You won’t find many pictures of Roger Erickson on the internet.

His memory will remain, however in the minds and hearts of tens of thousands of men and boys from Rapid City, South Dakota.  Roger left this earth last week and took up residence in his heavenly home.

The photo of Roger is from a much earlier time in his long and well-lived life.  He wasn’t someone who sought out the spotlight, preferring instead to shine it on someone else to encourage them.  I served on the Club for Boys board of directors for a short time.  Even though my contributions to the board were relatively insignificant, he treated me like I was the most important person in the room.  That was the “Roger Erickson” way.  He genuinely cared about each life he touched.

Roger was my friend.  He was a friend to many.  The impact Roger had on the Rapid City community and the lives of thousands of boys simply can not be over stated.

After he “retired”, Roger continued to look for a mission in life.  Actually, his life WAS a mission.  He was dedicated to God, family and community  in an exemplary way.  He taught boys how to be responsible and know that they were important.  Roger continued to work with youth and help others even after he had “retired”.

The Club for Boys has helped shape the lives of tens of thousands, and made them better men.  It would not exist if not for Roger Erickson.  It will continue to exist because of his foresight and efforts to lay the foundation for future generations.

John 15:13 speaks of Roger’s life: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

Roger, indeed, gave his life for his fellow man.  He invested it… spent it… making life better for others.  He will certainly be remembered as the founder of the Club for Boys.  We would all do well if we would follow the example of his life and create a new club… a Club for MEN.

Roger Erickson, you will be missed.  A hero has gone home.

***Gordon Howie is an author and CEO of Life and Liberty Media***

     “It’s not about right or left, it’s about Right or Wrong.”

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