Colton Reeves Ericksen 1993-2013

Colton Ericksen was the kind of young man that you would like immediately, and then want to try to get to know better. He had a warm, genuine and winning smile that would make you want to smile in return. He was kind and gentle, humble and unassuming, polite and grateful. Honesty and integrity were an integral part of his demeanor and persona. I never heard him say an unkind word, or utter a word in anger. I believe these character traits are a tribute to his parents, and I had previously tried to imagine what they might look like. I have never met them, but saw them in my mind’s eye through their fine son, Colton.

After Dark Seas returned from their previous concert tour, I noticed a new level of maturity in Colton. While he originally seemed to me to have an “old soul,” he now exhibited an even higher level of personal refinement, inner strength and self-confidence. You could see it in his eyes and body language. I commented to myself that Colton had really “lived and learned” on that tour. He seemed to have aged several years in only a few short months.

I noticed a new level of maturity in his guitar playing as well––he wanted to make sure that he played his guitar parts as good as they possibly could be played. He had a real “knack” for playing guitar, the kind of rare gift that few people receive. His unique style, sense of musicality and personality really came out in his music, and people enjoyed sharing it. When he played, he expressed his love for music and his genuine joy in performing with his bandmates.

The tragic loss of a young and talented life is so hard to process and accept––the mind and heart strings scream, “NO, it can’t be true.” But then, it is true, and it can’t be changed. I can only find solace in honoring his memory by trying to live a better life, and be the kind person that Colton would respect and want to know.

The great circle of life holds us all in its grasp and it sometimes seems very strong, yet, at the same time, also very fragile, and it promises none of us a tomorrow. But we can embrace the circle and believe and trust in the moments of joy it provides and live our often too short lives with grace and honor, as Colton did.

Thank you, Colton, for being one of the good guys! –Kent Rigby, Utah Arts Alliance, Midnight Records Productions

Dark Seas will be playing their final show, a tribute to Colton and a CD release party for the album they recorded with him, at The 5th Annual Craft Lake City DIY FEST on Friday, Aug. 9 at 9 p.m. on the 90.9FM KRCL Stage.