Neil, my love, I will miss you so much! When I think of all the memories with you all I can do is smile. You, no matter what, always made me laugh! You were and always will be such an amazingly beautiful human being! I look forward to seeing you again N-Dog! 
Love,
Baby Rennie

To the Ericson Family, our deepest condolences to you and your family! Our thoughts and heartfelt prayers are always with you! We love you all so much! 
With love,
Serena & Bobby 
♡

Loved every moment that Neil was with us at Mesa Vet. When he’d come in the lobby, the staff would always get excited and he would brighten everyone’s day. He was quick to help out however he could even if he had just dropped in to say Hi. He would surprise us with his clever jokes and quiet humor. He was kind and gentle with all of the patients. It was so exciting to see the great person and veterinarian he was becoming. 
We will miss you Neil and I know that you will be guiding us to do the best for our patients from Heaven. 
Dr. Tiffany 

Neil (aka “Son of Cheech”)

We will miss you more than words can say.  You could always make everyone smile with your prankster ways, your quick wit, and just by being you – a loving son, brother, grandson, nephew, cuzzle, friend, and genuine lover of all creatures – human and otherwise. You will be remembered for your kindness, hard work, and genuine love of others. We will honor you and celebrate your life by trying to live our lives as you lived yours – with humor, kindness, and dedication to our dreams and the people we love.  Love you always!

Aunt Chrissy


I remember when we were kids we would visit Pueblo West, one time they took us on their bikes through the hills in the neighborhood.  We felt like we were flying, pushing hard to catch up, “come on guys, it is an easy ride!” Neil and Jess chanted as Lindsay and I panted, not used to the altitude change.  Giving us a chance to catch our breaths we would stop and search for grasshoppers.  Over the past few years I have noticed grasshoppers crossing my path; often when I need that reminder to keep pushing forward. 

We caught so many grasshoppers that day.  As always, Neil was concerned for all living things, and we poked numerous holes in all of the jar lids and kept them away from the sun.  After studying them we would try to release them into the wild.  Neil would line them all up to observe them.  He was always so excited to study the different patterns and sizes giving each one a name.  To me this was a collection, but to Neil, it was science.  He’d get that look on his face like he did when he would always pose a question or make a statement and put one of his hands up in an “aha” moment.  It was at this time I noticed while Neil observed each grasshopper’s uniqueness that I saw his love and gift with science. 

With Neil conversation was not always needed, Neil was someone no matter how intense your own anxiety was, you could sit with in silence and feel calm.  I think it is why he connected so well with animals, he understood what others needed at a deeper, emotional level and was able to provide support.  He was quick witted with his humor, inclusive to all, and always showed kindness.  At family gatherings, we always said “what it is”; growing up I never quite grasped the concept until one day Neil just looked up, put one of his hands up and said “it just is what it is.”  Whenever I see a grasshopper I will stop to observe its unique details, be mindful of the present moment, think of Neil and take a step forward. What it is cuzzle, love you and miss you.

Neil wasn’t just our sweet, loveable nephew. He was also our cute, adorable godson. You will be in our hearts forever! We love and miss you Neil (Son of Cheech)!!!  💙💙💙
Love,
Uncle Todd & Aunt Susie
Xoxoxo

My name is Mike (Millie) Brady. Neil and I were the only boy cousins in our family. I used to go to Colorado every year since 2002 with my mom to see pop pop and grandma. I was always excited to see Uncle Cheech, Aunt Jane, Jessica, and Neil. Neil used to show me how he could do flips on the trampoline. Also, he had a mini bike. Neil and I used to ride it around the neighborhood until the bike ran out of gas. He was in a band and had drums and guitars in the basement. We would play them every time I would come and visit. One time I came to Colorado, Neil had bad news that the band broke up lol.
We would hang out on Uncle Cheech’s front porch with the girl across the street, Kelly, and we would just talk and tell stories about whatever. The thing I will miss is the times it was just me and Neil, the only 2 boy cousins (no girl cuzzles), talking about life. I will for sure miss that the most. It was always me, Neil, and Jessica when my mom and I visited so me and Neil had the upper hand. Jessica did not have any other girl cuzzles around to help her lol. Neil I will forever and always miss you. We will always be the 2 boy cuzzles!

