Richard Scott Ketcham

Richard S. "Rick" Ketcham, 67, of Upper Arlington, died Monday, December 21, at home surrounded by family and close friends after a long and courageous battle with ALS/Lou Gehrig's Disease, through which he never surrendered his will to contribute to the well-being of others nor his zest for life. Born January 8, 1948, in Columbus, he was a 1966 graduate of Upper Arlington High School. A well-respected criminal defense attorney, he earned a Bachelor's degree from Bowling Green State University in 1970 and a law degree from Capital University in 1974. Ketcham started his law career as an assistant Franklin County prosecutor in 1975, where he became well known for his successful prosecutions of child abuse cases, among others. He became a criminal defense lawyer in 1984, the beginning of nearly 30 years of high profile cases. Rick handled 40 death penalty cases, possibly the most for any defense attorney in Central Ohio, with unparalleled success. His proudest professional achievement was his work proving the innocence and securing the release of two wrongfully convicted men after 25 years in prison. He has been the recipient of several awards, including the Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers' (OACDL) "Lawyer of the Year" award and the Schumacher Lifesaver award for his work on capital cases. Rick served on the Board of Directors of the OACDL and was a past president of the Central Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. His community service included delivering Meals on Wheels for LifeCare Alliance and providing free legal advice for persons at homeless shelters. Ketcham was an avid Ohio State fan and also followed the Bowling Green Falcons. He loved to fish, play golf and basketball. Rick enjoyed visiting the family farm in Perry County, liked white water rafting and was also a train and model railroad enthusiast. He enjoyed life and had a great sense of humor. Rick was the type of person who could get along with everyone. He welcomed all with a smile and handshake, fist bump or hug without judgment regardless of one's condition or station in life. He is survived by his wife, Rebecca, who was also his best caregiver, and daughter, Kate of Columbus. Ketcham is also survived by his devoted brother, Randy, of Columbus; nephew, Robbie (Kelley) Ketcham, and his great niece, Abby of Defiance, OH. He was preceded in death by his parents, Victor A., who practiced law for 65 years, and Dottie Ketcham. The family would like to give special thanks to his dedicated home care nurses, Joni, Gary, Tammy and his neighbor, Jack. Also thanks for special friends, David, Dennis, John, Kirk, Scott and Tom, among others. Calling hours will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, December 28, at the SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST CHAPEL, 1740 Zollinger Rd. in Upper Arlington. All friends are invited to a celebration of his life on his birthday, Friday, January 8, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the LifeCare Alliance Event Center, 670 Harmon Avenue. Donations in Rick's memory may be made to the ALS Association, Central and Southern Ohio Chapter, 1170 Old Henderson Rd. #221, Columbus, OH 43220.