David "Dave" Allen Rikerd

David “Dave” Allen Rikerd, age 74, of Grants Pass, Oregon passed away December 2, 2014 with his wife by his side after a short battle with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

Dave was born February 21, 1940 to Bernice and Harold Rikerd in Spokane, Washington. After high school he went on to join the US Navy and served 3 years active duty. In 1969 Dave began his career with Union Pacific Railroad where he dedicated 36 years of service before retiring in March 2005. On October 2, 1999 he married the love of his life Nancy whom he called, “The most beautiful girl in the whole world.” In October 2008 he and Nancy moved to Grants Pass, Oregon where they became onsite managers for Stein Enterprises. Dave was also a loader for their rock quarry. He did this throughout most of his battle with NHL. He never complained about his pain, his concern was always about others. Throughout his years he enjoyed many camping trips to the Glamis Sand Dunes where he rode his favorite Banshee with his sons and went on to share his love of riding with his wife and step kids. He loved getting all of his family together and tried to make it a tradition to be carried on by everyone. He enjoyed taking his boat out for a spin in Lake Havasu, AZ with his wife, kids, and grandkids in tow. Moving to Oregon didn’t stop him from enjoying the dunes. He and his wife still found some good riding along the coast in Oregon as well. He really loved to enjoy life and made the most of everything. Dave was a sweet generous man. He was always doing for others with no expectation in return. He loved his wife and all of his children with all of his heart. That could be seen and heard by anyone that met him. He also loved his extended family and friends and would do anything for them if they needed him. He left a lasting impression on the hearts of many. We will miss him so much.

Dave is survived by his wife, Nancy; sons, John (Jamie) Rikerd, Chris Rikerd; step-children, Shelly (Nathan) Bourdlaies, Ann (Bryan) Morris, and Steven (Tara) Hallmark; sisters, Karen Montgomery, Patty Rikerd, Cheri Tuie, and Kitty Holzer; brothers, Wayne Rikerd, Gary Rikerd, Bill Anderson, Cecil Rikerd, and 12 grand-children. He was preceded in death by his brother Dennis Anderson, his mom Bernice, and dad Harold. Thank you to all of our family and friends for your love and support during his battle and after. A memorial family gathering will take place sometime in the spring at the Glamis Sand Dunes, his most favorite place to ride. The time will be announced at a later date.