Gordon Dale Ricker

Gordon Dale Ricker died unexpectedly on December 24, 2013. He left behind many people who loved him dearly: his wife, Janice; his daughter, Kristina Neb and her spouse David ; his son, Todd Ricker and his partner Jill Shannon; his stepchildren, Shanna Clark, Brenda Geile and her spouse David, Audra Ruyle and her spouse Scott, Keith Clark and his spouse Amy; grandchildren Quentin, Nathaniel, Odko, Brady, Blake, Ryan and Julia; and his aunt, Sylvia Wilford.

Gordon was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on December 2, 1942, the only child of Blanche and Clyde Ricker. After his father returned from the war, the family moved to Colorado and settled in Golden, where Gordon graduated from Golden High School in 1960. As a young man, Gordon enjoyed many outdoor pursuits, especially 4-wheeling in the mountains. He joined the Coast Guard Reserves in 1962 and went through training in San Diego, CA. There, he gained a love for the ocean that stayed with him for the rest of his life.

Gordon married Sharon Stehle in 1966 and they had a daughter and son. When his wife became sick with Multiple Sclerosis, Gordon was a steadfast caregiver throughout her illness. He was also a loving, involved parent to his two children and never missed a school or sport event. Gordon played on a men's volleyball team, enjoyed swimming in Glenwood Springs and riding the Alpine Slide at Heritage Square.

During this time, Gordon went into business for himself doing interior repairs on cars. His business, Gordon's Vinyl Repair, flourished in the Denver area for over 40 years. Through his work, Gordon made many lifelong friends and was well-liked and respected. He always enjoyed his career and continued working up to the time of his passing.

Gordon met Janice Clark in 1988, and they spent time together as friends and companions before they were married in 1997. After their marriage, they enjoyed many years of happiness together; traveling, watching movies and going to antique shows. He was also like a father to her four children. In later years, Gordon enjoyed the role of grandfather to his seven grandchildren. He attended sporting and school events, babysat and played with them all. His family was a source of great pride for him and Gordon loved to share pictures on his phone with everyone he met.

Gordon was car enthusiast and liked to attend car shows. He was an artist and loved to draw. He brought these two hobbies together in creating model cars, as well. He was a collector of many things, from antique pencil sharpeners to coins. Gordon was an animal-lover and had many different beloved pets during his life. Anyone who knew Gordon knew his kind and generous spirit. He would drop whatever he was doing to help a friend or loved one. He loved to laugh and always seemed to have a smile on his face.

If you would like to share a memory of Gordon or a condolence message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.

Contributions to the charity of your choice in his name would be welcomed.