Birth date: May 23, 1921 Death date: May 22, 2014
Richard A. Riker Sr. 92, of Umatilla, passed away on May 22, 2014. He was born in Newton, New Jersey and moved here in1897 from there. He was a veteran having served in the United States Marine Corp during World War II. He was pre Read Obituary
My favorite memory of my Grateful Friend Dick, was when I was on house arrest, and he hired me to come to his house to mow his lawn, (which didn't need it !) and got me out of the house. We stopped at the bar for a drink on the way home.
It’s funny what I remember about my father. One of the earliest memories I have (I must have been 5 or6) is when he had a buckskin jacket made for my mom and he himself used the scraps that were left over to make me my very own buckskin vest (I was really proud of that vest) and the time at Christmas when I pointed out a battery powered car I liked and he so skillfully had me looking at other toys while he secretly bought the car only to have it start up in the package on the way home ( there went that surprise).
He was always good with his hands. If he wasn’t building a house he was installing a door or window. No job was too big or too small. But, what I remember best is him starting as just another contractor doing a job but always finishing as a friend. That says volumes about the kind of man he was.
He was a Marine during World War 2. He didn’t talk much about the war but I remember often hearing of the time he and his brothers, before the U.S. was in the war, going to Canada to join the Royal Canadian Air Force but were turned away as being too young (he was the youngest). He had to wait a couple of years to join the Marines.
I remember much more, all of it good. At the time of her death he and my mother had been married for well over fifty years. In this day and age that can’t be said about to many couples. This is another testament as to the man he was. He will be missed by may people but especially missed by me.
Richard A. Riker Jr.
Mr. Dick, memories of you bring a smile back to my face. I remember being a young child, and going over to your place to ride your lawn mower, and play back in the creek with you. Haha, even trying to fish with you! We almost caught that baby alligator! Then maturing on up, there are the memories of us playing poker at the table. Hell, I think we still got chips somewhere! I will always hold on to these memories and you will hold a special place in my heart, always. Rest in peace friend, you will be missed.
My best friend Mr. Dick, My memory will forever hold the good and happy times we had together. The sad times will pass into history. However, my heart will hold a special place for you until we meet again. So long for now. Love Anne
Rest In Peace Dick, The world has lost a truly great man. You will forever be missed.
