Thomas Palmer Erikson

December 20, 1968 – November 2, 2026

It is with deep sorrow and loving remembrance that the family of Thomas Palmer Erikson announces his passing at the age of fifty-seven. Thomas passed away of natural causes at his home in Edmonton, Alberta.

Thomas will be lovingly remembered by his spouse, Jennifer Clarke; stepdaughter, Maggie Clarke; stepsons, Jon Pederson and Jody Pederson; step niece, Elise Pederson; his sister, Janet (Ray) Campbell; his niece, Diana (Brad Woodhead) Campbell; his nephews, Chad (Jolanda) Tilsley and Theran (Brett) Tilsley; their sons, Harlan and Emerick; and Bailey, his cherished little companion.

Thomas was predeceased by his parents, Einar, and Hazel Erikson; his sister, Lois Tilsley; his nephews, Ray Jr. and John Campbell; and his grandparents, Ole and Karen Erikson and William and Flora Johnstone.

Early Life and Family Roots

Thomas was born at Birch Hills Hospital and raised on the family farm; a place deeply rooted in his family’s history. The farm was originally homesteaded by his grandparents, Ole and Karen Erikson, who immigrated to Canada from Norway in 1927 and built a life there for future generations.

From the moment he was old enough to walk, Thomas shared a unique and cherished bond with his grandfather. Ole lived in the same farmyard, and him and Thomas spent countless hours together, forming a connection that remained meaningful throughout Thomas’s life.

Some of Thomas’s fondest childhood memories were shared with his grandfather. In the winter, Ole would pull him on a toboggan as he skied around the farm, checking traplines and hunting. When Thomas grew older, his grandfather crafted a pair of skis especially for him, and from then on, the two spent countless hours skiing together. They also enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, and visiting relatives, often travelling the countryside in Ole’s well-known blue one-ton truck.

Ole loved sharing stories of his life in Norway and his early days in Canada with Thomas, and Thomas hung onto every word. Ole nicknamed Thomas “Tuss”, which meant “little rascal” in Norwegian. Thomas held a special place in his grandfather’s heart. In turn, Ole became one of the most influential people in Thomas’s life, sharing his wisdom, teaching valuable life lessons, and instilling in him the values that would guide him throughout the years. Even as a young boy, Thomas possessed the qualities of an old soul, drawn to the company and stories of those who came before him.

When his grandfather passed away in 1979, Thomas felt the loss deeply. He cherished the keepsakes and mementos that his grandfather had gave him from Norway. Thomas persevered them as treasured reminders of his grandfather, his heritage, and the special bond they shared.

Following his grandfather’s passing, Thomas’s parents brought home a Shetland pony, whom he named Whiskey. Although Whiskey was known for his spirited and stubborn nature, he shared a unique bond with Thomas. Their companionship provided comfort during a difficult time, and the little pony became a valued source of friendship and support as Thomas adjusted to the loss of his grandfather.

Education and Accomplishments

Thomas completed his schooling in Birch Hills, where his exceptional intelligence and academic ability were evident from an early age. A dedicated student, he excelled throughout his school years and graduated as an honour student, receiving several academic awards in recognition of his achievements. In 1987, he was named Saskatchewan Junior Citizen of the Year, an honour that reflected his accomplishments and brought great pride to his family.

Following high school, Thomas attended the University of Saskatchewan, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree before entering the College of Medicine. A gifted scholar with a deep interest in science and learning, he worked diligently toward his goal of becoming a physician. During his second year of medical school, Thomas faced health challenges that altered the course of his studies and ultimately prevented him from completing his medical training. Although this was a significant disappointment, it never diminished his keen intellect, thoughtful nature, or lifelong love of learning.

While attending university, Thomas also earned his private pilot’s license, fulfilling another longstanding interest. His passion for aviation was encouraged by a close friend from his school years, a Birch Hills physician and fellow pilot who became a valued mentor. The two shared a lasting friendship, united by their mutual love of flying. Even after his friend relocated to the United States, they remained close, with Thomas making regular visits and maintaining the friendship throughout his mentor’s life.

Career and Interests

Throughout his life, Thomas held a variety of positions, including property management roles in Saskatoon, Calgary, and Edmonton, as well as management positions in retail.

Known for his diligence, professionalism, and dependability, Thomas took pride in every role he held. His dedication and strong work ethic earned him the respect and admiration of those with whom he worked. In the days following his passing, many former coworkers and employers expressed their appreciation for Thomas, remembering him as a valued colleague, a reliable employee, and a person of integrity.

Thomas was an exceptionally intelligent man who was also incredibly well read. He had a genuine appreciation for literature, history and the written word. Ernest Hemingway was among his favorite authors, along with many others. Thomas could often be found quoting Hemingway and other writers, bringing their words and observations into everyday conversations. He particularly enjoyed nonfiction and history books and accumulated an extensive personal library over the years. Reading was much more than a pastime for Thomas; it was a passion and a reflection of his curious and thoughtful nature.

