Dr. Daniel “Dan” L. Erickson graduated to heaven on March 13, 2017 after being diagnosed with ALS in July of 2016. Dan was an identical twin and was born on March 9, 1950 in Santa Barbara, CA to Wesley and Gladys Erickson. During his time at Pittsburg High School, he was an honor student and lettered in 3 sports every year. He served as senior class president, along with placing in the top 3 wrestlers in the state of California. When he graduated high school in 1969 he was offered a full ride scholarship to UC Berkley, but instead attended Bethany Bible College to pursue ministry. He met his wonderful wife Cathy during his freshman year. They went on one date before he proposed marriage to her and they were married December 19, 1970 in Salinas, CA. Dan went on to receive his Masters from Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary in Fresno, CA and received his Doctorate of Ministry from Talbot Theological Seminary in La Mirada, CA. He was in full time ministry for 47 years, which included roles as an executive pastor, president of Northwest Graduate School and ministry to men in various organizations. In 2002, after suffering from heart issues, Dan was lead to start People Matter Ministries which helps others discover God’s fingerprint of potential for their lives. He has authored many books including ‘God Loves Do Overs’ and ‘Ready To Fly’, which have been a blessing to many people. Dan spent countless hours at his remote office at Starbucks ministering to the employees and just about anyone who walked in the doors. He also enjoyed attending his grandkids sporting events and traveling with his wife. He always looked forward to encouraging men each time he was given the opportunity to speak at an event. His favorite words of encouragement were “You’re the Best, you have to be who you are” or “you’re a wonderful person”. When he received his diagnosis of ALS he said, “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness” and that is exactly how he lived each day of his life. Dan is survived by his loving wife, Cathy Erickson; daughter, Shannon (Rusty) Brotherton of Lee’s Summit, MO; son, Doug (Ginny) Erickson of Orange, CA; Grandkids Gabby Brotherton, Kayla Brotherton, Alex Brotherton, Dylan Brotherton, Hallie Brotherton, Bella Erickson and Danny Erickson. He is also survived by his mother, Gladys Erickson of Carson City, NV; brother, David (Jan) Erickson of Carson City, NV; twin brother, Daryel (Rachel) Erickson of Ellendale, ND; sister, Martha (Paul) Hildreth of Oakley, CA; sister-in-law, Rosalee of Pittsburg, CA; and numerous nieces and nephews. Dan is preceded in death by his father, Wesley Erickson and brother, Jon Erickson. The family extends its deepest gratitude to all of the staff at Lee’s Summit Medical Center who cared for Dan in his time of greatest need. The Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 18, 2017, 2pm, at Abundant Life Church auditorium 304 SW Persels Rd Lee’s Summit, MO 64081. In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to People Matter Ministries PO Box 476 Lee’s Summit, MO 64081 or www.peoplematterministries.com.