Errol Denis. Mann

Errol Denis Mann, 71, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday at his home in Missoula.

Errol was born in Breckenridge, Minnesota, to Marvin and Lydia Mann. He grew up and attended high school in Campbell, Minnesota, later graduating from the University of North Dakota, with a B.A. degree in business. Errol interrupted college to serve in the U.S. Army, graduating from Officer Candidate School, at Fort Benning, Georgia, in 1964. Errol followed college with a career as a kicker in the National Football League and most recently, as an Investment Executive in Missoula.

Several years ago, on the occasion of his 50-year high school reunion, Errol reflected upon his life. In a letter to his classmates and friends, he wrote:

"…As most may attest, life has a very unique way of dictating our destiny, with us believing that we are in complete control (at least, most of the time) in determining our future. In actuality, a Greater Being is directing our path, along a much better route than we may have designed or realized. My journey through the past 50 years is certainly a prime example!

My first few years following high school graduation consisted of college, most of the time at the University of North Dakota; and time spent in the military, punctuated by graduation from Officer Candidate School, at Fort Benning, Georgia.

Following college, my pursuit of a career in the National Football League (NFL) consumed the next 12 ½ years of my life. It included stops at the Denver Broncos, the Cleveland Browns, and the Green Bay Packers; all ending because of injuries. However, my dream was finally realized with the Detroit Lions, where I was fortunate to experience an 8-year career. I ended my time there as the all-time scoring leader in the history of the Detroit Lions.

My career in the NFL continued with the Oakland Raiders (which, by the way, is a great example of fortune beyond ones control). My first year with the Raiders ended with the Super Bowl XI win over the Minnesota Vikings. My second year with the Raiders was capped by my leading the NFL in scoring.

In 1979, my football career ended, but not before I had accumulated a long list of truly outstanding friendships and many gigabytes of wonderful memories. I left the game ranked 16th on the list of leading scorers in the history of the NFL. These accomplishments are accepted with much pleasure, having established the roots of my career playing 8-man football at Campbell High School.

My next few years were spent acclimating to a life outside of football and exploring options for the next phase of my journey. It was during this time that I built an airplane. I have spent many, many pleasurable hours piloting the uniquely-designed, Long-Ez aircraft.

In 1988, I accepted a position as a financial consultant with Piper, Jaffray & Hopwood, in Missoula, Montana. What a great place to live and work! Cool summers, warm winters, low humidity, and very few bugs. Not Heaven…but close! My last ten years as a financial consultant were spent with the Missoula office of D.A. Davidson & Co., a regional brokerage firm serving the Northwest.

May I also introduce you to one of the most fortunate happenings of this journey. While helping a friend of mine build an airplane, Lois Sandvick stopped by the work site to borrow a parachute from this friend. Wow! We have been together for the past 25 years. She is a gift I cherish without equal..."

Errol was an accomplished athlete, sportsman, pilot, builder and chef. And, while pursuing each of these passions, he built many strong and lasting friendships. He often commented, "I truly have been blessed."

Errol was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother.

Survivors include his wife, Lois, of Missoula; one brother, Randall (Sharon) Mann of Fergus Falls, Minnesota; and one sister, Bonnie (Duane) Gran of Fergus Falls, Minnesota.

Memorial services will be held on Friday, April 19, at 2:00 pm, at the Missoula Alliance Church, 100 East Foss Court, Missoula with a reception following.

Sunset Memorial Funeral Home is assisting the family. Condolences and memories may be left for the family at www.missoulafuneralhomes.com

Read Errol Mann's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.