Bruce Ericson
The family of Bruce Leonard Ericson of Fort Lauderdale, Florida is saddened to announce his passing on Sunday December 8, 2024 at the age of 75. The world lost an incredible man, husband, dad, uncle, grandpa, brother, and friend. Bruce was born on September 5, 1949 in Duluth, Minnesota to Wilson (“Billy”) and Dorothy Ericson where he grew up with his brother David and sister Diane.
He graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Science in Sport and Recreation Management and a minor in Geography in 1971. Further, he earned a master’s degree of Art in Management at The College of St. Scholastica in 2003.
He had a successful and notable 40-year career in Parks and Recreation in both Minnesota and Florida. He was Assistant Director in Shoreview, MN; Director in Hutchinson and Brainerd, MN as well in Leesburg, FL; and Park Manager in Broward County, FL. Further, he had a nearly 10-year career at American Airlines.
He was actively involved in baseball and other sports. He excelled as a pitcher for the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers and played on the Big Ten Championship team in 1969. He was very passionate about baseball, lettering at the University of Minnesota and going on to play for the 1971 St. Cloud Rox baseball club, a class A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins at the time. He also played significant roles in founding two independent baseball teams - the Brainerd Bears minor league baseball team in Brainerd, Minnesota and the Leesburg Lightning wood bat collegiate baseball league in Leesburg, Florida. His favorite all-time player was Mickey Mantle.
Bruce loved his family and was devoted to their well-being all his life. He was committed to their education, sports, careers, and happiness. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilson and Dorothy Ericson, brother David Ericson, and his many devoted cats & dogs including five beloved Saint Bernards.
He is survived by his wife Elnora Chandler-Ericson; sister Diane Newgren; sister-in-law Susan Ericson; former spouse, Marlene Neuman, with whom he shared the following three children he is survived by: son Ryan Ericson (Angela Johnson), daughter Tracy Ericson (Christopher Lancaster), son Kevin (Christina) Ericson; five grandchildren (Khloei Johnson, Prestyn Ericson, Helen Burton, Dean Billy Burton, and Millicent Lancaster), niece Michele (Pete) Martin, nephew Brent (Pam) Ericson, his sweet cats Baby Jet and Starlord and many other close family and friends. Private memorial services will be held in the spring in Duluth, MN.