Loving father
Here are just some pictures of our dad over the years…
Please click the ‘comments’ link to share a story or memory about our dad. After the memorial service, we plan to make a memory book to give to family members, including our 92 year-old Grandmother in Iowa who cannot attend the services. Thanks so much.
If you have digital pictures you would like to share (or any questions), please email Colleen at Colleen@supertoid.com
Love,
Colleen, Jennifer, and Jeff
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Some great pictures guys, great way to remember all the fun times!
Dear Coll, Jen, & Jeff,
We were so very sorry to hear about your dad. I’m really glad that you all had some good quality time with him when he needed your support the most.
It was fun to see all the old pictures of you guys as little rascals. Those were the days I remember your dad. I also want to add what a cutie Claire is. This is the first time I’ve seen her. I’m sure she was her Papa’s little darlin’.
Our thoughts & prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Love, Rose & Ken
I’m so sorry to hear of John’s passing and wanted to let you guys know that I’m thinking about you- I know it’s a rough time. I remember when I was a kid and how John was always such a quiet guy, but how much he loved his little girls and baby boy. At family get togethers on the holidays, he would toss you in the air and get you guys so riled up and laughing- it was purely contagious. My prayers are with you, I’m thinking about you, and I’m sorry for the loss of your Dad. Love, Uncle Matt
We are neighbors of John and Carrie, we have known them only a couple of years and in those two years we grew quite found of them both. We had discussed plans for when John was well, going to dinner, ect. but in time we just hoped for nice weather to sit on the porch to chit chat. We watched John travel his journey and thought he was one of the most possitive and courageous men we’ve ever met. We believe he was a very blessed to have such a strong and loving wife to travel probably the hardest journey he’s ever had to travel. it ‘s been obvious how much they love each other, Carrie has carried John through it all and this must give his children much comfort to know their father was taken care of so well. We did attend Johns service and it was very nice. All three of his children spoke of him with great love and made it clear to us all how he loved them each very much.They all three must feel so blessed in knowing how well Carrie took care of him, knowing she never left his side. It must be a comfort to know their father received the love he so deserved. Carrie will travel her own journey now and we know God willl walk with her. We wish her and his childrern well. We feel blessed to have known John Rickard.
We were so very sorry to hear about your dad. It sure was a surprise to get this news of his passing. We’re really glad that you all had time to spend quality time with him when he needed your loving support. Under the circumstances, at least he is no longer suffering and you will see him again some day where there is no suffering or tears. Tell all the family we are praying for their peace and comfort at this sad time. Love you lots, Grandpa and Lois
My late husband Louie worked with John for many years at the refinery. I was at the memorial service yesterday and just want to let you kids know how much it touched everyone that you spoke about your dad like you did. You all were wonderful.
I have a few pictures of John from Louie’s retirement party in ’05. Please let me know an email address I can send them to Keri.
Barbara Czencz
*From an email sent by Deb and Larry Loss, Westminster Colorado*
I, Deb, did not know John before moving to Colorado from Iowa. My husband Larry knew him back then. John was older than Larry, but in Rolfe, everyone knew everyone.
Our son attended Witt Elementary in Westminster. We had received a phone call from Kirk’s teacher earlier in the week. She was concerned that maybe Kirk or this other girl, Jennifer, might be telling a little fib about their grandparents living in the same small town in Iowa. This is how we found out that John Rickard had a daughter in the same class as our son! Larry was so excited to be able to see someone from back home and catch up a bit. On the night of the Parent’s meeting Larry had to be out of town working. I didn’t know this guy he wanted me to talk to. Larry said just look for the really big guy, heads above the rest, you can’t miss him. Sure enough, I walked into that kindergarten class room and looked up and there was this really nice guy. After introducing myself we found out we only lived a few blocks from each other. John would stop by on his way home from work and chat with Larry. Larry really enjoyed those moments of catching up on Rolfe gossip.
Cherish all your memories, even the little ones.
Peace be with you all.
There is so much I could say about this wonderful, tender, giant of a man, whom I knew for over 35 years. The hardest part for me is to give him up from this life here on earth. I know in my heart that he is with the Lord and we all will be together again. Memories, there are so many and that is what we all have to go on with.
There was never a time, when anyone needed assistance with anything, that John would be there without hesitation, with his brawn, tenderness and bold laugh, doing whatever it was that needed to be done. His love of life, family, friends and fellow co-workers was so abundant in everything he did. His legacy, left behind. is one very few people can match.
When you count the number of friends you have as you travel your journey through life, Big John has to be at the top of the list. He is so loved by so many. There is a big void in our lives now, but having known this wonderful man is a blessing not too many people get to have.
I will forever love this man and all his family for the way they have impacted my life. This is also a special Thank You to his loving wife, Carrie, who has lost her soul mate, but was there with him as he made the difficult journey battling cancer this past year. They were a blessing to each other, and friends to everyone.
We will all live by the lessons that were shared with us by this family and we know the Lord will continue to Bless each and every one of us.
See you in Heaven, my Big John, Love, Helen Tucker
to all of big john;s family and friends . i was sad to hear of johns passing and quite disappointed in myself for not keeping in touch over the years. my only excuse is that i was aproduct of a class that was apathetic to the point of not getting together for a reunion just for our class of 68 in over forty years . pretty lame, huh? i do have a lot of fond memories as i went all through school with big john. he was without much debate the best football player to ever come out of Rolfe john made all twin lakes conference 4 years. His love of contact and his great instincts for the game were assets few players had. He was a natural. I played all 5 sports with john and he was a fierce competeter. I was the quarterback and Big John was the fullback. we also played basketball, baseball, track , and golf together. He called me leaper Dean and i called him Big John. my heartfelt sympathy all of big Johns family . i hope your fond memories will help your heavy hearts . god bless . Sincerely, Dean Pedersen, class of 1968.
To Jeff and the Rickard Sisters,
I’m sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. My parents called me with the news last week when they saw it in the local paper back in Iowa. They, too, wanted me to express their sympathies. They told me they remembered John as a very nice person. Playing at Washburn alongside Jeff was some of the best 4 years of my life so far. It was always nice to see everyone’s families after the game and get to know everyone. I didn’t get a whole lot of opportunities to speak to John, but when I did he was a very nice, and pleasant man to talk to. I know he was very proud you Jeff, you could tell it in his eyes after the games. Again, I’m sorry for your loss and I hope to see you at some WU games next year. Keep your schedule open, and I look forward to seeing you.
Andy K.