Berntove Gunnar “Ben” Erikson, 70, entered eternal rest on Friday, November 26, 2021 in his home after a courageous battle with cancer. Ben was born in Linkoping, Sweden to Harry Erikson and Astrid V. Person. He graduated from Canfield High School in Canfield, Ohio.                          

Ben was a generous man of many talents, a loving husband, a dear friend and an entrepreneur. When he was not busy tirelessly working to build his multiple businesses in Lordsburg, NM, he could be found in his woodworking shop, restoring old cars, or on a fishing boat hoping for a bite. Ben gave his time and expertise to light up the night skies for the annual Fourth of July community fireworks shows, having spent a career in pyrotechnics. He enjoyed traveling with his wife and friends, and decades of adventures on ATVs in the Gila with his “soggy bottom boys”, cutting wood and making memories to last a lifetime.  

He is preceded in death by his mother and father, two sisters, Monica Erikson and Berit Erikson Williamson. He is survived by his wife Linda Erikson of Lordsburg, NM, brother Ron Erikson of Lordsburg, NM, Sister Kerstin La Marco (Frank) of North Ridgeville, OH, son Shawn Erikson of Colorado Springs, CO, daughter Katrina Stainton (David) of Elfin Forest, CA, niece Melissa Erikson of Tempe, AZ, niece Kelly Ann Vitko of Salem Ohio, eight grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and other nieces, nephews, “chosen family” and friends.   

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to the Lordsburg Elks Lodge #1813 (PO Box 417, Lordsburg, NM 88045). Per his wishes, no services will be held. A private celebration of life will take place in the summer of 2022.