Loyd John Ericson was born on November 14, 1931, in Salt Lake City, Utah, youngest son of C.L. "Kelly" Ericson and Jemima Davis Ericson. His siblings include Robert and Roberta, twins who died at birth, and his older brothers Lee and Ray. Loyd grew up and attended schools in Salt Lake City. As a teenager, he spent summer months herding sheep for his uncles in the high Uinta mountains of northern Utah. From his time as a sheepherder, Loyd learned responsibility, self-reliance and the need to "feed the sheep," principles that he would use and teach in various responsibilities throughout his life.
While serving as a missionary in the Northern States Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he met Sister Norma Murri of St. Anthony, Idaho. Acquaintance matured into love, and Loyd and Norma were married in the Salt Lake Temple on June 8, 1953. Their marriage and raising a family upon the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ became the focal point of their lives as six children were born into the family -- John, Carl, Doug, Susan, Quin and Kelly. Loyd's responsibilities for his growing family took him through service in the military and through schooling, culminating in a degree in law from the University of Utah. Following graduation, he began his career with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation as a land acquisition specialist.
Loyd's work took the family from Salt Lake City to Sacramento, Redding and Roseville, California, from 1965 to 1972. In 1972, the family moved to Boise, Idaho, as Loyd's work continued as Chief of the Land Acquisition Branch of the USBR for the Northwest Region, including work as Chief Claims Officer of the U.S. government following the Teton Dam flood of 1976.
In addition to the demands of providing for, teaching and raising a family of six children and guiding them off through missions and college, Loyd continued his efforts as a "Shepherd in Israel," ministering in both one-on-one and organizational capacities in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was a voracious reader, a gifted teacher, speaker, writer, family historian and leader. His mind, heart and hands were in constant use, seeking for things which were "virtuous, lovely or of good report or praiseworthy."
Loyd's work for the government concluded with early retirement in 1987. Loyd and Norma faithfully served as workers and patrons in the Boise Temple for over 30 years. Retirement also included volunteer work, missions to the California Riverside Mission and the Nauvoo Temple, enjoying the activities and development of their growing posterity and continuing to bless the lives of many through his service in the Church.
A decline in health prompted Loyd and Norma to move to Mesa, Arizona, in November 2019. Dad passed away peacefully with Norma and other family members by his side in Mesa, Arizona, on May 20, 2020, from causes incident to age and advanced Alzheimer’s disease. The family wishes to express gratitude for the staff at Class Act and for all family members, neighbors, ward members and dear friends who looked after Loyd over the time of his declining health.
Loyd is survived by his wife, Norma, 6 children, 23 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
Friends and acquaintances are invited to attend a viewing at the Relyea Funeral Chapel, 318 N. Latah St., Boise, Idaho, on Friday, May 29, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. All who visit are asked to wear a mask and follow recommended social distancing. Family services will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2020, beginning at 11:00 a.m. The services will be live-streamed. All are welcome to attend and participate through the live-stream.
Click here to view a webcast of the service on 5/30/2020 at 10:50 AM, Mountain Standard Time.