Thursday, July 24, 2025

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on July 24, 2025.

ERICKSON, Gary GARY LEIGH ERICKSON May 14, 1946 ~ July 20, 2025 With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Gary Leigh Erickson on July 20, 2025, at the age of 79. Gary was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, whose love of the natural world, deep commitment to his faith, and enduring devotion to family shaped a life that enriched all who knew him.
Born on May 14, 1946, Gary spent his life in harmony with the outdoors he so deeply loved. As a dedicated wildlife biologist with Alberta Fish & Wildlife, he devoted his career to the stewardship of Alberta’s natural landscapes and wildlife. Among his many contributions, he played a central role in the Alberta Peregrine Falcon Recovery Plan – a project he took immense pride in. His efforts were instrumental in helping to restore this iconic species to the skies of Alberta, a legacy that continues to soar.
Gary’s love for nature wasn’t confined to his work. He was an avid outdoorsman who found joy and peace in hunting, hiking, bird watching, quadding, and camping. In later years, he discovered a passion for motorcycling, embarking on countless adventures across Canada and the United States. These experiences were often shared with his sons, who inherited his love for the wild and the open road, creating cherished memories that spanned generations.
Gary was a devoted husband to Laurie May Anderson, his partner in life and love. Together they raised three sons: Robin (Rae Ann), Darcy (Amber), and Jesse. He was a proud grandfather to six grandchildren who brought him endless joy: Liam, Kjell, Simon, and Taran, born to Robin and Rae Ann; and Breanne and Riley, born to Darcy and Amber. He is also survived by his siblings Barb, Rick, Jan, and Randy, who knew him not only as a brother but as a source of wisdom and quiet strength.
Faith played a central role in Gary’s life. He served as a Bishop to a Young Single Adult ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, offering guidance, compassion, and leadership to many during a formative time in their lives. His steady hand and open heart left a lasting impression on those he served.
Gary will be remembered for his deep humility, his reverence for creation, and the way he lived life fully and deliberately. Whether in the field with binoculars in hand, on a winding highway astride his motorcycle, or at the campfire with family, Gary found joy in the simple and sacred moments of life.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints- Copperwood Chapel, (9 Keystone Terrace W, Lethbridge) at 1:00pm, where friends and family will gather to celebrate a life so richly lived.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Gary’s memory to the Alberta Birds of Prey Nature Center (https://burrowingowl.com /content.php?p=40), in honor of his lifelong dedication to the natural world.
His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the land he helped protect, and the family he loved so fiercely. He will be deeply missed.
To send condolences, please visit http://www.generationsfh.ca

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DUCE, DeWayne DeWayne Delbert Duce March 8, 1934 – July 11, 2025 DeWayne Delbert Duce was a man who lived with heart, humor and an unwavering devotion to his family, faith and community. Dad was a natural jokester who loved to tease and connected with people through humor. He had a passion for music that began early. At age 12, he was invited to play his trumpet with a professional orchestra, sparking a lifelong love of Big Band music. Music filled our home and shaped 3 generations, thanks to his dedication, both as a teacher and performer.
Dad’s enthusiasm extended to the world of sports. He played, coached and officiated countless games and took joy in all of it. He dedicated many years as the athletic director for SAIAC, always improving programs with each new year. Dad was also a passionate fan of Stampede Wrestling. He sat on the edge of his chair, twitching and flinching with every punch, kick, and body slam, as if he were right there in the ring. He brought the same intensity to every sport he participated in, always striving to teach fairness, effort, and respect both on the court and at home. We as a family, though, do apologize for the miscalls he made while officiating in his later years.
Dad worked at many jobs to provide for his family. In his 30’s, while raising a young family, he returned to school and earned his Bachelor of Education from the University of Lethbridge. He loved learning and thrived as a teacher. While teaching, he also owned and operated Tom’s House of Pizza where lots of memories and great pizzas were consumed. Dad’s testimony of the gospel was strong and he served faithfully within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Dad had a legendary love of Super Big Gulps from 7-11. He should have been made an honorary franchise owner, or, built his own store with the number of cups collected over the years. 7-11 will surely miss him.
But Dad’s greatest pride and joy was his family. He cherished his wife Fern with whom he shared 63 years of marriage. Dad was predeceased by his wife Fern, his parents, Delbert and Imogene, stepmother Gene, brother Gary, and great granddaughter Giselle. He is survived by his children, Janet (Les), Kendall (Kerri), Lisa (Shane) and Greg (Annette); 16 grandchildren: 34 great grandchildren; and siblings Connie (Bob) Sharon (Dahl) and sister-in-law Sandra.
Please join us in remembering him:
Friday, July 25th 7-8 pm. Salmon and Sons Funeral Home 433 Stubb Ross Rd. Funeral Service Saturday, July 26th 2:00 pm. Northside LDS Chapel 2223-6th Ave, N. Lethbridge Meet the family from 1:00pm – 1:45 pm prior to the service To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca

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