George H. Erickson, 88, of Fort Benton, Montana passed away on November 5, 2016. His funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 17, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. the Fort Benton First Lutheran Church with Pastor Wade Harr and Retired Pastor Elroy Erickson and cousin officiating. Viewing will be available on November 16, 2016 from 5-7 p.m. and on November 17, 2016 from 11-2:00 p.m. at the First Lutheran Church. Burial will take place immediately after the funeral and a reception will follow.

George was born in Big Timber, Montana on May 1, 1928 to Pearl and Clarence Erickson. He grew up on the ranch on the Sweet Grass and later moved to town and graduated from Big Timber High School. He was a team roper and played basketball. He served as a Corporal in the U.S. Army for two years and was honorably discharged in May of 1953. He continued his education and earned a Bachelor of Science from Montana State University in 1955. He moved to Florence, Arizona where he taught vocational agriculture at the high school for over seven years. He continued to teach and attended classes to earn a Master of Science in Agricultural Education from MSU in 1960.

He then joined the Cooperative Extension Service in 1963 in Glendive. In 1964, he moved to Fort Benton and he served as the County Extension Agent for almost 28 years. He came to know the backroads, farms, and ranches of the county. He eventually divided the county into six climatic zones where soil types, rainfall patterns, temperature ranges and other factors dictate what crops, varieties, and cropping systems farmers can successfully employ. He was also known to make instant identification of obscure pests such as an infrequent barley thrip. Often farmers would come into the Chouteau County Courthouse office or stop him on the street seeking advice and information. Out of 56 counties in Montana, he served in Chouteau County, a county that ranks first in all wheat, winter wheat, and barley production, third in hogs and oats, fourth in spring wheat and sixth in durum wheat. During his work, the job changed from one of service to one of education. He did less of planting trees, shelter belts, and weighing calves and moved towards dispensing information on farming and ranch management. He worked with the Highwood Bench farmers and formed the Alkali Association to assess and problem solve the spreading of saline seep. He was also active in research, pest management, and training programs as well as estate planning, computer based farm management, the County Planning Board, and 4-H. He was an active community partner that believed that education and information was a powerful resource. George retired from the Extension Service in 1991.

In George's early life, he was active in rodeos as a team roper. He also was a hunter, fisher, and camper. He spent many a weekend with family in the mountains and at the lakes. George was an avid bridge player, and he and his wife, Olga, earned the honor of Life Master. He was also a founding member of the Signal Point Golf Course. He and his family spent many days on the golf course. He was active in the junior golf program with contributions to many a beginning golfer. George would often say that golf was not only a game of skill, but one that was a true test of character. George and Olga spent the last 18 winters in Temecula, California. They enjoyed their retirement playing bridge, enjoying the warm weather, exploring new places, meeting new people, and visiting their daughter and grandchildren. This was the first winter in a long time that they were going to stay home. He is home now for good.

George was married to Olga Flores Erickson for over 58 years. They began their marriage in Florence, Arizona, moved to Glendive, and then spent the last 52 years in Fort Benton. He is preceded in death by his oldest son, Dale George Erickson (1958-1994). George is survived by his wife, Olga, his sister, Louitha Clayton of Park City, Montana, and his children and their families, Jon Erickson and his wife Cindy, his children Corey and James Dale (JD) of Damascus, Oregon, Olga Marie West and her husband, Guy, her children Holly and Cooper of San Diego, CA, and Gary Erickson and his wife Heather, his children Gabe and Anna of Bothell, WA.

George left his legacy; his family! He and his wife, Olga, encouraged and supported their children and grandchildren to follow their dreams and goals. He would say that we have control over our mind and our actions, and we could achieve anything. They both stood behind us, beside us, and helped us grow. He was passionate about his work, the community, and his family. He was truly a great man with a great spirit.

In Lieu of flowers, we suggest donations to the Erickson Golf Scholarship, C/O Fort Benton High School, 1820 Washington Street, Fort Benton, MT 59442 or an educational fund of your choice.