After 72 years of marriage, Michael Durfey Ericksen waited only one month to the day since the passing of his wife Marian Leishman before joining her in a much better place. He had a wonderful 97 years and was the ideal example of enduring to the end.

He was born June 30, 1907 in Beaver Dam, Utah to Michael Cal Ericksen and Ethel Durfey, the fifth of 12 children. He was raised on the farm and rode a train to school in Brigham city and graduated from Box Elder High. He went on a mission to Denmark in 1929.

He returned and married Marian on September 22, 1933 in a double wedding with Joe and Anna Durfey in the Logan LDS temple. They made their first home in Beaver Dam.

He started working for Utah power and light and lived in Idaho and Salt Lake before returning back to the Beaver Dam area. He retired from Utah Power and Light at Cutler Dam as superintendent. They then made their home in Beaver Dam planting their garden, tending their yard and shoveling snow until finally at age 91 they moved into Country Pines Retirement Community of Clinton in 1998.

He has always been first to give selfless service. He combined this with his love of cars to be the neighborhoods favorite "pay me when you can" mechanic. He was patient and hard working, was a good electrician and above all a great husband, father and grandfather. All who knew him were touched in some way to make their lives better.

They were parents to five children: Michael Robert (deceased), Tonia (Pete) Christiansen of Bear Lake, Karen (Lee) of Logan, Chris Ericksen, soon to be from Australia, and Corey (Liz) from Layton. They have 19 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren and five great great-grandchildren. Of the 12 siblings only one sister, June still lives.

Mike has always been active in the LDS church and has held numerous ward positions. He served faithfully for years in the Logan Temple. His favorite hobby was trading cars, his favorite vacation spot was Yellowstone Park and his favorite person was his lifetime companion, his wife.

He loved his family being around him. His last few years were physically a lot more difficult and we thank Hospice Alliance and especially Patty and Angie for their devoted and faithful service. We especially thank the family at Country Pines Retirement Community for all the wonderful care and love that they gave him. Myrna, Penny and John, Anna, Shelly, Shane and all the others. He could not have had a better home for his final years. We will miss him.

A viewing will be held Sunday April 17 from 6-8 pm at Country Pines Retirement Community. Address is 1706 West 1800 North in Clinton.

Funeral services will be held in Beaver Dam Monday at 12 noon with a viewing from 10 to 12. Arrangements under the direction of Allen-Hall Mortuary, Logan, Utah.