L. Rider Brice Jr.

Rider was born in Toledo, Ohio, on December 9, 1943, to the late Leonard Rider Brice Sr. and Margaret Jean “Pengy” (Neale) Brice. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Penny Peticolas.

Rider began his college career at Principia College in Illinois before transferring to The Ohio State University, where he earned degrees in Industrial Design and Architecture. During his time at Ohio State, he was an active member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity, the self-appointed captain of the “Hearse Racing Team,” and, most importantly, met Kristi (Artopoeus), who would become his beloved wife of 57 years.

Following graduation, Rider lived and worked in South Carolina and New Jersey before returning to Ohio to pursue his passion for architecture. After working with local firms, he founded his own practice in 1986, which grew into Rider Brice Architects and Builders in Upper Arlington. His professional contributions extended beyond his firm—he served as past president of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Columbus and co-chaired the Columbus Arts Festival, reflecting his deep commitment to both architecture and the arts.

While Rider loved his profession, his greatest devotion was always to his family. He and Kristi were ever-present for their children, rarely missing a game, performance, or event—often racing from one to the next with outfit or uniform changes happening in the back seat. Their shared enthusiasm for their children’s activities led them onto the soccer field themselves, where they became part of the Jolly Kickers adult soccer team. They were also deeply involved in their children’s youth group, Adventure Unlimited, driving them to summer camp in Colorado and chaperoning local events where they were often found teaching everyone to dance the Foxtrot and The Twist.

In place of a traditional midlife crisis, Rider embraced race car driving, piloting his red Mazda RX-7 at Mid-Ohio and Watkins Glen, and becoming an enthusiastic member of the Sports Car Club of America.

Rider and Kristi were devoted members of First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Upper Arlington—one of Rider’s own architectural designs. He found great joy in traveling with his family, even custom-building a bed in their van for the many road trips. Family traditions included Labor Day weekends at Knoebels Amusement Park in Pennsylvania, summers at his mom’s house in northwest Arkansas, spring breaks to the in-laws in Florida, and fall hikes through the Hocking Hills to see the changing colors.

Rider was known for his generous spirit, sharp wit, and wry smile. Rider’s heart was as big as it gets. His warmth touched all who knew him, and his legacy will live on through the family and friends he loved so deeply. He will be dearly missed by his wife, Kristi; his sons, Trey (Susan) Brice and Colin (Virginia) Brice; his daughter, Tina (Jamie) Poff; and his grandchildren, Rider, Hayden, Nate, Malcolm, Roman, Kurt, Isabel, and Alexis.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Adventure Unlimited (https://www.adventureunlimited.org/donate/) or First Church of Christ, Scientist, Upper Arlington (https://venmo.com/u/FirstChurchCSUpperArlington).