Wayne Earl Ericksen of Vulcan, beloved husband of Donna, passed away at the Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary on February 26, 2021 at the age of 76 years.
Wayne was born June 11, 1944 in Calgary, AB. He received his education in Vulcan then attended Red Deer College, Montana State University in Bozeman and Olds College before returning to Vulcan to operate the family farm, known as “Triple E Farms”.
Wayne and Donna (Mueller) were married in Vulcan on March 4, 1967. Together, they raised their family, keeping busy with their activities as they were growing up. Wayne was involved in many organizations over the years. He was elected to County Council from 1986 to 2001 and was Chairman of the County Board of Education for 6 years (1989 to 1995). Wayne was elected Reeve from 1993 to 1996 and was one of the founding members of the Public School Board Association of Alberta.
Wayne was Past Chairman of the Solid Waste Authority, Marquis Foundation, Vulcan & District Recreation Board from 1980 to 1994, County Airport Commission, Municipal Committee, Vulcan & District Seed Cleaning Association, Sunshine Gas Co-op (1975), Vulcan East Water Co-op (1991), Chairman for the Vulcan Community Swimming Pool and Vulcan Cultural Recreation Centre, a founding member of the Vulcan & District Harvest Community Foundation and Director for Little Bow Progressive Conservative Party for 15 years.
Wayne joined the Vulcan Lions Club in 1966 where he held all positions. He took a short leave and became active again about 5 years ago. As a member of Lions, he worked hard on building a new swimming pool for the community in 2020. He was chairman of the committee when the second pool on main street was built. As a child, he would hitchhike from the farm to Vulcan to swim in the old pool and hitchhike back home again. He felt every child should have the opportunity to learn to swim.
Wayne’s hobby and passion was restoring old tractors. He tried to restore at least one tractor per winter during calving season. After retirement, Wayne liked to ride on his side-by-side with his dog and meander around the farm, enjoying the outdoors and the land.
Wayne is survived by his wife of 54 years, Donna, his son Eric (Roxanne) and their children Ethaniel and Raeson, daughter Brenda (Brent) and their children Connor and Aiden as well as two nieces Marla (Murray) and Patti. Wayne was predeceased by his brother Brian (Barb) and his parents, Earl and Phyllis.
A Family Memorial Service was held March 5, 2021 at the Vulcan Cemetery Columbarium, Sue MacDonald, D.M. officiating.
Tributes in Wayne’s memory can be made to the Vulcan Lions Club Swimming Pool Project, Box 717, Vulcan, AB T0L 2B0 or via E-transfer at vulcanlions@gmail.com.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences through www.vulcanfuneralhome.ca.
Condolences from the whole Douglas family to the whole Ericksen family. Such a busy and well-lived life (just have to look at the obituary and the comments on here for that!). A lot of life and service squeezed into 76 years. Wayne was always a pleasure to be around, with a quick wit and a big smile. Our family was of course rattled to hear of this and you are all in our thoughts. He was a good friend.
Donna, my memories immediately drift back to when you and Wayne were dating. It was wonderful to see our babysitter married to such a wonderful man. I am sorry for your loss. Condolences to you and your family!
Annalee (Middleton) Hearn, Vegreville, AB
Many years have passed since I spent time with Wayne. Since I was repeating grade 12, and did not repeat Chem 30, I had a spare period, and apparently so did Wayne, for a different reason. That was in 1961. The result was a motorcycle trip planning conspiracy which included a trip across North America from Florida up through New England and back west. I provided National Geographic maps and the whole thing looked quite serious. Wayne even had a motorcycle at the time. [I eventually did a trip much like that in 2000, and I remembered those spare periods with Wayne]. When I attended the later reunion in Vulcan, Wayne took me for a ride on his Honda Goldwing and it was very memorable. Even though I saw him very infrequently, he was a delight to know and have as a friend. I will miss him.
Eric and Family,
Sincerest condolences in the passing of your dad. Take care, Tanya Brauer
Though your hearts must hold deep sadness at the loss of Wayne…may it also hold the blessings of the life he shared with you and the love that will always be part of you.Our thoughts are with you at this time .Viola and Marilyn Marshman
Donna, Eric & family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We are so sorry for your loss; such trite words, but from the heart nonetheless. When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes your treasure.
