Rodney "Kent" Erickson
2/20/55 ~ 7/14/07

Rodney Kent Erickson (52) passed away suddenly Sat, July 14, 2007.
Funeral services for Kent were held Sat, July 21, 2007 at Our Savior's Lutheran
Church. He was buried at Highland Cemetery in Casper, WY.
Kent was born Feb. 20, 1955 in Casper, WY to Arletta (Barber) Erickson and
Oscar "Swede" Erick-son. On Aug. 20, 1977 he married the love of his life, Dr.
Susan (Schuetz) Erickson. He became a valued member of the Schuetz family.
He moved with Susan to SLC, UT in 1985 to support his wife in pursuit of her
doctorate of psychology at the University of Utah. He started his own lawn
care business and operated it until he and Susan returned to Casper in late
2006. Many of his customers became valued friends.
He began fishing at the age of five with his father and he soon had a knack for
catching the 'big one.' He was highly accomplished and won many cash prizes
and awards in regional Walleye Fishing Tournaments. Kent joined the Walleye
Tournament Fishing circuit in 1995. From 1995-2005, he fished more than 50
tournaments with his fishing partners in the Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming Walleye
Tournament Circuit, always placing in the top five teams. He and his fishing
partner received the Utah Walleye Circuit Team of the Year honors in '00, '02,
'03, and 2nd place Team of the Year in '01, '04,'05. He shared his knowledge
of the sport with others in statewide seminars. He was a gifted writer and
published several articles on fishing in regional fishing magazines. He was
well respected on the waters for his abilities. Although the competition was
very important to Kent, it was of greater importance that he lived as an
'ethical fisherman.'
Kent was a loyal and loving husband who was very dedicated to his wife. He was
supportive of her and expressed pride in her accomplishments. As Kent would
put it to everyone he told, 'my wife is a doctor, Ph.D. Psychologist.'
Kent is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Susan; mother, Arletta;
brother, Brent; members of his Schuetz family, mother-in-law, Sharon;
sisters-in-law, Wendy Schuetz and Deb Rabourn; and brother-in-law, Greg
Schuetz. He is survived by many other family members.
Memorial contributions in his name may be sent to Community Fisheries Program
c/o Utah Division of Wild-life Resources, PO Box 146301, SLC, UT 84114 to the
attention of Drew Cushing. Or to any facility dedicated to the advancement of
pain management research and medication. Condolences may be sent to his wife
and family c/o Bustard's Funeral Home, 600 CY Ave, Casper, WY 82601.
Published in the Salt Lake Tribune on 8/12/2007.