Commemorating another year: John Erickson, distinguished cowboy & writer (October 20)

Born in Midland, Texas, on October 20, 1943, John Richard Erickson emerged as an American cowboy and prolific author, achieving fame through the Hank the Cowdog series. Raised in Perryton, Texas, he blended cowboy life with literary pursuits, graduating from the University of Texas at Austin in 1966. Despite a brief stint at Harvard Divinity School, Erickson’s heart remained in the ranching world. Faced with rejection, he founded Maverick Books in 1982, unleashing Hank the Cowdog. The series, narrated by Hank, a canine figure Erickson had worked with, resonated widely. Over 70 sequels followed, selling 8.5 million copies, earning endorsements, and international translations. Erickson, ever connected to his Texan roots, often performed in schools, reading and singing. Perryton became his home, though a devastating fire razed his ranch in 2017, prompting Erickson’s reflection on life’s transience. Yet, like Hank, his literary creation, Erickson’s resilience persisted, marking him as a cowboy-author icon rooted in the expansive landscapes of Texas.