R.I.P.
I love you, 
Mike (Millie) Brady 

Dearest Neil,
You were the little brother of our group and always put up with our hangouts and sleepovers. There were so many fun memories we all shared together in high school. Pool parties outside and down stairs in the basement lol. Jumping on the trampoline, playing basketball, and listening to you and Austin play in your band This End Up. You shared some crazy songs with us too. One was by Weezer- The Sweater Song. Craziest lyrics I'd ever heard during that time in music lol. One of the funniest memories at the Erickson Casa was the night when Chelsea earned her name C-Nile from you lol you solved a mystery that night and witnessed a lot more than a younger brother should have! Now you can still be a part of all of our shenanigans! I know you are in a better place with your grandparents and pets. Once my Marley and Shadow pass, I know they will be in good hands with you up there! Last time I saw you we did a cheers, next time we meet we will do it again!

To the Ericson family and friends,
I had the pleasure of getting to know Neil during his externship at the Mesa vet clinic . Even in those few weeks  he brought such well needed life and humor to the clinic, and never once showed up without a smile on his face! I was truly looking forward to his addition  to the Mesa family, especially as a newer grad and fellow island student myself. The memories, stories, and pictures that everyone has shared have been so touching to read and it breaks my heart that this world has lost yet another wonderful young man and veterinarian too soon. I pray for Neil’s peaceful rest and for all of you mourning his loss, he will me missed by so very many!

I love this family. Some of my favorite childhood memories took place at the Ericson House. Neil was my friend. He was my best friend’s little brother and we all loved him. Going to Jessica’s meant we’d get to jump on the trampoline and play basketball and eat the “usual”, and Neil would be right there with us. We “adopted” him as our little brother too. We questioned him about his crush and teased him like teenage girls do.  He was funny, smart, and so kind. I am so proud of him and the man he turned out to be. You will be missed. Keep an eye on us up there. See you after awhile. <3

Neil, unfortunately the last couple times we came out to visit, we didn’t get to see you. It seemed like every time we came out, we just missed you being home on break and you were back at school. 

Grandpa would sit and tell us all about how you were doing and how proud he was of you. He would also tell us the stories of you guys playing Spite and Malice and how you would always tease him!

I am so happy the last time we were out, we got the chance to have dinner with you and chat. I am also thankful that when I called you for advice on how to help Dawn with Brody, you would answer the call and help if you could. 

We miss you and love you. Please give Grandpa a hug for me. 

Love,
Uncle Kenny and Aunt Debbie

This is so heartbreaking!There are no words... 
I remember eating tortillas with spray butter and playing house in the prairie when we were kids. Niel always wanted to come and eventually you would always give in and let him lol. 

My farthest back memories of Neil come from going to visit Jessica at their house and Neil being at the house ready for some goofy prank.  He was always having fun and even though he was Jessica's younger brother, having him around us girls always ensured a laugh.  I grew to know Neil more as time went on and was always impressed with his ability to have something witty or goofy to say so quickly.  I thoroughly enjoyed every time I was able to hang out with him and he became more of a friend than just Jessica's younger brother.  So proud of all he was able to accomplish in his short time and he will be dearly missed.

I didn't know Neil personally. We went to school together from elementary to high school. I was always too shy to really talk to anyone. But every time I seen him he always had a smile on his face. 
In high school getting from class to class we would pass each other and again, he always was smiling. It would make you smile seeing someone so joyful. 
Every time Ashley talked about Neil it was amazing to hear how much he accomplished. It was so nice hearing about his adventures and the things he was doing. I wish I had the pleasure of knowing him personally. He seemed like a great guy. He's going to be missed by Cyclone class of 2010. 

