Vernon T.L. Eriksson, 91, of Fort Myers Beach, Florida, passed away Tuesday, April 26, 2005, following a brief illness.

He was born May 5, 1913, in Hughendon, Alberta, Canada.

He enlisted in the Canadian Army, Fort Garry Horse Regiment, landing on Normandy on D-Day and leading the first Canadian troops onto German soil. He ended his military career with a rank of major. He was awarded the Legion of Honor by the French government.

Following his military career, Mr. Eriksson spent 20 years volunteering with the worldwide force of Moral Re-Armament. He then joined James Newton and Associates and later succeeded Mr. Newton as the owner and operator.

Mr. Eriksson was active in the Uncommon Friends Foundation and was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church.

Mr. Eriksson is survived by his wife of 56 years, Meryl Eriksson; a daughter and her family, Carol Ann and Fred Entwistle of Afton, Minnesota; a son and his family, David John and Sally Eriksson of Birchwood, Minnesota; four grandchildren and their families, Mary and Chris Martin, Katy Eriksson, Carl and Natalie Eriksson, and Ann Entwistle; three brothers, the Reverend Herbert Eriksson, the Reverend Harold Eriksson, and the Reverend Paul Eriksson, and his wife, Gay; two sisters and their families, Helen Eriksson and Ruth and Lloyd Johnson; and several nieces and nephews, all of Alberta, Canada.

A memorial service was Saturday, April 30, at 11 a.m. at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Fort Myers Beach.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Uncommon Friends Foundation, P.O. Box 811, Fort Myers, Florida 33902.