Patrick Henry Ricke

Patrick Henry Ricke died unexpectedly Sunday morning, November 25, 2012 at the Summit Healthcare Regional Medical Center in Show Low, Navajo County, Arizona at the age of 52. Patrick was born in the old Mesa Southside Hospital in Mesa, Maricopa County, Arizona to his parents, Gerald Joseph and the late Janice Arlene (Holck) Ricke. Patrick attended Gilbert High School and was a member of its 1978 graduating class. He worked for several construction companies throughout his life as a truck driver and, in his younger years, owned his own trucking company. Patrick was a man who never liked to stay idle and, when he wasn't working, found plenty of hobbies to occupy his time. First and foremost, Patrick was a devoted family man and truly loved the company of each member of his own family, including his children, grandchildren, father, brothers and sisters and especially his wife. He had fun with them and loved to play with them and was considered to be one of the greatest practical jokers of all time! He loved to go 4-wheeling in his 1978 black Chevy pick-up. Patrick always loved that truck and spent many happy hours in it! Patrick also liked to take his guns in his truck and go target shooting. In his younger years, he was quite the hunter, too. He always enjoyed a quiet day fishing at the areas lakes, rivers and streams, catching the evening meal. Patrick was one of those rare individuals who truly was blessed with the proverbial "green thumb." He, literally, could grow anything; flowers, fruits and vegetables, you name it, he could grow it. Though large in stature, Patrick had a gentle heart and, though he would NEVER admit it, he loved his dogs! Patrick was also blessed with an innate desire to do what was right. He loved The Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and found a great deal of peace as he and his wife attended the Calvary Community Church in Snowflake. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to others in need and tried daily to follow The Lord's admonition to love one another. He knew that when he was in the service of his fellow man, he was only in the service of his God. Throughout his entire life, Patrick possessed a very caring and giving heart. Many were blessed by his countless acts of kindness to others. Even in death, Patrick found a way to give to others. He was a registered organ donor and upon his passing he had arranged to help many dozens of people through his ultimate gift of kindness, quite literally, himself. Patrick's family is so very grateful for the services of Donor Network of Arizona who took the time to see that his final acts of giving could be realized. He gave the gift of life to others who were in desperate need of his selfless act of kindness and his family finds a great deal of peace and comfort knowing that others will live, see and walk without pain because of him. Patrick Henry Ricke is survived by his wife, Kathleen Ann (Detherage) Ricke of Snowflake, Arizona; 2 sons: Joshua Nathaniel Rumsey (Vanessa Purchase) of Chandler, Arizona, C. Douglas Pearson, Jr. (Paula Howard) of Show Low, Arizona; 2 daughters: Cassie Stiles (Cory Hager) of Show Low, Arizona, Patricia Haskins (Vance) of Lakeside, Arizona; his father, Gerry Ricke of Queen Creek, Arizona; 2 sisters: Donna Ricke of San Tan Valley, Arizona, Tammy Sheele of Gilbert, Arizona; 1 brother, Jeremy Ricke (Michelle) of Payson, Arizona; 5 grandchildren: Aidan Rumsey, Emily Garcia, Keira Haskins, Chevelle Charles and Jaden Hager. He was preceded in death by his mother, Janice Arlene Ricke, when she died on September 19, 2011. A special memorial service for Patrick will begin 2:30 P.M., AT THE HOME of Jeremy and Michelle Ricke, 1015 W. Bridle Path in Payson, Arizona where Pastor Dave Marshall of the Calvary Community Church in Snowflake will officiate. Memorial Contributions in Patrick's name to the Calvary Community Church, 311 S. 1st East, Snowflake, Arizona 85937 have been suggested by his family.