Eric Ryland Jorgensen

Eric Ryland Jorgensen passed away peacefully in the presence of his family on January 23rd, 2023 at his Livingston residence. In keeping with his wishes, cremation will take place followed by a remembrance gathering with family and friends in spring.

Eric was born February 25th, 1941 in Chicago, Illinois. He was raised by parents Harold Marcus and Dorothy Ryland Jorgensen in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He studied drafting and design at Pittsburgh Technical Institute and later became a civil engineer at Reynold Smith & Hills in Orlando, Florida.

He married Barbara Jean Heape in 1963. To this union two sons Robert David and David Marcus were born.

He later married his second wife Joann Anderson in 1973. To this union a daughter Emily Ryland and son Andrew Daryl were born. After building a home in Paradise Valley, Montana, Eric retired with his wife on their Yellowstone River front property where he enjoyed working in nature on his small ranch and was known for his plethora of hobbies.

Eric delighted in tinkering, inventing, and polishing his craft. From building hot rods until his late 70's, to silversmithing, woodworking, leather goods, and myriad artistry collections at boutiques across the country, he reveled in his uniquely tailored creations, particularly those he customized for friends. It also seemed he could fix anything.

Eric loved horseback riding, fishing, hunting, hot dog and marshmallow cookouts in the mountains, and trains. Big Creek holds a special place for his family. As a young boy and into adulthood, Eric and his sister Betty traveled with their parents by train to summer at the Ox Yoke ranch, where he fell in love with the area, its culture, and history.

In the mid 90's, Eric founded the Livingston Model Railroad Club after building a permanent diorama for the Depot Center. His children plan a donation of Eric's collection to these organizations.

Eric was indoctrinated as an honorary member of the Alpha Epsilon fraternity and attended annual reunions at Hilton Head Island, further expanding his network of lifelong friends. His closest circle knew him from childhood and hailed him as a good man, a family man, a dog lover, a master craftsman, and the most knowledgeable and generous man you'd ever have the privilege to meet.

Survivors: sons Robert, David, Andrew (Jessica); daughter Emily; sister Ruth Fischer; second wife Joann; grandchildren David Marcus Jorgensen Jr.,  Marissa Johnson, Joshua McDade, and Aaron Allen Golden

Preceded in death by: parents Harold and Dorothy, sister Elizabeth (Robert) Stackhouse, and first wife Barbara.

We love you daddy. Your departure marks the end of an era; a wondrous legacy we collectively carry in our hearts and in our actions.