I met Neil almost 4 years ago at RUSVM and there is not a day that goes by that I don't thank circumstance for bringing us together. Neil was in my orientation group when we started school in a new country. I was terrified and introverted but immediately connected to the only person quieter than me. As time went on our friendship grew and we each learned that the other had so much to say. We went on to form a study trio with our friend George and created more memories than I can count. My entire time on that island would have been so much emptier without Neil in my life. From his humor lightening the stress of studying, his quirky way of remembering things (it's still his voice in hear in my head every time I think the word miosis), to every milestone we reached together- Neil was a constant source of laughter and smiles. I am forever grateful for every single lunch, study session, fundraising event and more that I got to share with my friend. I will miss you more than I can say Vanilla Bear. My thoughts and prayers are with all of  your family and friends- your loss has left a huge hole in our hearts.

XO Elliot

Neil, your time with us was cut way too short. I wish Alyssa could of gotten to know the kind, generous person you were. 

Unfortunately, with me being the oldest cousin, and you the youngest, and having many miles between us, I may have not gotten to know you too well but the time we did spend together felt like no age or distance at all. I will be forever grateful to you for the advice you gave to me with our dear Brody. If it wasn’t for you, we would of never took the steps we did and he would of suffered. 

I hope you found your happiness you were looking for. You are loved and grately missed. 

Love you and miss you!
xoxoxoxox
Dawn (Rob and Alyssa)

P.S.
Say hi to Brody for us. 



Neil and I shared our Dairy Field rotation last September at CSU. We were both pretty introverted, but became fast friends spending so much time together in the truck. Neil and I had such a fun time on this rotation, and made so many great memories. And this is my favorite one!One day on the rotation, Neil got SO sunburnt while we were palpating cows - so we kept on forcing him to put sunscreen on every time we were at the truck. A couple of days later, Neil and I were working with a calf that lost all of her hair but was laying out in the hot sun. Neil just goes running back to the truck, with no warning, and comes back with the sunscreen to put on this baby calf. But that was Neil - he had the kindest and biggest heart of anyone I’ve ever met.  I will forever cherish the time we spent together. He left a great void in all of our hearts. My thoughts and prayers are with all of Neil’s family and friends. 

Neil also got terrible stomach cramps the afternoon he got sunburnt after drinking an entire half-gallon of root beer flavored milk in about 10 minutes. Wonderful, goofy Neil <3 

- Elizabeth 

Regrettably, I didn’t have the opportunity to get to know Neil, but he always seemed like a gentle soul when I saw him throughout the teaching hospital. One memory, now bittersweet, stands out.

I was weighing a kitten on the counter scale in cardiology. Neil was in the physical therapy room. Through the window that connects these rooms, he saw this scrawny kitten wearing a sock t-shirt and his face just lit up with joy. I lifted the kitten’s paw to wave at him; Neil waved back. 

You like everyone in your family, was so easy to love.  Your quiet gentle soul touched our hearts.  You are special to us.

Love,
Cioc and Vuja


My cousins and I have always had a very strong bond, it goes deeper than just “cousins”; we are cuzzles. Neil will live on in all of us. Neo, I wish you knew the positive impact you made in the lives of everyone you met. You are deeply missed! Love you so much!!! XOXO. WII

Neil was in my orientation group at Ross and ultimately one of my first friends on the island. During a time of many changes and scary challenges I found great comfort in Neil’s humor and gentle presence. I was drawn to his quiet nature and could always count on him for a laugh. Throughout our time at Ross, Neil and I were always there for each other. He will be greatly missed, but remembered so fondly with lots of love and laughs shared. He had a tremendous impact on my life and I hope to uphold his memory everyday. 

“Like any group, each member contributes in their own unique way. Despite being the youngest, Neil made the most important contribution: Neil is our heart. He may have been one of the quietest cuzzles, but his kindness and gentle nature was the brightest and loudest among us in his own “Neil” way. He loved all of us unconditionally, and he would do anything for anyone. He was just that guy (or that cuzzle.)”

