Richard L Erickson Sr, 92, of Buxton passed away at home January 13, 2024. He was born in Waterville, Maine on June 29, 1931, to Albert and Florence Erickson.  At the age of 6 or 7 the family moved to Portland, Maine. He attended Portland schools he played baseball in junior high and high school. During his high school years, he joined the U.S. Navy. After a short time, the Navy realized that he was underage and discharged him. Once he was old enough to join the Navy he reenlisted. He served his commitment to the Navy, then Richard was discharged. After a short time, Richard was called back into service, the Korean war was starting. After serving his call back, Richard was discharged again. A short time his brother Harold was drafted, but Harold had a good job with the railroad and was taking care of his parents. Richard contacted Margaret Chase Smith's office and got a deferment for Harold's military time. Richard served Harold's Service commitment. During his Service to our country, he did many jobs. He was on a tugboat pulling targets, mine sweeper, supply ship and a baker's helper. At some time during his discharge and doing Harold's military commitment he met the love of his life Mary Donahue. On September 11, 1954, they were married until her passing June 29, 2012. Sometime in the late 50's and early 60's he was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. After his military service he drove trucks for different companies until the early 60'S he got a job at Sanborn Motor Express until his retirement. While driving all week long in the 1960's he enlisted in the Naval reserves station in Portland, Maine. After a few years, the Navy retired that ship and transferred him to the Seabees in Brunswick, Maine. He retired as Chief after 30 years of service. During the 70's he was a Portland police reserved volunteer. If not busy enough, he and good friend and fellow Naval reservist Robert Day would do roofing and small construction jobs.

After his retirement he enjoyed traveling in his motorhome spending time in the south at different campgrounds. He could be found backing other camper's trailers in place, he was putting his truck driving skills to work. During the summer he would make his way back to Maine. He would park the motorhome in his daughter's driveway. Eventually they bought a house in Tabor City North Carolina, and still made it back to Maine every summer. He moved back to Maine in the early 2000's because of health issues. He stayed active by playing golf which he learned being a caddy in his early years. He also started a bowling league called teamsters local 340. They played at the Big 20 in Scarborough Maine. He did all this until he couldn't play anymore. One more thing he did until he couldn't anymore, was visit his wife Mary's grave every day. As his family got larger with all his grandkids and especially his great grandkids it would bring laughter and a big smile to him. The little ones he really enjoyed, because they had no filters; they would ask all kinds of questions and the statement they would say. It would make us all laugh.

He was predeceased by his wife Mary Erickson, parents Albert Sr. and Florence Erickson, siblings Albert JR, Harold, Ruth, Margie, and grandchildren Jeffrey Erickson, Michael D Foster, Richard L Erickson III, and Chelsey Erickson.

He is survived by brother Maurice Erickson Sr, sister Mickey Churchill, Diane Foster and husband Michael, Eileen Erickson Arno, Richard L Erickson Jr and wife Cheryl, Donald Erickson and Wife Diane, Robert Erickson and Wife Bettie, Cindy McGovern and husband John. Grandchildren Dawn Joyner, Missy Foster, Kim Kempton, Jerry Arno, Tim Arno, John McGovern, Corey McGovern, Amy Racine, Kristine Erickson, Ben Erickson, Kayla Erickson Bryce Erickson.  Great Grandchildren 21.