Eric Allan Versland Obituary
In the noble spirit of a Viking warrior, Eric Allan Versland bravely battled Cancer while never once wavering in his fight. On March 21, 2017 our mighty Viking laid down his sword as his long and courageous battle came to an end. Eric inspired his family demonstrating dignity, grace, humor, a quick wit, and humble vulnerability to the end.
Born on July 22, 1950 and raised in Livingston, Montana, Eric graduated Park High in 1968. He served in the Army at Fort Benning, Georgia from 1970-1972 before marrying Karin Versland (VanSchoyck) in 1978. The two recently celebrated their 39th Anniversary. Eric worked for BNSF Railroad from 1969-2010 as a Lineman and then Communications Foreman contributing 41 years of service. He was a longstanding member of the IBEW Union.
Karin was Eric’s rock while son Dane and daughter Beth were his constant companions. Son Drue preceded his dad in death in 2006. Eric and Dane were best of friends enjoying hunting and fishing together, and they loved nothing more than cheering on the NFL Chicago Bears. It was no surprise that Eric’s last words to Dane were I’ll help the Bears.
Beth will forever cherish her dad walking her down the aisle on her wedding day. That joyous occasion only topped when her daughter was born, and quickly became the apple of Eric’s eye. Brynlee Drue will miss her Pa.
Last week Eric was honored with a Vietnam Veteran pinning ceremony commemorating his service to our country. Frontier Cancer Center and the RiverStone Health Hospice cared for Eric during his final days as did his sister Linda who was never far from his side.
He had a way about him, this Viking of ours, and a gift for lifelong friendships. Cracking wise and having fun, visitations from friends near the end warmed his heart. Mike, Skip, Vic, Ray, Norm, Clark, Benny and too many more to name. The nursing staff at the cancer center awarded him as their best patient.
As Eric returned home Tuesday he was surrounded by his siblings, wife, and children who delivered him into the waiting arms of his father, Byron Ingval, his mother Bessie Louise, son Drue Allan, and brother Marty.
Eric’s beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of his family. He is survived by his wife Karin Versland (VanSchoyck), son Dane Versland, daughter Beth (Versland) and Robert McMullen, Siblings Cheryl and Chris Mattocks, Linda Thomson, Gloria and Dale Guidi, Tena Versland, Kurt and Tanja Versland, Grandchild Brynlee McMullen, Aunt Bonnie Bannon, Krista (VanSchoyck) and Mark Sherin, along with numerous loving, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Eric’s Celebration of Life is Saturday, March 25 @ 11AM at Smith West Funeral Chapel, 304 34th St. W, in Billings. Memorials may be made to Frontier Cancer Center and the RiverStone Health Hospice.
Condolences may be shared online at www.smithfuneralchapels.com.
Born on July 22, 1950 and raised in Livingston, Montana, Eric graduated Park High in 1968. He served in the Army at Fort Benning, Georgia from 1970-1972 before marrying Karin Versland (VanSchoyck) in 1978. The two recently celebrated their 39th Anniversary. Eric worked for BNSF Railroad from 1969-2010 as a Lineman and then Communications Foreman contributing 41 years of service. He was a longstanding member of the IBEW Union.
Karin was Eric’s rock while son Dane and daughter Beth were his constant companions. Son Drue preceded his dad in death in 2006. Eric and Dane were best of friends enjoying hunting and fishing together, and they loved nothing more than cheering on the NFL Chicago Bears. It was no surprise that Eric’s last words to Dane were I’ll help the Bears.
Beth will forever cherish her dad walking her down the aisle on her wedding day. That joyous occasion only topped when her daughter was born, and quickly became the apple of Eric’s eye. Brynlee Drue will miss her Pa.
Last week Eric was honored with a Vietnam Veteran pinning ceremony commemorating his service to our country. Frontier Cancer Center and the RiverStone Health Hospice cared for Eric during his final days as did his sister Linda who was never far from his side.
He had a way about him, this Viking of ours, and a gift for lifelong friendships. Cracking wise and having fun, visitations from friends near the end warmed his heart. Mike, Skip, Vic, Ray, Norm, Clark, Benny and too many more to name. The nursing staff at the cancer center awarded him as their best patient.
As Eric returned home Tuesday he was surrounded by his siblings, wife, and children who delivered him into the waiting arms of his father, Byron Ingval, his mother Bessie Louise, son Drue Allan, and brother Marty.
Eric’s beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of his family. He is survived by his wife Karin Versland (VanSchoyck), son Dane Versland, daughter Beth (Versland) and Robert McMullen, Siblings Cheryl and Chris Mattocks, Linda Thomson, Gloria and Dale Guidi, Tena Versland, Kurt and Tanja Versland, Grandchild Brynlee McMullen, Aunt Bonnie Bannon, Krista (VanSchoyck) and Mark Sherin, along with numerous loving, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Eric’s Celebration of Life is Saturday, March 25 @ 11AM at Smith West Funeral Chapel, 304 34th St. W, in Billings. Memorials may be made to Frontier Cancer Center and the RiverStone Health Hospice.
Condolences may be shared online at www.smithfuneralchapels.com.
To share a memory or send a condolence gift, please visit the Official Obituary of Eric Allan Versland hosted by Smith Downtown Funeral Chapel.
Events
Event information can be found on the Official Obituary of Eric Allan Versland.