In Memory Of Rev. Ken Erickson (1946-2009)
With deepest regret and sympathy we announce the passing of Fire Chaplain Kenneth D Erickson on Monday, Sept 28, 2009.
Ken was a call and then a career FF/EMT-C with the North Providence Fire Dept, from about 1976 to 2002. Those who knew him, and they number in the many thousands, are proud to call him brother, uncle, friend. A minister and a social worker, Ken tirelessly devoted his life to helping others, restoring their dignity and self-worth, in many and every way possible. He helped people of many nationalities across three continents and over 4 decades. He was a treasure in our midst, and leaves a large void in all our lives with his passing.
Ken once told me, after I commented that he was pushing himself too hard, that there was plenty of time to rest after he was dead. Rest easy, my friend - you have earned your place with God.
To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded.
No one of us can adequately create a full and proper tribute to Ken, because he enriched so many lives in so many ways, and so I will ask assistance of anyone who wishes, to contribute to this memorial.
This bio is from a 2006 announcement from the City of
Providence, one of several cities served by Ken:
Reverend Ken Erickson serves as Chaplain to several area fire
departments and also as Chaplain to the Rhode Island Fire Chiefs Association.
Reverend Erickson is a member of the Massachusetts Corps of Fire Chaplains; he
has served on the Board of Directors of the Rhode Island Fire Academy. Revered
Erickson is a graduate of Mt. Pleasant High School; he holds a bachelor of arts
degree in Philosophy from Wesleyan University. He is an ordained Elder in the
Church of God in Christ. Revered Erickson has served as the Assistant Pastor of
Pentecostal Church in Providence. He presently serves as a missionary to Liberia
under the auspices of the African Evangelical Union. He has over 25 years of
service to the Rhode Island Fire Service.
Ken was active in the Federation of Fire Chaplains and had a
big part in organizing the 2008 FFC conference in Warwick, RI.
A memorial service will be held Wednesday October 7 at 11am -
St Edwards Church 997 Branch Ave Providence, Rhode Island. NOTE:
As of Tuesday night Oct 6 8pm, the service has been postponed. Will list a
re-schedule when I find out.
If you have any stories, memories or photographs to submit, please contact the webmaster to have them added to this page; or sign the guestbook at www.npfire.com