Beloved husband, father, grandfather, and antique car nut, William 'Wild Bill' Clark Erickson, passed peacefully on July 9, 2024.

Bill is survived by his wife, Lucretia Erickson, and his children, Brendon, Damon (Reona), and Briana (David), as well as five grandchildren, his siblings, Chuck and Julie, a host of lovely nieces and nephews, and wonderful lifelong friends.  He was preceded in death by his Daughter in Law Katie Erickson.

Bill had a zest for life that could light up a room and make you bust a gut laughing at his wonderful stories. He was kind, funny, surprisingly sarcastic, loved a good scheme, and always had the biggest heart.

He would make friends wherever he went, including in the line at the grocery store, where in the space of a few minutes he'd know the names of your entire family and pets, and you'd walk away smiling for the rest of the day.

Everything he did, he would throw himself into wholeheartedly, with a motto of 'screw it, just do it'.

He went on many adventures in his life, from traveling around the world with his big brother as a teen, to zipping around the country in his tiny antique Morgan 4x4, before meeting Lucretia and starting the greatest adventure of all with his wife and family. They traveled all over the country, camping, exploring, and singing along, side by side.

Despite a lengthy illness, Bill didn't let it slow him down, continuing to share adventures with his children and grandchildren; he was the best ever dad and papa.

He played his mandolin and violin with friends in a Celtic group every chance he got, battled the constantly leaking engines of antique cars with his fellow car nut friends, and schmoozed with any and all who came into his orbit, bringing a bit of laughter and joy wherever he went.

He will be sorely missed by his friends and family. Love you, dad.

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"Oh, we ain't got a barrel of money

Maybe we're ragged and funny

But we'll travel along, singin' a song

Side by side

Don't know what's comin' tomorrow

Maybe it's trouble and sorrow

But we'll travel the road, sharin' our load

Side by side

Through all kinds of weather

What if the sky should fall

Just as long as we're together

It doesn't matter at all

When they've all had their quarrels and parted

We'll be the same as we started

Just travelin' along, singin' our song

Side by side"

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Memorial contributions in Bill's honor may be directed to Antrim County Animal Control Shelter.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell- Elk Rapids Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com