Thomas also had a wonderfully dry and understated sense of humour. He particularly enjoyed British television shows and their clever, witty humour. He appreciated sarcasm, irony, and a good bit of dry comedy, often delivering a remark with a perfectly straight face. Those who knew Thomas will fondly remember the familiar phrase, “I’m being facetious,” which often followed one of his perfectly timed remarks. It was quintessentially Thomas. His quiet wit and humour brought many smiles and moments of laughter to those around him and remain among the many cherished memories he leaves behind.

He also enjoyed collecting stamps and old coins, hobbies that reflected his interest in history and his appreciation for the stories and connections preserved within each treasured piece.

Thomas was an excellent cook and took great pleasure in preparing meals for those he loved. He especially enjoyed planning and hosting holiday dinners, bringing family and friends together around a table filled with good food, conversation, and laughter. Whether preparing a favourite family recipe or trying something new, he approached cooking with the same care, thoughtfulness, and attention to detail that he brought to many aspects of his life. Cooking was about more than the meal itself. It was one of the ways he showed his love for others. He found great satisfaction in creating memorable gatherings and ensuring everyone felt welcome, comfortable, and well fed. Those fortunate enough to share a meal with him will remember not only his culinary skills but also the warmth, friendship, and hospitality that accompanied every invitation to his table.

Thomas was a loyal and steadfast friend, someone who valued the relationships he built throughout his life. He had a deep love for animals and shared a special bond with the many dogs that were part of his life over the years. Their companionship brought him immense joy, comfort, and unconditional affection, and he cared for each of them with great devotion. His dogs were more than pets; they were cherished companions and valued members of his family. In later years, Bailey held a particularly special place in his heart, providing faithful companionship and endless happiness.

Thomas also took great pride in his appearance and was known for his attention to detail. Whether at work or among family and friends, he always made an effort to present himself well. Meticulous by nature, he believed that even the smallest details mattered, a quality that was evident in many aspects of his life and reflected the care and thoughtfulness he brought to everything he did.

Family and Special Relationships

Thomas shared a particularly close bond with his sister’s children, Diana, John, Chad, and Theran. To them, he was more than an uncle; he was a friend, mentor, and trusted source of support. They shared countless laughs, good-natured teasing, and cherished family memories over the years, giving him the nickname “Thumper.” The special relationship they shared was built on love, loyalty, and friendship, and remained a treasured part of their lives.

In 2004, Thomas met Jennifer and her eight-year-old daughter, Maggie, and together they built a loving family. Thomas loved Jennifer deeply and embraced Maggie as his own, taking great pride in her accomplishments and cherishing the special bond they shared. In turn, Maggie loved Thomas as another father. He later met Jennifer’s sons, Jon and Jody, and often spoke with fondness of his step-niece, Elise.

Family was deeply important to Thomas, and the love, companionship, and happiness they brought to his life meant a great deal to him. These relationships became an important part of Thomas’s life, and he cherished the family he had found.

Remembering Thomas

Thomas was naturally an introvert and often kept his feelings private and close to his heart. He shared his deepest thoughts and emotions with only those closest to him. Not everyone had the opportunity to see the sensitive, thoughtful and deeply feeling person beneath his reserved exterior.

Thomas lived with bipolar disorder, a serious mental illness that had a profound and lasting impact on his life. His diagnosis came at a pivotal time, when he was pursuing his dream of becoming a physician and looking forward to what he hoped his future would hold. The illness brought challenges that affected many aspects of his life, including his dreams, opportunities, relationships and everyday experiences. It was a struggle that he carried throughout his adult life, often behind closed doors and in ways that were not always visible to others.

There were times when his illness made life particularly difficult, and the person others saw on the outside did not always reflect what he was experiencing internally. He struggled to communicate his feelings and the hurt he carried. Those closest to him understood this, the depth of his feelings, and his sensitive nature.

Thomas’s journey has reminded us that many of life’s greatest challenges are not always visible. Although he faced struggles throughout his life, they were only one part of his story. Far more enduring were his keen intellect, love of learning, quiet wit, kindness, and the deep care he showed for family, and friends who were important to him. His life was about more than the challenges he faced, and he will be remembered for the person he was, the love he shared and the memories he leaves behind.

Thomas’s life was marked by cherished relationships, intellectual curiosity, and an appreciation for life’s simple pleasures. He showed his love through thoughtful gestures, phone calls, handwritten cards, carefully chosen gifts, home-cooked meals, and time spent with family and friends. Those who loved Thomas will remember his stories, his knowledge, quick wit, generosity, and the many special moments they shared with him. Though he faced challenges throughout his life, they never defined him. May he now find the peace that life did not always afford him.

Rest in peace, Thomas. You were loved very much and will be missed every day.

A private graveside service will be held in the summer of 2027.

Thomas Through The Years 

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