Paul R. Ericksen, 77, of Rapid City, died at Rapid City Regional Hospital on Saturday, September 20, 2014, following a long illness. Graveside services will be Thursday, 1:30 p.m., at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, with military honors, with the Rev. William Zandri officiating. Paul was born March 22, 1937, to Paul and Pearl (Randall) Ericksen, in Aurora, South Dakota, where he lived until moving to Rapid City in 1962. It didn't take long for the mountains and plains to begin to work their magic on him. One of the first apparent changes occurred in his footwear he traded in his brogans on a pair of genuine cowboy boots. It was during his early years in Rapid City that Paul developed his philosophy: If it's not fun it's not worth doing. And his son, Randy, learned from his dad how to wear a hat, not to wear sunglasses at night, and only swear when it doesn't matter. Survivors include his wife, the former Nancy Buchholtz, and a son, Randall Ericksen and his wife, Paulette Kirby, all of Rapid City. He was preceded in death by his parents. Paul Ericksen was one of the more interesting individuals a person was likely to meet. He was a student of animal husbandry, history and held a bachelor of science degree in applied management from National College in Rapid City. He was a race car driver, a carpenter, passable shade tree mechanic, and constructed an elaborate model train layout to fill an entire room in the basement of his. He was a sailboat enthusiast, horse wrangler, prize-winning chili cook and a dead shot with any firearm he happened to pick up. And he didn't just dabble in these activities but attacked them whole-heartedly. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.