Erik Hogden

Erik Godwin Hogden, age 60, of Kirtland passed away on February 25, 2021 at home after a long struggle with cardiopulmonary disease.

The fifth of six siblings, Erik was born on March 10, 1960 in Farmington, NM to Archie Paul Hogden and Shirley Jayne (Hollis) Hogden.

Erik grew up in Kirtland where his father was a longtime principal for Kirtland Central Schools and his mother was a registered nurse at San Juan Regional Medical Center. He graduated from Kirtland Central High School in May 1978.

During and following high school, Erik worked a variety of jobs in the Kirtland-Farmington area.  He began his working years bagging groceries at Little Bear Market. He subsequently worked for San Juan Engineering for two years as a surveyor. From there, Erik moved on to two years of employment with Drake Well Service as an oilfield rig “roughneck”. Tiring of the oilfields, Erik spent the next five years at the San Juan Power Plant as a security officer. During his time at the power facility, Erik was also a member of the San Juan Power Plant Fire Department team from 1986-1989.

Erik’s next job was at the Farmington Fire Extinguisher Company for 10 years, where he installed, repaired and maintained fire extinguishers for area businesses. During his time there, he took a leave in 1994 to pursue an electronics program at Technical Vocational Institute (TVI) in Albuquerque, NM.

In a final career move, Erik was hired to his dream job as the Maintenance Engineer at The Bridge Assisted Living Facility in Farmington. He remained there until 2015 when medical issues led to his early retirement.

Erik was known for his love of “critters”. He brought home over the years stray dogs, assorted cats, snakes, lizards, toads, a tarantula, a box turtle—always much to his Mother’s dismay and his Father’s delight. While still working at The Bridge, Erik initiated feeding corn to a flock of wild turkeys in a nearby plot for the patrons’ viewing enjoyment. The flock continues residence near The Bridge to this day.

In his retirement years, Erik’s favorite hobby was maintaining his hummingbird feeders and learning as much as he could about the different species and their behaviors.

Among his family, Erik was recognized as the trivia expert. From his readings and extensive PBS viewings, he was always quick to interject an interesting and unique fact into any conversation.

Erik was legendary for his quick wit, pranks, puns and abilities to play on words. He was always entertaining and had a delightful sense of humor.

He relished spending time with his family whether it was a fishing trip or an afternoon at a local casino. Erik particularly looked forward to an annual summer get-together of family members where he always had waiting a big bowl of Green Chili Dip that he had learned to make from his Dad. It was a tradition that his family always loved, and Erik was so proud to continue it.

Erik particularly adored his nieces and nephews and they, in turn, thought the world of their beloved “Uncle Egg”. His entire family will truly miss Erik.

Erik was preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Shirley Hogden, and by an older brother, Aaron John Hogden. He is survived by a brother, Kevin (Debbie) of Grand Junction, CO and three sisters, Paula Eaton of Cameron, WI, Mary Hogden of Berkeley, CA and Kerstin (Robert) Emerson of Roseburg, OR.

Erik is also survived by niece Caitlin Eaton of Cameron, WI, nephew Patrick Eaton of Menomonie, WI, nephew Paul Eaton (Amy Ochsner) of St. Paul, MN and nephew Michael (Reyna) Hogden of Grand Junction, CO; also, great-niece Micha Hogden and great-nephews Caleb Hogden and Sawyer Eaton.

The family wishes to thank family friends Rick and Pam Arnold for their many kindnesses and emotional support. Rick stopped at Erik’s house almost every morning for coffee and a visit. Pam always kept Erik well supplied with delicious meals and baked goods –one of Erik’s favorites was Pam’s homemade cinnamon rolls which he enjoyed on his last day. Erik and the family were so appreciative of the Arnolds’ extraordinary thoughtfulness during Erik’s final years.

Following cremation, a private family remembrance gathering will be scheduled for this summer.

Erik’s care in entrusted to Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home, 103 E. Ute Street in Farmington, NM. (505) 325-8688.  You may share condolences with the family on our website: www.serenityandcompany.com.