Donna, Eric & Brenda & all your families.
We are so saddened to hear of Wayne’s passing. I have such wonderful memories of that wonderful laugh that was always lingering at the surface. The practical jokes (like when we put vodka in my ever present water bottle at a Marquis meeting and then to have me pour it down the sink because I thought my water was stale because it tasted different, not knowing until later that he’d done that). Taking me for a ride in the blue convertible to get ice cream in the evening in October because he had heard me say I love convertibles. It was an honour to be able to help at Roxanne & Eric’s wedding and he was always telling us how much he appreciated that.
To bad we can’t be together to share in your grief & double your wonderful memories. Know that we’re thinking of all of you in our thoughts & our prayers.
So sorry for your loss. Over the years we have gotten to know Wayne and he was a very special person. He will be greatly missed but your memories of him will be cherished forever and will keep you strong during these hard times.
Dear Donna, Eric and Brenda. I was so saddened to hear of Wayne’s passing. I remember him as a gentle giant as a kid. He will be missed by all. Our sincere condolences to you and your families.
Donna and Eric. My deepest condolences. Wayne was one of a kind and could always make my day brighter by teasing me about anything. He will always be one of my favorites.
Donna , I was so saddened to hear of Wayne’s passing.
Condolences to you and your family.
My deepest sympathies, to you all during this most difficult time.
Wayne was a very lovely man, and he will be dearly missed by his Community.
Donna, Eric, Brenda and Family, Wayne was a very dedicated family man, farmer, and community member. He had such a huge impact on so many people and organizations. Glenn and I send our condolences to all of at this time and please know that we are here for you should you need us. We will miss his sense of humour and visiting with him. Hold tight to all those good memories you have all created over the years. Our deepest condolences to all of you. Lynn and Glenn
Donna, Eric, Brenda and Family,
Our most heartfelt condolences on the passing of Wayne. He was a pillar in the community for many years and a good man. He is deeply missed.
I remember coming back to Vulcan to work at the County in 1996. I sat at your kitchen table on the farm and had a great chat with Wayne. He was a mentor and a friend. I remember within the last year or so he phoned me up and we talked about meeting procedures and about life.
May he Rest In Peace, knowing that he made a difference.
-Robert Strauss and Family-
Thanks Robert, we have many memories of Dad talking either business or pleasure or both at the kitchen table! He always seemed to easily speak in the comfort of home. Eric and Donna
Donna and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Wayne’s passing. He was a wonderful person and a good friend. I will miss his great sense of humor and what a fantastic community minded person he was. Hope you are doing okay Donna.
Thank you for the kind condolences Hugh. It’s nice to hear him mentioned with such kind words. Eric and Donna
Deepest condolences to Donna, Eric, Brenda and family. Although many years ago now, I had the pleasure of having Wayne as a member of the Vulcan Recreation Board. I will always remember him for his dedication to family and commitment to community. He was the type of volunteer every community organization seeks. We recently reconnected with the Vulcan Pool Project, and I looked forward to liaising with him as my family prepares to attend the opening of the pool this summer.
May the hole in your heart be flooded with happy memories you had with Wayne. Sadly missed but happy to have known him.
Sylvia Hunter,
Marjorie and Janet Stephen
Thank you very much for the recollection of his dedication to public recreation, particularly towards the building of the last pool and working to help on whatever part he could of this one. We hope everyone can enjoy the efforts of the Lions Club, Town of Vulcan and Rec Board and countless other groups and individuals that have worked towards making this tremendous project come to fruition. Eric and Donna
Donna, Eric, Brenda and families
Our sincere condolences on Wayne’s passing. His lifetime involvement in the community and his willingness to provide balanced and effective leadership as both The Chair of the Board of Education and The Reeve of Vulcan County are testaments to his willingness to make a difference in the lives of others. I truly enjoyed my association with Wayne when he was the Board Chairman and valued his vision, sage advice and common sense. I don’t think he every lost a leg wrestling match! His humor, compassion and sense of fairness were trademarks of his decision making. He touched many and his commitment to his family and his community will be greatly missed.
