Bruce Eldred Erickson

Bruce Eldred Erickson passed away on September 9th, 2023, due to complications of kidney failure. He was born in Odgen, Utah on January 1, 1945, to Eldred Hilmar Erickson and Lois Belnap Erickson. He grew up in Pleasant View, Utah and was the oldest of eight children. 

Bruce graduated from Weber High School as a valedictorian.  He was active in 4-H, participated in Scouting, and worked on the family farm. He also had fond memories of the family trips hunting, fishing, hiking and traveling to Yellowstone National Park. From 1964 -1966, Bruce served a mission to Bavaria, Germany, for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. When he returned home from his mission, he went to Brigham Young University, where he met his future wife, Joyce Johnstun, who was the roommate of his sister.

Bruce and Joyce were later married in the Salt Lake City temple on August 25th, 1967. While at BYU, he joined the ROTC. He graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering and then joined the Air Force. After advancing to the rank of Captain, because of family health issues, he reluctantly left the military and took a job with Mulholland Corporation, the same company that eventually built their children's customized wheelchairs. 

Bruce and Joyce lived in Biloxi, Mississippi, Riverside and Camarillo, California. Then, in 1981, they built their home, in Centerville, Utah. Over the course of his career, Bruce worked for Mulholland Corporation, Eaton-Kenway, Evans and Sutherland, Inari, and AAI.  

Bruce also felt it important to be involved in civic duties. Because of this, he served on the Centerville City Council for two terms, from 1984 to 1992.  

Bruce and Joyce are the parents of six children: Michelle, Lara, Cindy, Heidi, Heather, and Mark. Bruce and Joyce spent many years caring for their children, especially Cindy, Heather, and Mark, who needed constant care due to a rare disease, Glutaric Acidemia. From 1989-1995, Bruce and Joyce wrote "When Life Doesn't Seem Fair," a book that was published by Bookcraft, and detailed some of their experiences while living with and caring for disabled children.

Bruce loved to build things, including an addition onto their home so there would be a room and space to accommodate his children's wheelchairs, hospital bed, and accessible bathroom. Among other things, he loved to work with concrete, work in his garden, and attend BYU football games. He also loved being with his family and took them on several trips, including the Hill Cumorah Pageant, Houston, Disneyland, Yellowstone National Park, and Washington, D.C.

Bruce was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in several callings throughout his life including priest quorum advisor to more than 30 young men in California, counselor in several bishoprics, high councilor, and emergency preparedness specialist. After he retired, he loved serving as a computer specialist in the LDS Bountiful Temple for several years. 

Bruce is survived by his wife Joyce Johnstun Erickson; his children: Michelle (Cory) Leonard, Lara (Jereck) Boss, Heidi Erickson, and Mark Erickson; his grandchildren: Isabella (Drake) Wade, Sara Jane Leonard, Christian (Nicole) Boss, Jack Leonard, Hannah Boss, and Isaac Leonard; his great grandchild: Maisy Wade. He is also survived by his siblings: Janet (Randy) Gee, David (Cindy) Erickson, Nancy (Ray) Jensen, Chris (Keli) Erickson, Ellen Anson and Jeane (Steve) Burton.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Eldred and Lois; his daughters, Cindy and Heather; and his sister Susan Erickson Schmidt.

The family would like to thank the many people who helped care for Bruce, including the Life Care Center of Bountiful, dear friends, and the many neighbors and ward members.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 16th, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., at the Canyon View Ward, 210 E. 1825 N., Centerville, Utah. 

Friends may visit with family Friday, September 15th, 2023, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Russon Brothers Mortuary, 295 N. Main, Bountiful, Utah, and Saturday, September 16th, from 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., at the chapel prior to the service. 
Interment at Centerville City Cemetery.  

Services will be streamed live on Russon Brothers Mortuary Facebook page and this obituary page.