Edward William Ericksen, Jr.

Edward William Ericksen Jr. passed away on October 21, 2023. He was born November 25, 1934, in Bay Ridge, New York the youngest of four children. He was preceded in death by his siblings; Norma Hay, Art Ericksen and Alice Case. He is survived by his daughter Kristina Ericksen-Sobieski, his son Michael Ward and four grandchildren: Gryphon Sobieski, Kyle Ward, Benjamin Ward and Lucas Ward.

Edward was always looking for the next great adventure. He came to Socorro on a bus from New York to attend New Mexico School of Mining and Technology where he earned a bachelor’s degree in geology and a master’s degree in science education. He served as a volunteer fire fighter and served in the New Mexico National Guard during his years at New Mexico Tech. A modern renaissance man: he was a geologist, a teacher, an entrepreneur, a rancher, a politician, a contractor, a writer, an artist and an avid gardener through his whole life.

His desire to see the wonders of the world took him to the farthest corners of the globe. From Caribbean cruses to teaching English in China for a semester, he was always looking for the next adventure. He loved to share this sense of adventure by sponsoring trips for students from Socorro High School and helping others plan exciting trips abroad.

Ed was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It was his strength, his home and his family in the end. He will be missed by his family, friends and congregation.