Richard Douglas Erickson, age 81, passed away on March 11, 2009 at his home with the loving care of Hospice and his wife Pat, following a long illness. Dick was born on March 24, 1927 in Canova, South Dakota to Carl and Sarah (Sweet) Erickson. On June 9, 1947, Dick married Evelyn M. Kattke and farmed near Canova. Dick and Evelyn had three children, Randy, Kendra and Pam. The love of trucking surpassed the love of farm life and Dick followed his dream to live life as an adventurer, loving every day, and cherishing every challenge. Dick and his family moved to Rapid City in 1952. He hauled watermelons, hay, lumber, and Christmas trees, as an owner/operator. He worked for Buckingham Transportation and then pulled Rushmore Mobile Homes to Alaska, which began his love for the 49th state, in the late 1950’s and early 60’s. He hauled for C & R Transportation, Sammons Trucking out of Missoula Montana, and Hill and Hill Trucking in the late 60’s and early 70’s, which re-introduced Dick to Alaska by hauling pipeline equipment from Houston to Fairbanks in preparation for the Alaska Pipeline. Dick then continued to truck from Fairbanks to Prudhoe Bay, hauling pipeline equipment until his retirement in 1989. Dick was an adventurer, who was able to live the life he wanted and enjoyed every minute. He will be greatly missed. Dick married Patricia Krumvieda on May 30, 1992. Pat and Dick continued to enjoy many more adventures including an Alaska Cruise, seeing Australia and Hawaii, and many trips up and down the AlCan Highway. Dick is survived by his wife Pat, his children, Randy (Linda) Erickson and Kendra (Gary) Larson of Rapid City and Pam Chaussee of Fort Collins, Colorado, nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, 2 sisters, Mildred (Maynard) Pearson of Madison, S. D. and Ann Seely of Baltic, S. D. and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother and father and son-in-law, Larry Chaussee, and brother-in-law, Craig Seely.