Thank you John and Marilynne, the stories of his leg wrestling finesse will be laughed about for a long while. I don’t recall anyone ever seeing him lose a match! Eric and Donna
Hey Eric and Donna sorry to hear this,I always enjoyed talking with Wayne when I spent time over your way,take care
Thanks Tim, Dad always enjoyed your humour and candidness with him. Eric and Donna
Donna and Family
There are few words that do Wayne justice. Unrivaled in his devotion to community and family, he was one of the best and we were so fortunate to have had him as part of our community. Both of you have been great community champions over the years especially with the new pool project. He will forever be remembered in the highest regard. My deepest sympathy to you and your family at the loss of Wayne. The joy that Wayne brought through his life of service to our community will never be forgotten. I am grateful that I got to know him.
Thank you for the kind words Bonnie. It was his hope that the pool project could be enjoyed for a new generation of Vulcanites, and we know he will be smiling down on opening day. Eric and Donna
Dear Donna, Eric, Brenda and families,
Our sincere condolences on the loss of Wayne. We know that Wayne was a wonderful advocate and has been instrumental in serving his community for several years. Not only will he be missed by all of you and his lovely grandchildren, he will be missed by all that knew him.
Thanks Ron and Val. He was so hoping on getting to swim in the new pool. We hope that the entire community can enjoy it for the next generation. Eric and Donna
Donna and family, so saddened to hear of your lose. Our condolences and thoughts are with you
Don and Elaine
Thank you for your kind thoughts Elaine. Eric and Donna
Dear Donna In your family time of sorrow may it help to know that we as new comers
have known things have done for our town and county with the Lions Club and many other things he has done The good roast beef he has cooked for our corn fest in Whispering Creek. My heart and prayers go out to your family and I will see you
some time when it is possible.
Thank you for the kind recognition. Dad was always eager to help in numerous ways, but he took particular enjoyment in preparing roasts or slow cooking whole pigs. Eric and Donna
Donna and family – I am sending you my deepest sympathy at this difficult with the passing of Wayne. Donna
Thank you for your thoughts at this time, they are appreciated. Eric and Donna
Donna, Eric, Brenda, and family
Many prayers indeed to all of you on Wayne’s passing. He was a great Reeve and School Board Member indeed but a better friend to me and my family. Over the years I learned so many thing from him and the agricultural world out on the farm and always grateful that he shared your home and table with me. I remember one day the most, it was his comment on passing away, he said he always wanted to be buried on the center noel just NNW of the house because as we sat in the combine that day he said you could see Vulcan County and Country side and sunset. May god and times keep you all safe and I know he loved you all greatly. TP
Thank you so much Terry. Dad always admired your dedication to your job, and your attention to detail, as you’ve recalled to the exact recollection of where he wished to be. Your thoughts and prayers are appreciated. The Ericksen Family
Our deepest sympathy. Wayne leaves us many memories of a good friend and neighbor.
Edna and Dave
Thank you Edna and Dave. So many memories through the years between hockey and Esso. We knew your family was always there for whoever may need help. We appreciate the kind words. Eric and Donna
Donna and family
We were sorry to hear of Wayne’s passing and send you all our condolences!
Wayne was a good advisor from the school board and the municipal side of the county during my days there. His support and willingness to offer sage advice for while he was in office, assisted me very much.
He will be missed – along with the ice cream cones/dishes.
Our thoughts are with you during this time.
Thank you so much Tom and Judy. Dad always respected your role and proficiency while he was on counsel. There were many mentions of you through the years, and I cannot recall a single negative. And Judy, Dad so much loved your enthusiasm and laughter. You always brought positivity with you and he admired you for that always. Thank you so much, Eric and Donna
Hi Donna We are so sorry and shocked to hear about Wayne’s passing. Our condolences to you and hope you are ok
You and Wayne were excellent landlords.
Donna, Eric, Brenda, and family,
I was so saddened to hear of Wayne’s passing. I really enjoyed getting to know Wayne over the years through our dealings at the dealership. Whenever we chatted we always had a few good laughs, usually at Trudeau’s expense. Please accept my condolences and warm wishes.
Thank you Matt for the thoughts. He enjoyed every opportunity he had with you when he traded. He said, Matt should call pretty soon, and he would gauge his timing to that. Mom and I appreciate very much the post.