If
records for tenure as a 4-H volunteer leader were kept, Bill Erickson would certainly be among the top in the nation. Bill has served as a Weld County 4-H volunteer for 65 years with the Galeton 4-H club. He has also been extensively involved in the Weld 4-H Leaders Council, Colorado State Leaders Council where he served as President, and the Western Regional 4-H Council. He remembers being a Junior Leader while he was a 4-H member, and then progressing directly into an adult volunteer leader. He says that it is because of the people he has worked with, both youth and adults, that he has stayed motivated and active as a leader over the years. His advice to other volunteers is that you can’t do it all by yourself; you need to get people working with you whatever you are doing. Bill and his family have hosted numerous exchange students over the years. He has seven grand-children and two great grand-children – however he considers all the kids in the county to be his grand kids. Bill has been involved as a dairyman and farmer for all his life. His roots in Weld County go back to the 1860’s and 70’s when Greeley was still the Union Colony. His great grandfather fought in the Civil War. To say that he has been dedicated and committed to Weld County and the 4-H program would be an understatement. This past Monday, considering his 65 years as a 4-H volunteer, the Weld County Commissioners issued a proclamation declaring Monday, April 23rd, as Bill Erickson Day. The proclamation reads as follows:
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners wishes to formally recognize the service of Bill Erickson, Galeton, for his outstanding dedication to the Weld County 4-H program; and
WHEREAS, Bill Erickson has devoted sixty-five (65) years of volunteer service to Weld County 4-H and the Galeton 4-H Club; and
WHEREAS, he has impacted thousands of youth in Weld County by encouraging and teaching them life skills through positive youth development; and
WHEREAS, his diligent and dedicated service as a volunteer leader is a great example of his legacy that will provide inspiration to all who aspire to contribute to the well-being of all Weld County youth.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED by the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado, that the Board appreciates the passion, loyalty, vision, honesty, dedication and service Bill Erickson has demonstrated to Weld County, and do hereby declare that Monday, April 23, 2018, be known as William “Bill” Erickson Day.