April 24, 2025
In Loving Memory ~
Dear family and friends,
It is with deep sorrow and immense gratitude for her life that we share the passing of Monika Eriksen, beloved mother, partner, teacher, forester, and friend, who left this world on April 24, 2025.
Monika was a passionate environmentalist and lifelong teacher of nature. To her, nothing was waste until she had tried to reuse, repurpose, or donate it. Her adventurous youth took her across the world before returning to UBC to earn her degree in Registered Professional Forestry. She began her career with Free-Growing in Burns Lake, B.C., working alongside Dave Ashurst, but the forest was never just a job — it was part of her soul.
Later, she met Bob MacDonald of Southside, B.C., and together they welcomed their first child, Taylor MacDonald (born 2004). Monika made the decision to sell her part of the company and dedicate herself fully to raising Taylor and serving her community. In 2013, Monika and Bob welcomed their second daughter, Morgan MacDonald.
She was also a devoted stepmum to Megan MacDonald, who passed away suddenly in 2015, and Amanda MacDonald of Alberta. Monika encouraged all her children to live with integrity, to question anything that didn't align with their values, and to honor the natural world.
Monika gave boundlessly to her community through organizations like Spirit North, the local school system, the volunteer fire department, and countless others. She was never far from nature — identifying plants, instructing skiing, or simply teaching children to see the world through a lens of wonder and respect.
She will be deeply missed by all who knew her — from family and friends to countless colleagues and community members. Her compassion, energy, and fierce advocacy made an impact that will be felt for generations. Monika held deep respect for Indigenous people, traditions, and teachings, often bringing those values into her work and life.
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to one of Monika's most beloved causes:
The Lakes Animal Friendship Fund.
For now, Monika, we'll simply say: see you later, and thank you for everything.
With love and remembrance — your family, your many, many friends, and all the people who loved you .