Dave Ericsson

August 4, 1940 - August 23, 2020

Legendary Cowboy David Leroy Ericsson was born in Belle Fourche, South Dakota on August 4, 1940 and passed away on August 23, 2020 in Kingman, AZ. He was 80 years old. He will be forever loved and remembered by all who knew him. Dave is survived by his wife Jennifer Nanke Ericsson, his children Connie Gist, Rebbel Clayton, Travis Ericsson and Wheeler Ericsson, his grandchildren Tom Gist, Robert Gist, Jim Gist, Sara Brown, Devan Clayton, Fallon Clayton, Marlowe Clayton, Harper Clayton, Wesley Bond, Grace Ericsson, Hailey Ericsson, Ellie Ericsson, Leif Ericsson, Owen Ericsson, David Ericsson, his great-grandchildren, Travin Gist, Rylan Gist, Tacie Gist, Oaklie Gist, Shad Gist, Maddox Brown and Nixon Brown. In addition, Dave is survived by his siblings Gary Ericsson, Jim Ericsson, Gene Ericsson, Mary Ellen Cook, Barbara Ericsson and Todd Ericsson. Dave is preceded in death by his first wife Bonnie Tyree Ericsson, his daughter Jill Marie Ericsson, his parents Eric and Norma Ericsson and his sister Sara Lee (Sally) Ericsson. Dave was the truest of cowboys, a legend in every right. His accomplishments in the saddle have earned him a place in history. Throughout his lifetime he has been the subject of newspaper articles, magazine features, books and documentaries that have captured just some of his achievements. In 1966, Dave won the IRA Saddle Bronc World Championship. He had been contracted by the likes of ASARCO, BHP, Resolution, the Bureau of Land Management, the National Park Service and even the US military to catch mustangs and wild cattle in the roughest terrain of the southwest. And of course, in infamy, Dave led the tremendous operation of the expulsion of wild burros from the Grand Canyon in 1980, with a team of his finest hands that included his brothers, brother-in-law and friends he kept for life. Dave Ericsson’s reputation as a cowboy and horsemen precede him, but it is his legacy of his family that is his crowning achievement. Please join us for a Celebration of Life held at the Prescott Rodeo Grounds on September 4, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, and in honor of Dave Ericsson’s contribution to the Arizona Cowpunchers Reunion Association, please show your love and appreciation by donating to the ACRA Cowboy Crisis Fund payable to Cowboy Crisis Fund, PO Box 277, Humbolt, AZ 86329.