Neil, you are so loved by so, so many, and you will be missed in a way that is hard to put into words. Even though our hearts are broken here, we know you are at peace now and we can still feel you around us in so many different ways. The only way to move forward after such a tremendous loss is to celebrate you and the spirit you brought to life every single day. After spending time with all of your friends, roommates, vet school family, our family, the animals, and countless others sending love and support the past few days, I have no doubt that you will keep inspiring so many of us often in this crazy, unpredictable thing we call life. What it is, cuz/cuzzle. I will always be so grateful that you are a part of my heart and my life. Xoxo ❤️

I had the opportunity to work with Neil during my time as a vet working at Mesa Veterinary Clinic. Over the 5 years I was there, Neil was a regular visitor, volunteer, and overall helpful hand in all things big and small. Neil was one of my favorite pre-vet students to work with. He was always smiling with his willingness to jump in and help wherever there was a need and he was acutely interested in science and medicine. Neil had a heart of gold and a calm, caring presence that will be missed by all who knew him. My thoughts are with his family and friends.

Bri


I met Neil about 8-10 years ago when he started volunteering at the clinic.  He would do anything you asked of him with no complaints.  I remember the first time he helped me fertility test some bulls...the look on his face was priceless when he saw how we obtained the sample however he was so intrigued by all the science that went into the evaluation....I cant quite remember but I am pretty sure he helped me spay Ellie or maybe Jessica's cat but it was his first surgery to help with--his hands shaking so much with nerves...performing his first surgery on his own animal but again I so much enjoyed his excitement and enthusiasm with him wanting to do it....I just loved how he enjoyed veterinary medicine.  I loved to ask him questions and  the scientific answers he would give me.  I grew up in small town South Dakota and like my old country music...some of this hip hop would get under my skin and Neil new it....one song in particular was "Call MeMaybe" by Carly Rae Jepsen....one day a CD was left on my desk from him as he left to go back to school and he had copied this song over and over for me to listen too...I still have the CD---Great young man that I really enjoyed getting to know and I will deeply miss---Matt

My name is Kelli Anderson, and I am a cuzzle. A cuzzle is defined, not by Webster’s Dictionary, but by Neil Ericson, as a group of cousins. In our particular cuzzle, there are seven of us: me, my siblings: Kari and Mike, and my cousins Jamie, Lindsay, Jessica, and Neil. 

The term came about years ago when we were all together and were referring to ourselves as “the cousins” and someone asked what a group of cousins is called - a group of wolves is called a pack, a group of geese is called a gaggle - so we tried to decide what a group of cousins is called. “A cuzzle,” said Neil softly, in a very matter of fact tone, as if it should have been obvious to us all. So from that day on, we have been the cuzzles. 

Neil was the best inherited little brother/friend a girl could ask for and I am so thankful that I was given the chance to grow up with him and absolutely terrify him with my, at times, crazy antics. I wish that I knew my last conversation with him would have been the last one I got. I would have made it a more exciting one. I wish that I knew that the last hug I gave him would have been the last chance I would be given to squeeze him just a little bit tighter. But I also know that I can’t dwell on the coulda, shoulda, wouldas in life. I will cherish all the moments we were given over the years though and I will always be the C-Nile to his N-Dogg. 

To Neil: Please be sure to send me a reminder every so often so I can remember these things, you know how senile I can be. And be good up there, we will hold down the fort here. Just know, I already miss you like crazy and you better save me a couple beers, yo! 

Working with Neil was so fun he would crack me up laughing and such a good sense of humor but was never afraid to jump in and lend a hand.  A genuinely warm caring young man.  You will be truly missed.  To Neil's family our thoughts and prayers are with you.  
With our deepest Sympathy. 
Dee and John Vergo

I just wanted to share my joy in having known Neil.  Neil was my advisee at Colorado State in the Department of Animal Sciences.  Neil was a total joy to be around and I feel so fortunate to have known him.  I was so very proud of him and what he accomplished.  School did not always come easy to Neil, but he always was bulldog tenacious is reaching his goals.  He was a joy to be around and always lit up the room with his smile.  I feel so very blessed to have known Neil for 9 years and he has made an impact on my life that will last forever.  God Bless you my friend and it is with great pride I can call you a colleague, Dr. Ericson.

OBITUARY

Neil Bryson Ericson

July 27, 1991 – February 8, 2019

Imperial Memorial Gardens Funeral, Cremation & Cemetery

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