Bruce Peter Ericksen

January 19, 1947 - March 30, 2019

Bruce Peter Ericksen, 72, passed away peacefully on March 30, 2019 at the Central Utah Veterans Home in Payson, Utah. He was born to Rolf and Mary Ericksen in 1947, and was raised in Rockford, Illinois in what he referred to as an idyllic childhood. After serving a full-time mission in Denmark, Bruce married Debora Lea Fullmer in the Salt Lake City Temple on November 24, 1970. Bruce served in the military as a pilot for the Air Force and Navy providing Aeromedical and VIP airlift operating the C-9A 'Nightingale' and C-9B 'Skytrain' aircraft. Active military service included service in CONUS, Europe, N. Africa, USSR, and the Middle East. His military flight experience led to a fulfilling commercial aviation career primarily based out of Dallas, Texas where he raised his family. Bruce is the proud father of four children and grandfather to nine grandchildren. His life was marked with a love for his family, service to others, and his physical endurance with a particular fondness for long strenuous hikes. Shortly after retirement, an ATV accident left him a complete quadriplegic and only five months to live. As a result of blessings from Heavenly Father and miraculous care provided by his loving wife, family and friends, Bruce continued to serve those around him for nearly another 12 years. Bruce continued to find ways to uplift, encourage, and bless others despite his physical limitations. His unassuming faithfulness and firm testimony were an example of one of God's children "in whom was no guile." A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 13, 2019 at 10 am in the Chapel at 12101 S. 700 W., Draper, Utah with a viewing at 9 am. Interment will be held at the Heber City Cemetery between 1:30 and 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Bennion Central Utah Veterans Home in Payson, Utah for their exceptional care, love, and professional service provided to Bruce in his final years.