1937 – 2025
Mr. Craig Morley Erickson of Red Deer passed away at Red Deer Hospice on August 26, 2025 at the age of 88 years.
He was born in Donalda on a cold January day when travel to the nearest hospital in Camrose was not an option. Dr Morley had just moved to town and delivered Craig Morley to Clarence and Jane Erickson in their home. The family later moved to Edberg where his father was an administrator and taught English.
Craig followed his passion pursuing a BEd at UofA. There he met the love of his life, Evelyn. They were married in 1963 and moved to Forestburg where Craig was Vice-Principal for three years. He also taught in Bashaw for three years and Edmonton for one year. In 1966 he became Principal at John Wilson Elementary School and they moved to Innisfail. There Craig and Evelyn raised their children Dean, Shaun and Michelle. After fifteen years at JWES, Craig moved to the Central Office in Red Deer as Deputy Superintendent of Schools for the County of Red Deer. Craig believed that the goal in education was to strive for what was best for the students.
Craig was passionate about life-long learning. As an active member of the Innisfail Rotary Club, Craig held several positions over the years and was honoured as a Paul Harris Fellow. He was a lifelong member of the Lutheran Church serving on the Board and volunteering where needed. Craig enjoyed fitness and ran several mountain relay races, half marathons and completed one full marathon. He also enjoyed trail riding with a group of like-minded friends. Fishing, boating, water skiing and snow skiing were favourite pastimes.
Craig grew up in a small town loving the countryside and especially enjoyed family life on their farm in Innisfail while raising and showing Arabian horses and making use of his collection of cutters and buggies. He took part in parades, weddings and offered sleigh rides to friends at Christmas. Taking jumping and cutting lessons were after retirement activities. Family, extended family and friends were very important to Craig and he enjoyed the lives and activities of his ten grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
Craig will be lovingly remembered by his wife of sixty-two years, Evelyn; son, Dean (Janice) of Forestburg, Angie (Jordan) Merritt, Malin, Miller, Karlee (Mitchell) Adalynn, Kelby (Tyler) Brexton, Jayla, Kinley; son Shaun (Heather) of Spruce Grove, Ewan, Aidan, Isla; daughter Michelle of Vancouver Donna, Darian, Dale, Dania. Also remembered by brother Bob (Maureen) of Victoria, nieces and nephews.
Craig was predeceased by his parents Clarence and Jane.
A Funeral Service will be held at Innisfail Lutheran Church September 18, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. For live streaming, please go to Heartland Innisfail website home page. On the top right side click on Live stream just prior to 2:00 p.m. The service will be on Craig’s page the following day. In lieu of flowers, the family would be honoured with donations in Craig’s memory to Innisfail Food Bank or Red Deer Hospice. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com. Arrangements in care of: Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., 4415 – 49 Street, Innisfail, Alberta. Phone: 403.227.0006
