, Tammy (Pozega) Erickson of Havre; son, Aaron Erickson of Havre; daughter, Karin Erickson of Missoula; stepchildren, Brooke McLean, Jimmy Johnson, Modesty Cavin and Michelle Kinsella, all of Havre; stepfather, Howard Rowin of Havre; sisters, Phyllis Christopherson, Betty (Bill) Hafner, Laura Hafner, Sue Roberts and Willa (Ken) Kooch, all of Havre, and Doris (Bob) Bishop of Great Falls; brothers, Dave and Ron Rowin, both of Havre; several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins; and his pets Slick, Snoopy and Socks.

Memorials in Melvin's honor may be made to the Gift of Life, P.O. Box 7008, Great Falls, MT 59406.

Services and arrangements are by Holland & Bonine Funeral Home.