David "Ricky" Ricardo Lemke

David Ricardo Lemke (affectionately known as Ricky) passed away peacefully on Monday, May 20, 2025 at Ridge Meadows Hospital, in Maple Ridge, BC.

Ricky was born in Vancouver, BC to Ralph and Beatrice Lemke. He was their first born child and the eldest brother to his sister Melody and brother Rob. Ricky has always known the love of his family and had an especially close bond with his father.

At the age of two Ricky was diagnosed with autism. In the sixties and seventies, autism was very rare, only 1 in 5000 cases, where as today the number has skyrocketed to 1 in 30. So with a condition that was so unknown, Ricky faced many challenges, as did his parents and siblings. But inspite of his disabilities Ricky had joy and brought joy to others. He appreciated humor and loved to laugh. Ricky was gifted with a very good memory and an exceptional ability to know directions and find his way.

From childhood on Ricky was a railroad enthusiast, and loved trains and bridges. One of his joys was to travel by car over familiar bridges in the area he lived, and to see moving trains in action whenever possible.

As an adult, Ricky lived in a community group home where he and his roommates were looked after by kind and caring men and women. The staff were always attentive and provided the best life possible for Ricky.

In tribute to Ricky, we bid him “Bon Voyage” and hear him say, “All Aboard”, as he beckons us to finish our life journey and join him again one day where he now lives pain free, and his mind is clear and his body is strong.