HARRIET ""PAT"" ERICKSON was born in Atherton, Lancashire, England (near Manchester) on May 7, 1921. Her parents were Emily and James Coop. For most of her childhood the family resided on Red Street in ""The Valley"".

Harriet attended public school and graduated at the age of 14. While at school she excelled at athletics, particularly high jumping and swimming. She also enjoyed history. When one of her teachers asked what she would do after graduation; she said ""I'm going to Canada"".

After school Harriet began working at a cotton mill where her mother also worked. After a short while she was able to go to work ""in service"" for a wealthy family as a cooks helper. She saved her money diligently and was able at the age of 18 to purchase a ticket on a steamship bound for Canada. Harriet left her family then and set out by herself. She particularly missed her grandpa whom she spent much time with and loved dearly. Fortunately for her, she left just months before the beginning of the WWII in 1939.

Once landed in Canada, Harriet made the long train journey across the country to Mountain Park, Alberta where her Aunt and Uncle Harriet and David Litherland lived. Here she was once again able with the help of good references, to work in service. It was here that she met Robert Fleck. They were later married and moved to Edmonton in 1941. They were blessed with two sons, Dennis and David. In the summer of 1943 she left her sons in the care of the Fleck family and travelled to Coutts where she answered an ad in the paper for a rancher who was looking for a cook for his haying crew. Over the next four years she continued cooking for Gilbert Erickson in the summer and wintering in the Edmonton area where she worked in area hotels to support her family. During this time, Harriet and Robert divorced. In 1947 she and Gilbert were married and Harriet moved to the ranch on Deer Creek east of Coutts. Sadly, she left her sons permanently in the care of the Fleck family.

Pat as she was then called, took to ranching life. She enjoyed living in the country and working outside. She greatly enjoyed working with animals and partly fulfilled one of her childhood dreams of being a nurse, by nursing sick animals back to health. Pat was a vibrant member of the community. She taught many of the area children to swim in the creek and also contributed to the local Women's Institute.

Pat and Gilbert had three children; Patricia, Nancy and Jim. In 1965, Gilbert purchased a house in Coutts so that the children could attend school there without having to make the twenty mile bus ride.

While living in Coutts, Pat worked for Nick and Janet Lippa once again as a cook at ""N and J Café"". She was active in the community as a Brownie (Girl Guides) leader and even later, as a coach for Little League baseball.

Once her children were through school, Pat again moved to the ranch. Later after Gilbert passed away, she moved to Coutts again where she remained until shortly before her passing. Her flower garden and her baking were well known to all, and her positive outlook and zest for life will be sadly missed.

Pat is survived by her daughters Nancy and Patricia; sons David and Jim; grandchildren Romaine, Solage, Jan-Lee, Joan, Robert, Paul, Ryan, Serena, Michael, Cory and Kate; great-grandchildren Callan, Kale, Rachael as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families.

Besides her loving husband Gilbert, Pat was predeceased by her parents Emily and James; brothers Frank and Stanley; sister Margaret; son Dennis and ex-husband Robert Fleck.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00PM, on Saturday, January 17, 2009, at COUTTS CIVIC CENTRE, Coutts, AB, with Pastor Keith Dangerfield officiating.

Those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the Salvation Army Community & Family Services, 1811 - 2 Ave., S., Lethbridge, AB, T1J 2C9.