Brant Erickson

Brant Erickson

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Warren “Brant” Erickson on August 25, 2023, after a courageous 6-year battle with early onset Alzheimer’s Disease.

He is survived by his beloved children, Jessica and James. Family was important to Brant; his whole world revolved around his kids, whom he considered his greatest accomplishments. He is also survived by his loving siblings Lynne (Otto), Craig (Michelle), Kim (Darren); nieces Helga (Patrick), Miriam, Brittany (Andrew), Trina (Blake), Haley (Ryan), Laura (Brett), Stacey; nephews Kristinn, Nikolas, Ari, Dan (Shannon), Mark, Thomas, Eric; great nephews Ryder, Oliver, Ben, Corey, Liam, Emmett, Brody, Connor; and great nieces Lily and Nora.

He is predeceased by his parents, Louise and Steinni Erickson, and brother-in-law Gestur Jakobson.
 

Born on November 22, 1960, in Arborg, Manitoba, Brant spent his early years on the family homestead in Riverton. He formed an unbreakable bond with his lifelong friend David Einarson through his schooling and sports endeavours. Growing up in a construction-run household, Brant’s career started at an early age in the family business, Erickson Construction, where he became well-known for being a master of the backhoe. He loved working alongside his father and brother, and they spent much of their time together on construction sites up North.

After high school, he attended Red River College, obtaining a diploma in welding. This path led him to a position at Tec Voc High School, where he shared his expertise in the art of welding. A true entrepreneur at heart, Brant was involved in numerous ventures, creating many different businesses throughout his lifetime. His fascination with security and espionage started his career path in technology, and he became a co-owner of The Spy Shop in Winnipeg. Eager to expand his knowledge, he enrolled in computer science classes at the University of Manitoba, ultimately establishing a successful web design business that he ran out of his home for many years. This enterprise also included photography, in addition to providing marketing and ad sales opportunities as a local community publisher.

Among his many endeavours, Brant’s greatest passion in life was martial arts. Introduced to karate during high school by Jerry Ramnath in Arborg, he pursued a diverse range of martial arts before ultimately being drawn to Aikido. Brant’s dedication to further mastery led to years of practice, international travel, and training until he achieved the rank of Godan (5th degree) with the Ki rank of Chuden, and was recognized internationally as a Head Instructor. Brant founded the Winnipeg Ki Aikido club in 2004, and taught Aikido for over 20 years in multiple Dojos across the city, his most recent being the Lindenwood Community Centre.

Shortly after his diagnosis, Brant moved back to Riverton and into the Icelandic River Lodge, where he was closer to his sisters, whose unwavering love and support gave him strength. There, he shared his knowledge of self-defence and brought joy to fellow residents through his friendly and humorous ways. In February of this year, he transitioned to his new residence at Betel in Gimli, where he would peacefully pass away surrounded by the comforting presence of his family. His children, family, friends, the Aikido community, care workers, and the Riverton Icelandic River Lodge residents and staff will miss him tremendously.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Icelandic River Lodge staff, Gimli Community Health Centre - Johnson Memorial Hospital, and Betel staff, nurses and health care aides who were so patient, compassionate, and kind to Brant during his time with them.

Please join us in celebrating his life at the Lakeview Hotel at 1:30 on August 30, 2023. A recording of the service can be viewed via the following link : https://youtu.be/fB_Qp0ZSLlE

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his memory to the Alzheimer’s Society of Manitoba.

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