Spencer ("Ric") Wilder Ridgway Iii

Ric was born in San Diego, CA on June 1, 1945 to Spencer Wilder Ridgway, Jr. and Cecile Anne (Cyborowski) Ridgway. Ric and his family moved to Arizona when he was 9. He attended schools in Phoenix, AZ and graduated from Washington High School in 1964. During his teen years, artistically, he worked on scratchboards, charcoals and moved on to oil painting. He also attended Phoenix College.

In 1967, Ric relocated to Texas to work on his Aunt & Uncle's farm. He eventually moved into retail for Woolco, Kress and Ben Franklin stores. For Ben Franklin, he was Store Layout Coordinator and Regional Manager. Ric then changed careers, started his own painting business and worked on homes and businesses.

He was married to Debbie Veal for about 35 years. They divorced in 2005. Ric worked with Boy Scouts while his sons were growing up. He enjoyed spending time & teaching life skills to his sons and other young men from the community.

Following a heart attack in 1990, Ric retired and resumed his oil painting. He painted landscapes based on areas he had seen in his travels throughout the country, including landscapes from Texas, Arizona, California & Oregon. He won a number of awards in both Arizona and Texas. Along with his love of art he also loved music and enjoyed listening to & sharing many different genres with friends and family.

Ric and his wife, Loi, were sweethearts following high school. They then went their separate ways and reunited in January 2009 when they were married in Bakersfield, California. They enjoyed 6 wonderful years together. Ric and Loi lived in Grants Pass, Oregon and enjoyed the beautiful surroundings and wonderful weather.

He has two sons, Spencer Ridgway IV (Robin) in the US Air Force in Almagordo, NM, and Cody Ridgway, who works for the community colleges in Dallas, TX. He also had two step daughters, Erica Butler (Shawn) and Karee Pack (Brody). Seven grandchildren blessed his life: Samantha Ridgway, Spenc Ridgway, Cayden Butler, Camrie Butler, Ainsleigh Pack, Alexi Pack and Amelia Pack. Additionally, he is survived by his wife, Loi Kelly Ridgway, and brother, John Cafourek (Beth).

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity in Ric's name or plant a tree or bush to add to the beauty of the world.