Rodney F. Ricker 1946 --2016

Rodney F. Ricker (June 21, 1946 - March 18, 2016) passed away recently after a brief illness.

Rod was born in Ohio and moved as an infant with his family to Phoenix, where he grew up. He lived along the Verde River in the Verde Valley, and also spent much of his time in Tempe, AZ.

Rod was an active hiker and member of the Sierra Club. He led many Sierra Club trips, especially service trips to maintain or build hiking trails, where he made several of his best friends. He was devoted to preserving the many wilderness and natural areas in Arizona.

A memorial gift to the Sierra Club in his name would be most appropriate.

Rodney spent many summers at the Ricker family cabin on Upper Echo Lake, in the Sierra Nevada in California, where he hiked far and wide through the Desolation Wilderness Area. Sharing hikes and adventures with family and friends at Echo brought him many happy times.

In addition to his outdoor activities, Rod also enjoyed old cars, especially Packards, and belonged to the Packards of Arizona Car Club, and the Horseless Carriage Club. He had many friends among their members. Rodney also loved music, both playing and listening. He played several instruments and was never happier than when playing music with his family and friends.

Rod's family plans to hold a memorial for him in the fall. For more information, contact Jim Ricker at jvricker@prince-ricker.net.

Rodney was preceded in death by his father Dr. John Ricker of Phoenix, his mother, Thora Lee Ricker Standish, and his brother, Tom Ricker. He is survived by his brother, Dick Ricker and his wife Sheri and son Luke; his sister Katy Ricker and her children Zachary (Zak), Rachel, Emily, and Aaron Berger; his brother, Jim Ricker and his wife Susan Prince; his stepsister Lisa Cutler and her children Ricker, Katie, and Paisley Cutler; his stepfather Miles Standish, his nephew, Miles Standish, and his niece, Diana Standish.

Information provided by survivors. Photo by Diana Standish.