Tribute: Minnesota Law Mourns the Passing of Ronald A. Erickson ’60

Ronald A. Erickson ’60, passed away on December 7, at age 88. He was born in Osceola, Wisconsin, and lived in Centuria, Wisconsin, until age 10, when his family moved to the Twin Cities. He graduated from the Blake School and the University of Minnesota, before attending the University of Minnesota Law School, where he graduated in 1960. Erickson went on to work in his family’s business which consisted of petroleum refining, retail petroleum and convenience store sales, wholesale distribution, and outdoor sporting goods. The combined business entities operated under the name Holiday Companies, for which he served as chairman and CEO for nearly 50 years. At the time of the company’s sale and his retirement, Holiday Stationstores operated over 500 locations across the U.S.

Erickson served as a member of the National Association of Convenience Stores, member of the National Petroleum Council, and chairman of the Independent Refiners Association. He also held positions on several corporate boards including First Bank System (now U.S. Bank), Andersen Corporation, Carriage Services, and Gander Mountain. He is remembered by employees and professional associates for his loyalty, decency, and for promoting people from within the organization, and as someone who always acted with integrity. He is survived by his wife, Kris, one son, and two grandchildren.