Ryke Erekson, 56

Ryke Erekson, 56, passed away suddenly at home in Kalispell on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009, from complications of renal disease. Ryke was born Jan. 14, 1953, to Charles and Allana Erekson in Sacramento, Calif. The family moved to Wyoming and then to Whitefish when Ryke was 10 years old. He attended Whitefish schools and graduated high school in 1971. He spent a few years driving truck with his father and working oil rigs in Wyoming. In 1979 he went to work in Olney at American Timber and continued until the business closed in 2000. Ryke took the opportunity to fulfill a dream of a college education and went on to receive an Associate of Applied Sciences degree in Web and technology design from Flathead Valley Community College in 2004. He was working as a forklift operator when he suffered kidney failure in 2006. Ryke loved anything that flies, especially birds of prey and World War II military aircraft. He loved photography and was rarely without his cameras and tripod. He was fortunate to go to the 24 Hours at Le Mans race in France to photograph another love, Porsche racing cars. In 1980, he even traveled to his mecca and toured the Porsche factory in Stuttgart, Germany. He was sorely disappointed to find that free samples were not part of the admission price. He was a dedicated San Francisco 49ers fan. He claimed it was genetic! He claimed they would be back; it s just a rebuilding year. One of his favorite and most memorable gifts was the surprise rental of a Porsche from his brother of the heart, Bob Lanktree, in Phoenix. The following need-for-speed run through the Arizona night was unforgettable! He was an avid collector and builder of the Porsche car, and aircraft models, and all things 49er. In 1981 he met Maria Tapia through a fix-up by their mutual friend and Ryke s other heart brother, Klaus Gilchrist. He had seen her in numerous plays but had been too shy to make a move. They were married four and a half years later on Aug. 17, 1985. Son Liam arrived July 4, 1986, and daughter, Porsche, on April 15, 1988. Since he never remembered dates, he was always grateful his kids were so accommodating in their choice of birthdates. He claimed once, he was saved from a long life of hermitage by Maria, but struggled mightily with a thespian and teenage drivers. Because of his health issues he and Maria decided to leave his beloved Whitefish and move closer to health care in Kalispell in 2007. He was preceded in death by his father, Charles; and grandparents. Ryke is survived at home by his wife, Maria, son, Liam, of Kalispell, and daughter, Porsche, a senior in the nursing program at Carroll College in Helena. Also surviving in Whitefish is Ryke s mother, Allana Erekson, sister, Kris Erekson, and niece, Kenzie Erekson; sister, Kori Erekson; brother, Dirk Erekson; sister, Kim Erekson, of the Netherlands; and nephew, Tyler, in Connecticut. He is also survived by numerous in-laws and friends who will miss his graphic storytelling, opinionated and vocal discussions, and strategic game playing at family reunions. Cremation has taken place and no formal services are planned as per his wishes. A celebration of his life will be planned for next summer with a joyful need-for-speed run, where his ashes will join his father s and grandparents in Glacier Park. Ryke s last three years were a struggle with declining health, and he considered the angels on earth at the Kalispell Dialysis Clinic dear friends. The family suggests memorials to the National Kidney Foundation, www.kidney.com, which focuses on education and prevention of renal disease. Friends are encouraged to visit the Web site at www.buffalohillfh.com to leave condolences for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.