Michael “Mike” Robert Erickson of Mesa, Arizona, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. A devoted husband, father, veteran, and friend, Mike lived a life defined by courage, curiosity, and an unwavering zest for traveling.
Born with a spirit built for service, Mike proudly served as a United States Marine Corps pilot during the Vietnam War. Throughout the conflict, he flew missions in support of ground troops, demonstrating extraordinary bravery, skill, and dedication. His service remained one of the great honors of his life, and he carried deep respect for the men and women he served alongside.
After returning home, Mike embraced life with the same intensity and passion he brought to the cockpit. He raced boats with fearless enthusiasm, devoured books of every kind, and became a lifelong sports fanatic—though nothing captured his heart quite like the game of golf. Whether on the water, lost in a good story, or watching a tournament, Mike found joy in motion, learning, and competition.
He is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn “Sue” Erickson, and his sons JD Herderick, Todd Herderick, John Erickson, Debbie Erickson, who will forever carry forward his strength, humor, and love of life.
Mike’s legacy lives on in the values he held dear to his heart, his wife, Sue, and his family. He will be missed and respectfully remembered.