Richard Clay Erickson was born May 2, 1963 at the South Davis Community Hospital in Bountiful, Utah to Gladys Rea Bennett (1930-1993) and William Earl Erickson (1929-2022).

Richard grew up in Bountiful, Utah as the fifth of eight children. His father was an educator, and education always remained an important focus in his life. After watching the 1969 Apollo Moon Landing on TV as a child, he developed an enduring passion for science. He attended Viewmont High School, graduating in the class of 1981.

He served in the Canada Halifax mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1982-1983. He felt a lifelong kinship with Canada. His mother, Gladys Rea, was born and raised in Ottawa, Canada. His family heritage along with his missionary service cemented its personal importance for the rest of his life.

At the conclusion of his missionary service, he returned to the University of Utah, and then the University of Maryland, later transferring to Brigham Young University. He graduated from BYU in 1988 with a bachelor’s degree in applied physics and a math minor. Three years later, he completed his master’s degree in 1991 in engineering management.

After finishing his schooling, he met the love of his life on a crosswalk at BYU at the beginning of 1992. He and Arlene Lynette Bown were married in Manti, Utah, on Nov. 24, 1992. It was the beginning of a grand adventure of love and joy with his family and children, beginning with his twins Gwyn and Kresten born in 1996, and continuing with Marilysa (2000) and Mikkel (2004). They enjoyed camping and traveling with family and with each other to the very end. 

A lover of music his whole life, he played trumpet as part of the Viewmont High School band program. He found joy in playing trumpet with various community bands throughout his adult years, including the Buzztones and the Riverton Jazz Band. His love of music was infectious, and he shared it with his children; they grew up in a musical home, and they still play, perform, and teach music today. 

Professionally, he worked diligently as a Wide-Area-Network planner for the State of Utah’s Division of Technology Services for 20 years. Richard was also passionate about social issues and dedicated his energy to advocating for the marginalized and less fortunate among us. 

He is survived by his wife, Arlene Lynette Bown, his children and their spouses: Kresten (Abigail), Gwyn (Jon), Marilysa, and Mikkel, his granddaughter Zoey Yukon, and his siblings: Danna Rongstad, Roy Erickson, Nola VanWagenen-Davis, Afton Monahan, Earlene Mugleston, Justin Erickson, Kristin Erickson, and September Erickson.

He passed away in his home in Eagle Mountain, Utah, on Nov. 11, 2023, succumbing to colon cancer that he had fought uncomplainingly for four years. He expressed constant gratitude for the help and support of his medical team, family, friends, and neighbors.

Services will be held Nov.18, at 11 a.m. at the Eagle Mountain Stake Center on 2977 E. Saddle Rock Rd., Eagle Mountain. Viewing will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., same day and location. Interment will follow in the Pony Express Memorial Cemetery in Eagle Mountain.