A Coffin

"I just want to be buried in a pine box under a pine tree." 

This was an oft made request from Rinar's dad to his kids. Amazingly enough, Rinar's older brother Lyf is a guy who gets stuff done and he has the skills to do it. He told his dad that he could build him a box.

And that is what he has done.  Lyf's father-in-law has some property and there were a few felled cedar trees. Yes, Lyf actually milled the planks from the cedar trees on his family's property. I am just blown away. He started working on it in the days leading up to Lynn's death. Rinar was able to help him some with the cutting and planing, but this was really Lyf's labor of love.

Are you blown away? I am!

This is one of the reasons that the funeral was scheduled a week from his death. Lyf needed enough time to finish the coffin. And he did.

In addition, the cost of a funeral is absolutely staggering, especially if you do not have insurance for it. What a blessing for his mother. She has amazing children who will do anything to ease her burdens, including building a 'pine box' to go under a pine tree. The total cost was about $30 for the stain and finishing stuff, instead of $2000 for an impersonal casket.

He carved a love note on the bottom of the coffin. "I made this for you Dad. Love, your son Lyf.

The funeral is tomorrow. There will be a lot of tears shed and love expressed.

Obituary

Lynn, beloved husband and father, age 70, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on January 23, 2014. He was born on April 5,1943 in Ruth, Nevada, to Harry Clayton and Erma Anderson Erickson.

While serving an LDS mission in Denmark, he met the love of his life, Linda, who was also serving a mission. They were married in the Laie, Hawaii Temple on December 27, 1968. Their 45 years of wonderful marriage produced 5 children and 22 grandchildren with one great-grand child on the way.

Lynn was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served faithfully in many callings but the one he enjoyed the most was working with the youth in the scouting program. He was honored with The Silver Beaver award for his devoted time, and all three of his sons are Eagle Scouts.

Lynn enjoyed books and reading and worked as the Reference Librarian at the Santa Clara library. He loved to teach. In addition, he had a beautiful singing voice and participated in many musical performances. He loved the outdoors; hunting, fishing, and camping with his family. He also had a passion for exploring, mining, and archeology with his brother.

We are grateful and blessed for the example he set, the love he shared and the lessons he taught. We will miss him dearly and we know he is with his Heavenly Father.

Lynn is survived by his wife Linda, his children Lyf (Angie) Erickson, Leilani (Jeff) Houston, Rinar (Kelly) Erickson, Nordel (Brooke) Erickson, Aislinn Erickson and his brother, Einar Erickson.  He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Verena and Elisabeth.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 30, 2014 at 11 am in the LDS chapel at 550 East 700 South, St. George, UT. A viewing will be held prior to the services from 9:30-10:45 at the church. Interment will be in the Hurricane Cemetery under the direction of McMillan Mortuary.