Milton Lansing Erickson, known as Lance Erickson by most, was born March 24, 1931 in Worchester, MA. At the age of five he, his father, and two siblings (Albert and Carol) moved to Wayne County Michigan, where he attended Norris Elementary, Wayne Junior High, and Wayne High School. Three additional siblings joined the family during this time: Betty Alice, Allan, and Robert. The family moved to Phoenix, AZ where he attended Phoenix Union High School to complete his senior year. After their move to Phoenix, two new members were added to the family, Roxanna and Kristina. He often talked about his siblings and loving parents, Milton H. and Elizabeth E. Erickson, reciting  memories of his childhood, their rich life together, and pride in their accomplishments.

After high school graduation, Lance lived in Tempe AZ for a year before moving to Garden City, Michigan.

Once there he tried his hand as a line-man in a factory, followed by a job as a highway road-worker. By 1952 he had decided that he might be well suited to the “college experience”. Supporting himself by working at Ypsilanti State Hospital as a ward attendee, he enrolled at The University of Michigan. He explored career options in medicine, law, business and psychology before taking a geology class that captured his interest.  He completed a BS and MS in Geology at The University of Michigan. After graduation, May 1957, Lance moved to Midland Texas where he started work for AMOCO.

 Lance’s graduate studies in Geology required six-weeks of field work in Colorado. Just prior to leaving, he met Helen L. Cook, a student nurse rotating through Ypsilanti State Hospital. When he returned September 1956, they dated and were engaged. Lance left for Texas to start his career as a geologist while Helen completed her nursing degree. The following August they were married in Clare Michigan. They took a five week camping honeymoon through the upper peninsula of Michigan and west into South Dakota, Colorado, California, Arizona and finally to landed in Midland Texas to live and work. In August 1958, Margaret Elizabeth was born.

One year later, Lance quit AMOCO and the three of them moved back to Michigan; their goals were to be closer to family and friends, enjoy the water and trees of Michigan, and for Lance to try his hand in construction. They purchased a large plot of land on Otter Lake in central Michigan, developed the land, built their first home, and settled in. During the next few years Lance worked at developing the property, while selling Farmers Insurance to support the family. In September 1960, Christel Lynn was born.

 Inspired by the Camelot administration, ready for a new adventure, encouraged by Dean and Florence Scott, and ready to offer his expertise to others, the family moved to Puerto Rico, July 1961. Initially, Lance taught Earth Science to students at InterAmerican University in San German while Helen worked as a dormitory nurse. Born with a congenital heart defect, Lance underwent his first open heart surgery at NIH, Bethesda Hospital, the following summer, June 1962. Two months later the family returned to San German; Lance became Director of Men’s Housing and Helen assumed the position as Director of Health Services. Lance Milton Jr. Was born in August 1963. The family returned to the states one year later (1964), settling in Ann Arbor Michigan. He worked as a Security Guard at night while attending classes during the day. He also enrolled in a doctoral program in Higher Education at The University of Michigan. Joel Thomas was born August 1965.

By fall, 1966 Lance had completed his course work, and was seeking new employment. He was surprised to be offered three options all in one day. He accepted an internship in The University of Michigan (U of M) Admissions office. After two semesters he was offered a permanent position as an Admissions Counselor.

He completed his doctoral study in 1968, spent the next twenty years working at U of M, retiring in 1986 as Associate Director of the Admissions Office. The work, colleagues developed, and the friends acquired are some of his favorite lifetime memories. He loved his football Saturdays, will always be a staunch Blue and Gold fan, and will always hold his Michigan friends dear to his heart.

Following Lance’s retirement in 1986, he and Helen spent two years in South Carolina, and then on to Austin Texas. From 1986 to his transition on September 13, 2016, Lance spent time as a volunteer counselor in local High Schools, delivered Meals on Wheels, mentored colleagues and students across the country, supported Helen in her work, assisted their children in numerous way, and practiced the role of supreme-grandfather.  

Lance loved to learn. He read and enjoyed fiction and non-fiction; kept up on current events and politics; and was a great fan of “The Great Courses.” Family members were often amazed at his breadth of knowledge, both trivial and profound.

As evidenced by his choice of undergraduate and masters study, he has always loved the natural world. He collected rocks from all over the country and found delight in the big trees of each of the states and countries he visited. His favorites were the large Maples and Oaks in Northern Michigan, and the Redwoods and Sequoias of California. He once said he thought Colorado was the most beautiful state, but wanted to be near the lakes and trees in Michigan.

His year was organized by summers in Michigan and Christmas at home, wherever that might be. The holidays were always a joyous celebration of gift giving and feasting with all the family gathered together. The family camped all over Michigan until 1974 when they built a family cottage in Pentwater, Michigan. Thereafter, they spent their summers near Lake Michigan, enjoying the beauty of the great lakes and trees of Michigan, and life-long friends.

Lance believed in service and making the world a better place. His moto was “Live life so that you do more good than harm.” All in all, Lance stated that he had a full and rewarding life, grateful to have an opportunity to help others when possible, and content that he has had 85 years with family, friends, and colleagues.

He is survived by his wife, Soulmate, and beloved companion, Helen; his children: Margaret (Micky), Christel; Lance and Joel; adopted spouses: Ray Charnecki, Mark Collins, Geeta Erickson, and Jennifer Erickson;   grandchildren Nick, Katy, Michael. Christopher, Nyka, Jakob, Kahiso and Jamie; his siblings on both sides of the family, and many extended family members, friends, and colleagues.

He will be remembered and he will be missed.