I found a pencil with his name engraved on it. Its a centennial pencil that my teacher got from his parents cause they gave him a bunch of pencils to give to his students

Rick is my nephew-in-law and we all had the pleasure of gathering together this Christmas as we always do, so I am grateful for my last visit with him.  (Although every year he seems to hit me in the head with with flying wrapping paper!)  And "darn it Rick, you said you'd go sky diving with me!"  
Now I'm gonna have to go alone,  so when i do,  spread your Angel wings for me !  
I will miss you forever....
Love, Aunt Tina


I am so proud to have known Rick and have Rick in our family.  Kelly and Rick were a special couple.  So in love and hardly a moment apart.  Their relationship was so wonderful and different which makes life much difficult for Kelly now.  Rick was Rick and that’s it.    Would get along with everyone and was always happy.  I can picture him at our Christmas parties and sitting the chair and talking to all no matter young old no difference.    My thoughts and prayers are with you Kelly.  Love u both.   

Rick was more than a friend to me.  He was like my little brother.   We met almost 20 years ago as mutual Hummer owners and we've shared our spirit of off-road adventure ever since.  His sense of humor and helpfulness was a part of everything he did.  I owe much of where I am right now in life to Rick, beyond our friendship, through his generous assistance with my real estate endeavors.  Rick was good to me and I am a better person for having known him.

My heart goes out to Kelly and the rest of the family.  Such a great man was taken so suddenly.  Rick, you will be missed.  

Decades of laughter and memories.  We will miss your anchovy dissertations and the Rental House Tours.   You were an amazing friend and a wonderful husband to Kelly.   

There really are no words.  We love you.  We miss you.  It is too quiet here now. 

Rick was the brother that everyone wishes they had.  He was generous and giving in ways that only people who knew him would understand.  Besides being my brother, he was my best friend and was always available for anything I needed or just to talk on the phone for hours.  He was my inspiration and I've learned so much from him.  Rick made many difficult experiences much more enjoyable with his sense of humor and mad genius skills.  I've never met anyone like him and doubt I ever will.   

Rick was my Brother in Law.  I first met him at the family Christmas party.  He was the first one to pull me aside and assure me that although a little crazy, everyone was a lot of fun.  Rick and I had so many similarities.  We both worked for General Motors, and both transitioned to completely different careers that we enjoyed.  Rick had so many stories!  He could always be counted on to have stories about his latest  real estate adventures, and had nicknames for each property he was working on.  I appreciated that although his properties were rentals, he always put in the extra upgrades to the tenant would have the nicest place possible.   Our conversations would usually wander to what critters he has been capturing on his property and what he did once he captured them....  

Rick always put so much effort into picking out Christmas presents.  I'll never forget the "gifts" from the storage unit, and especially the taser....Who else would get that?  Yes, Rick.  He would always tell me the things he created for Kelly for breakfast- very odd combinations that not even Kelly could appreciate....but that was Rick, always thinking of something!  I pray for courage for Kelly above all else. 

We will all miss Rick but I believe he will be with us in some way.  He will definately be telling stories in heaven and fixing anything that needs it.  If you knew Rick you are a better person for it and I'm sure have lots of memories.     
   

My deepest condolences to Kelly and family. Like many who knew Rick, I remember him from the many hummer events over the years. So very sorry, Rick will always be remembered.  May he ride peacefully in heaven.

I met Rick and his wife Kelly through mutual admiration of the Hummer. It's been a few years since I've seen him,  but recall that he was always kind and thoughtful and efficient.  The world needs more people like Rick. I extend my deepest sympathy to his family and dear wife,  Kelly. Godspeed, friend.
Roberta

You were supposed to be here when I left so you could help Cindy the way you always did, with an open heart and helping hands. Your heart was bigger than Texas.  You and Kelly are the neighbors to have. It is so very difficult to believe that you are gone. Our hearts are very heavy but rejoice in the knowledge that you are still meeting others and advising on the best way to repair anything broken.  God’s handyman. Only wish you were still here! May our great Lord’s love and tenderness lessen all the sorrow and sadness we feel for you, Kelley, and your family. You are the most selfless person we know. Our neighborhood will never be the same and your body will be always missed but your memory will live forever.   

I recall the very first day I met Rick and Kelly, purely by coincidence.  It was at the Mounds off road park in Mt. Morris Michigan.  That day turned out to be what I’d consider a very lucky day as I gained two great friends. 
It’s been many years past now and so many little adventures and projects (like many others have mentioned) that will live on forever in the minds of us all. 

One of Ricks most impressive days to help me out was when he drove from his home all the way up to Rose City Michigan to rescue me and my now broke down humvee.  He was very selfless in moments like these and I thank God that Rick was so willing to help. 

Rick was the type of guy (like my father) who never met a stranger. Rick had always the gift of gab. If you would be willing to listen, Rick was willing to talk to ya. 

But now these times have come to a very sudden and sad end.  Tho as terrible as my memory is, Rick I’ll never forget you.  We all have lost a great man in all our lives. 
Love you like a Brother (only wish I had the courage to have said so)
Joel 


You were to me the younger brother I never had.  When you and Kelly walked thru our home doorway …. a light would shine.  Your love for each other, your kindness to others was an inspiration.  Rick never slowed down in life.  He even said that when he took on a project …. it was full steam ahead, no matter how hard the project was.  He was one of the most intelligent and intuitive people that I have ever met …. a MacGyver when it came to problems and solutions to them.
Fran (my wife) and I are truly heartbroken … both for our loss of a dear friend and the knowledge of the loss of this wonderful man to the love of his life … Kelly.  I hope one day Kelly will shine brightly as she did in the past.  May Rick's memory warm the hearts of all that knew him.  Those that did not know him; missed an opportunity to meet an exceptional  person;  one of a few people that unselfishly spreads joy to others.
My heavy heart wishes Rick's family peace and strength to press on and honor Rick's memory.
Gilbert Herman, PhD, MD
Frances Herman, MT(ASCP)

You were one of great friends I know. I do remember the day when I firstly meet you and Kelly at the show/ mostly like a museum. I do remember the day you were very gentle to me on the funeral of Joel’s dad. I do remember we had very good dinner at the Red Lobster with you n Kelly before I left the states.  It’s only 3 years . Words can’t even begin to express my sorrow. May you be comfortable by the outpouring of love surrounding you. Rest In Peace my friend. Pls accept my deepest condolences for Kelly and your family. 

Godspeed my friend.  I know you're up there having a blast with your family and our Aussie friend Brad.  I will always remember all the great times that we had on the trails and in the garage.  You were always the life of the party, always willing to get your hands dirty and help whenever needed.  

Gone too soon, but so grateful to be a part of your amazing journey.  RIP

You were an inspiration to many of us.  Full steam ahead was the only speed on your work, and hobbies.  Your were the one that reached for and usually got the brass ring.

Friends very much enjoyed spending time with you and Kelly.  Look forward to wheeling with you on the other side.





Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart.   You’re in our hearts and prayers.


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He was the cherished brother of Allan (Sarah) and Michelle (Mike). He was predeceased by his father Ray, brother Ray and sister Sharon.

Rick was born on November 13, 1967 to Ray and Terri Van Ryckeghem.

OBITUARY

Richard Allen Van Ryckeghem

13 November, 1967 – 11 January, 2019

Resurrection Funeral Home

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