There are simply no words to describe the sudden loss of our beautiful boy Declan.  He was called to Heaven on October 19, 2022, just before his 23rd birthday.

 

Our sweet Declan, aka Knuckles, or Dawg, will be greatly missed by his parents Mark and Jenny Erickson.  His sister Alyssa, dog Roxy and his grandmother Mariette Sunderland.  His aunts, Lisa Reyes and Cheryl Masesar.  His uncles Jamie Sunderland, Gogoy Reyes and Dennis Masesar.  His cousins, Janessa Sunderland, Tyson Reyes, Helena Masesar, Gabrel Masesar and Talia Reyes.  His God parents Dave and Sue Cocceancic, as well as many relatives, friends, teammates and coworkers.

 

When he was younger, Declan loved having books read to him, playing at numerous parks and play structures, swimming in Steinbach, and riding his bike.  Birthdays and holiday celebrations were spent with his family and cousins.  There would always be fun, food, many adventures, sleepovers and lots of laughs.  He was really into magic and card tricks and spent many hours with his cousin Tyson perfecting their skills.  He loved all the time we spent at Sioux Narrows and in Thunder Bay swimming, snowmobiling, riding  quads, tubing and saunas.

 

Other favourite places and family trips included Disneyland, Wisconsin Dells, many hockey tournaments in the States, many visits to Hare Island, Disney World, Giant’s Ridge and Holiday Mountain.  He also traveled with St. Paul’s to Peru and to Nova Scotia.

 

He started preschool at the Franco-Lions and continued Kindergarten through grade 8 at École Lacerte in the DSFM.  He attended high school at St. Paul’s and upon graduation started courses at the University of Manitoba.

 

His part-time jobs over the years included working at the Home Depot, Enigma Escape Rooms, Jerry’s Concrete, Dick’s Yard Work, Joey`s Kenaston and Learn to Skate.

 

 Declan was an athlete that played many different sports while growing up.  He tried most everything from gymnastics and badminton to wrestling and rugby.  He stayed involved in hockey, baseball and volleyball throughout his high school years. His Red Sox baseball team and his Crusader`s volleyball team made it to the Provincial Championships.  He played club volleyball with the Junior Bison`s and really enjoyed his time playing high school hockey with the St. Paul’s Crusaders.

 

After high school, he worked out avidly and enjoyed snowboarding, hiking and any activities involving jumping and doing flips into water.  He was also known to enjoy the occasional video game.

 

In 2021, Declan moved to Banff and lived with his buddies Brennan, Javon, T.J and Lahai.  He worked construction and spent most of his days paving Bear Street and his weekends hiking and having fun with his friends.  It was a beautiful place and during a family visit we hiked, paddled, and spent lots of quality time together while touring the sites.

 

He took business courses at the University of Manitoba in the Faculty of Agricuture.  He worked at Jones and Company where he started learning all about wine and met and worked with many great people.

 

He also worked at École Lacerte subbing as an educational assistant in the kindergarten to grade 8 classrooms.  He loved the time he spent with the students and working alongside his sister and his mom.

 

Anyone that knew Declan, would describe him as a great guy that was nice to everyone and who had a kind soul.  His smile would light up the room and his laugh was so genuine and contagious that once he started up, it would take over his entire body and then infect everyone in the room. 

 

He was always a great speller and could write essays with ease and definitely had a way with words and language. He loved food and could eat a lot. He ate well most of the time but did enjoy mint smartie blizzards, cherry pie and doughnuts.  He had plans to travel the world, learn new languages and experience some new adventures.

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It broke our hearts to lose you,

But you didn’t go alone

For part of us went with you,

The day God took you home.

This is not goodbye, but till we meet again.

 

Declan will be greatly missed but will live on in our memories forever.

 

A celebration of life will be held on December 17, 2022, Declan’s 23rd birthday.  It will take place at 2:00 at the Metropolitan Theatre, 281 Donald Street, and a reception will follow the service.  Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared here.

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In living memory of Declan Erickson our mission is to educate, raise awareness and provide support for young men that have been in difficult relationships. Resources for partners struggling in relationships, particularly young men, can be difficult to find. More information will be shared as soon as we have something in place for this important cause.