Kathleen Delia Erickson

It is with profound sorrow and broken hearts that we announce that (Kathleen) Delia Erickson (née Gamblin) has unexpectedly traveled to be with her Ancestors in the Spirit World and to spend eternity with Creator.

Delia was born in Pimicikamak Cree Nation (Cross Lake), Manitoba on May 27, 1949, at a time when babies were born at home surrounded by the love of generations of family. Delia spent her early years living on the Bay Line at Wekusko, at Clearwater Lake, and in Pimicikamak, with each home being built by her Dad. At the tender age of five years, she was taken to the Indian Residential School in Norway House, Manitoba. She stayed there until the age of 14 when she was sent to attend school in Winnipeg as part of the IRS’s Boarding School Program. She left at the age of 15 and became employed at a care home in The Pas. Throughout her life she lived in The Pas, Pimicikamak (as an adult), and always returning home to Cranberry Portage.

Delia earned a Diploma in Northern Band Administration, an Adult Education Instructor Certificate, a Literacy Instructor Certificate, a Residence Counsellor Certificate, and a Manitoba Business Start Program Certificate. She also completed various computer courses at KCC and other education and training through her workplaces. Delia spent many years working with youth as a Counsellor at the Frontier School Division, she was also a General Studies Instructor and Adult Education Instructor with UCN and WEM, she worked as administration and management training and support with Pimicikamak First Nation and in recent years worked in community based programming providing support to women and families. 

Delia was dedicated to her family; her children and grandchildren came first in all that she did. Her greatest joy was spending time with them, and she loved visiting with family and friends. She worked hard to raise her seven children and made it her mission to instill true strength and reliance within them. For the majority of her adult life, she lived in Cranberry Portage surrounded by her large extended family and the beauty of the wilderness. Delia spent many times with family and friends enjoying camping, fishing, hunting, and anything outdoors. She loved the relaxed pace of small town living and was greatly respected and liked by all who knew her. One of Delia’s first loves was music. She played guitar and sang beautifully, and it was always a joyous occasion when she would sing with her children, siblings, and friends. Delia will be well remembered by all for the little jig song she did with all of the babies (Dadaloo, dadaloo).

Delia was our Matriarch and while not a traditional person, she held the same values as the Seven Sacred Teachings. Delia cared about the well-being of others and gladly shared anything she had, often putting them before herself. She was no stranger to sacrifice and valued people over material goods. She was fiercely protective of children and those who were vulnerable, and she always championed those who did not have the advantage. Delia was known for her outspokenness, which served her well throughout her life as an Indigenous woman who had to advocate for herself, her family, and others in need of supports. This was equally balanced by her kindness and her easy-going ways, and wherever Delia was, it was guaranteed there was laughter. She had a sense of humour that was based on logic and it was tough to pull one over on her. Delia was able to see the good in people and led by example. She believed that we are only as good as we treat others and she wished for us to all take care of one another. Delia welcomed anyone who needed a place to stay no matter who they were. She never turned anyone away and always shared generously to make sure others had a place to sleep, food and anything else she could provide. Delia was a shining, guiding light to those who found themselves in dark places.

Delia is survived by Children:  Robert Erickson Jr., John (Jiddo) Erickson, Christopher Erickson, Geoffrey Erickson (Charmaine Bouvier), Tracey Erickson (Donald Washenfelder), Dean Erickson (Destiny Lampkin), Niece raised as daughter Renée Gamblin Kastrukoff (Grant McVittie), Step-Son Chris Ranville, and Step-Daughter Myrna Ranville-Catcheway (David Catcheway).

Grandchildren: Roxanne Allard (Rylan, Emery, Bryton), Thalecia Wray, Robert (Bobby) Allard, Austin Washenfelder (Mia Moore), Troen Erickson (Bailey Anderson), Brandon Washenfelder, and Aiden Washenfelder. Step-Grandchildren:  Taylor, Zachary, Kelsey, Gary, Derek, Cassie, Kellie, Stacie, Hailee, Kiersyn, Kamryn, Baby Chad, Tyler, and Raina. Adopted Grandchildren: Stephanie Kastrukoff, Nicole McLellan (Jordan), and Jennifer Waldner (Wesley), Airaline, Austin, Ciara, Arthur Penner. Great Grandchildren: Rylan, Emery, and Bryton (Baby Bryt) Tait. Step-Great Grandchildren: Jessie, Jaxson, Justice, Jaylean, Gianna, Rhea, Remington, Liam, Analia, Oaklyn, Nathaniel, Mazedon, Jack, Acaiyus, Hendryx, Tyler Jr., Jamie, Masie, Willow, and Paiton. Adopted Great Grandchildren: Riley Kastrukoff, Riel Waldner, Zara McLellan, Julian Waldner, Jovie McLellan, and Vienna Waldner. Sisters: Verna (Anne) Gamblin, Veronica (Dot) Gamblin (Allister McMillan), Patricia (Pat) Gamblin, Cathy Jenks (Hopper), Roberta (Ruby) Gamblin (Jeff Pederson), and Lisa Gamblin. brothers: Michael Gamblin (Colleen), and Henry (Hank) Gamblin (Melvina). Sister-In-Law Jill Gamblin, Aunt Christine Holobow, and Nephews Dwayne Fosseneuve Sr. and Brian Fosseneuve. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members. Her fur kids Gibson and Spike.

Delia is predeceased by Parents: Ernest and Ilene (née Beardy) Gamblin. Parents-In-Law: Olaf (Hans) Erickson and Anne Erickson (née Sayese). Grandparents: Henry and Catherine (née McIvor) Beardy and Wilfred and Delia (née Hill) Gamblin. Son: Michael (Mikey) Erickson. Step-Son: Chad Ranville. Sisters: Irene (Maggie) Kastrukoff and Mary Fosseneuve. Brothers: Infant Gamblin, Steve Gamblin, Ernest (Joe) Gamblin, and Kelly (PeeWee) Gamblin. Her children’s father Robert Erickson Sr. and former partner Frank Ranville. Brothers-In-Law: Herman (Sam) Fosseneuve, Steve Kastrukoff, Luc Lauzon, Bobby Greasley, and Irvin Head Sr. Nieces: Allison Carol Gamblin, Arlene Fosseneuve, Miranda Fosseneuve, Kara Fosseneuve, Barbara Smillie (née Kastrukoff), Amber-Leigh Gamblin. Nephews: Joseph Lyle Gamblin, Randy Morrisseau, Ernest Kastrukoff, Reginald Kastrukoff and Bernard Miller Jr.. Adopted Great-Grandchild: Gregory Kastrukoff. Also numerous Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and other extended family members too numerous to mention.  If we forgot anyone it was not intentional, she loved you all.