By Jane Bauer
A strong presence in our community, Neal Erickson, passed away on October 10th. Neal was an avid musician, community supporter, Downton Abbey fan and a true friend who was always ready to lend a hand.

In the top photo Neal was the ‘first sale of the day’ at a library fundraiser. He hung this painting over his kitchen doorway and recently told me how much joy it brought him. Neal also made a generous contribution to last year’s event to raise money to buy computers for the local library.

We often joked that he should write the Neal Erickson Bachelor Cookbook- his specialties were making Chilaquiles with Doritos and adding tacos al pastor to a can of beans for a hearty stew.

I am sure that everyone who knew him has their own wonderful Neal Erickson moments. I am honored to have been his friend and he will be greatly missed in our community.