Obituary
Don’s brave battle with cancer ended peacefully the morning of September 12, 2022. With his wife by his side, Don left this world for a better one but it wasn’t easy. Don loved his retirement life at “On Top of the World” 55+ Community.
Don enjoyed daily walks through the community that lasted twice as long as expected because he loved visiting with people along his path. If Don wasn’t enjoying archery, he was dancing with his wife at the square, swimming in the pool, or soaring down the street in his golf cart.
Prior to retirement, Don spent many long hours providing for his family. He was a dedicated worker as a machinist and CNC Boring Mill operator. But his work did not define him. Don was more known for his quiet presence and faith in God. He was a good listener, great father, husband and friend. His warm smile and big brown eyes reflected the presence of Jesus. He will be greatly missed.
Survivors include his WIFE: Diane Rickard CHILDREN: Davin Rickard, Christie Rickard, Lawrence Garringer and wife Joy Garringer, BROTHERS: Darell Rickard and wife Chris Rickard, Randy Rickard and wife Mary Rickard, SISTER: Bonnie Keiser and husband John Keiser. FATHER: Donald Rickard Sr. He was proceeded in death by his Mother Phyllis Rickard and Daughter Jennifer Garringer.
Flowers are welcome at Meadowbrook Church, 4741 SW 20th St, Ocala, FL 34474 the day of his Memorial Service, which will be held on Wednesday, September 28, 2022 at 10:00am in Room 405. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to MADD Central Florida in Jennifer Garringer’s Memory.
The Central Florida MADD site is: https://madd.org/central-florida/
Service
4741 SW 20th St, Ocala, FL 34474
Our honeymoon visit
Even though I'm hurting now I am using all my memories of us whether it be the barbeques at the lake house or the many Christmases we shared together to put a smile on my face. See you when my work here is complete Love you uncle Don
Our visit on our honeymoon this year had a great time getting to know you since I was the last one in the family lol Even though you were going thru the issues you were you were a witty n funny Individual. Which made it easy to call you Uncle Don
This was us during the family vacation in Saugatuk, MI in 2013. It was a fun time at the beach and the sand dunes!
Me and my dad
Love his family he best he could To provide a good life.
He worked a lot of long and hard hours. And in his words a hot sweaty factory. Which yes I could tell he hated this work.
At Times he made that clear.
But he knew he was good at his job he was doing the best to provide. He helped me out financially when I made mistakes. I'm most grateful for one he help me out to get to a surgery when my mother was going to help me And she and I had a Issue between us And she didn't want to take me back to the doctors. my dad stepped in and took me back. I had a stunt in me . And I'll never forget how angry he got that my mother refused to take me back to the doctors. So he did.
I remember him saying was she just gonna leave that stunt in you. Step in At the right time. My life is filled a lot of times like this. But he was always made it a point to call me to stand touch. I teased him for Little bit He called me once a month at least. So you i make a joke I Said to him it must be my time of the month.
Before My dad my stepmom moved to Florida
I went over to my Place once a month and He take me out some restaurant. We set And eat and talk about how things were going. About my work and life and He is . I'm gonna miss him. But at least he got to live his hopes and dreams with this loving wife wife who's done a wonderful job of taking care of him and I'm extremely grateful for all the love and joy she brought to his life. She made him a better man she brought out the best in him.
Remembering the past, Don and I worked together for 13 years and had alot of great times. I was honored to be the best man at his wedding to Diane. After the closing of the company, we both went our separate employment ways. Seeing each other only at family gatherings and special events. During the past year we talked many times on the phone. Don loved to talk ! In fact now that he is gone, I might as well get rid of my phone. Because he is the only one who called me ! Haha :) Some may say Don lost his battle to cancer. But I say he lives on with his soul in our hearts and his spirit in Heaven.
Don , I will truly miss you . And never forget that you were a GREAT brother.
Love, Darell
43 years ago Don became my brother-in-law. What a kind, gentle, soul he was and will always be remembered in my heart as such.
I was happy I could tell him was a great brother-in-law he has been the day before he passed. He always appreciated when I made him baked goods and especially my Dill Pretzels to enjoy on his travels back to Florida. This family will miss him immensely ,but I sure am glad I was blessed to know him.
Love, Chris
Our last trip was in Ormond Beach. Don said it was the best!❤️
Had fun riding our rented golf cart on New Smyrna Beach with brother Randy and wife Mary.
Don enjoying hot tub Jensen Beach trip.
Don relaxing at our Crystal River trip!
In case you haven't noticed, I am posting a lot of pictures for those who can't attend the Celebration of Life for Don in Florida.
Here we are when we dated but not too long after we were married.
Riding a bicycle built for 2 when we were on Macinac Island.
A very fun trip to Boston.
One of our many wonderful trips to Pennsylvania.
I know he is at peace and I pray for peace for his family.
The Family gathering at George Willard's House.
Christmas at Grandma and Granpa's.
Don having fun at his 40th Birthday Party
Myrtle Beach Trip
Larry's Wedding.
Never did I ever meet someone more dedicated than you to your family and providing for them!
Peace Don!
Until we met again!♥️♥️♥️
You will be greatly missed!
Janet
Don and Diane in Estes Park, Colorado. He shaved his mustache for the trip:)
Don and Diane in Fort Lauderdale Florida on their honeymoon. 28 years later they move to Florida.
Don posing for Diane near Lake Michigan.
Our wedding picture with our parents and what is Jen doing in the picture??? :)
Don and I at Jen's graduation Wayne State University.
Don's graduation picture Lowrey High School 1969. His Gradmother said he looked like John F Kennedy. I think so too.
Another Turkey Trot Walk in Hendersonville NC
A beautiful day trip in Florida
A wonderful trip to Utah
Granddaughter, Kaitlin's Graduation
Diane and Don on our boat enjoying a sunny day on Lake St. Helen
Blast from the past!
This was taken at our of our traditional Christmas Eve dinners with the Owen family.
Don loved the mountains. Here he is with Diane at the top of Mount Mitchell from November of 2020.
Don and his "Beach Babes"
A beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain View during a North Carolina visit.
Wonderful dinner with the cousins!
Dancing at the square.
Happy Don and Davin 2017
Don’t miss me more than once a day,
For life is moving fast.
Don’t wish all of your time away,
Dreaming of the past.
Don’t waste the moment looking at,
The things I left behind me.
I’m not within those walls or boxes
The heart is where you’ll find me.
Don’t dread to say my name, sweet one,
Don’t fear the wrath of sadness.
Just take the love you had for me,
And turn it into gladness.
Don’t worry when my birthday comes
Don’t feel me missing more.
I’m filled with love you’re sending me,
Just as I was before.
Some days your anger will rush out,
Your tears will find their way.
To me, wherever I am then.
I’ll soothe them all away.
When I am gone don’t miss me more,
Than once, or twice a day.
There’s so much life to live, my love.
I’m with you, all the way.