Gary Lloyd Rickard

Services are pending with Callahan-Edfast Mortuary.

Mr. Rickard was a handyman.

Survivors include two sons, Gary of Denver and Isaac of Grand Junction; one daughter, Susan Smith of Collbran; one brother, Scott of Grand Junction; one sister, Linda Rickard of Grand Junction; and five grandchildren.

Memorial contributions to the Gary Rickard Fund, P.O. Box 291, Collbran, 81624

Gary L. Rickard

December 11, 1941 - March 10, 2014

""Big Gary"" was born in St.Paul, MN, to Lloyd Roger Rickard and Edith Marguerite (Radeck) Rickard. The family moved to Grand Junction in 1951, and built the first convenience store in the Grand Valley. Gary graduated Central High School in 1959. He married Laura Green, later married Emma Rickard and had two children, then married Caryn May and had one child.

Gary collected snakes in AZ, was Asst. Museum Director in Racine,WI, a mechanic in San Jose, fishing boat worker in AK and lived in WA. He finally moved back to CO, where he was best known as an artist and handyman. He was known for his one-of-a-kind pen and ink artwork on eggs. He could draw anything, but his favorite was animals. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, fossil hunting and looking for bones to draw on. He was very interested in Native-American heritage and spiritual beliefs. He loved to talk and share his wisdom and he never met a stranger.

He is survived by his sister and brother, Linda and Scott Rickard, Grand Junction; oldest son, Gary Rickard, Denver; daughter, Susan (Rickard) Smith, Collbran; youngest son, Isaac Rickard, Clifton; two step-daughters; 12 grandchildren, and best friend, Sharon Brooks. He is preceded in death by sister, Susan and parents.

Cremation has occured. Memorial will be Saturday, March 22, 2014, 4:00 p.m. at Riverbend Park, 499 Pendleton St., Palisade, CO 81526.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to-http://www.gofundme.com/7j2no0 or P.O.Box 291 Collbran,CO 81624.

Published in The Daily Sentinel on Mar. 19, 2014