Jonathan Ricker Obituary

Having seen Bruce in July at the passing of our grandmother McIntosh, there was his smile and the big hug he always gave. Asking about my children and grandchildren, Bruce and I did not see each other often, when we had time together we always tried to catch up on his family and mine. Always laughing and remembering the good times together. One summer his family was home and we were all at our grandmothers. We went to the creek to play.I fell in. All the others laughed and left me there. Bruce laughed also but he was the one who stayed and helped me out. He always reminded me of that day . That childhood memory was so vivid when I was told Bruce was no longer with us. All the wonderful times we had together as children and our chats together as adults mean so much to me and my family. Bruce was many things to many people and will live on thru our memories of him. Dawn ,please know you and all the family are in our prayers.

Bruce's cousin

Nephew, You always have brought so much joy and love with your presence. As a baby you brought life to our house that was a celebration in itself. Your grandmothers and grandfathers, Ricker and McIntosh, are so very proud I am sure of the manner in which you accepted your sickness and the bravery with which you passed. Things will certainly be different without you, but there is a calming assurance that you will certainly be welcomed and well-loved on the other side. You were and will always be a comforting spirit. Aunt Polly

Bruce our cherished and Respected Friend, You touched our lives in so many ways. As we all do through our journey we take life for granted. Like as a rain drops fall from the sky landing on your face, you cover your head to stop the rain drops, you feel the water stop hitting your face.with no concern taking for granted that It may rain again tomorrow.But what if... the rain never fell again, what would you do different that day? Each time we see our family and friends we should think is this the last rain. We truly think, bruce lived with that type of thought in mind. So when you saw him you were given his complete attention even for just a quick hello, or to talk about his loves, His family ,his hunting,cooking, fishing. Anything he said was said with meaning, perhaps he thought that it's very possible, that tomorrow there could be no more rain. See you again in Heaven our friend!!!!!

This is a poem that I have always found comfort in....my heart goes out to all of you.





The Song of the River



The snow falls on the mountain,

And the water runs down to the stream,

And the spring in a turbulent fountain,

With a song of youth to sing,

Runs down to the riotous river,

And the river flows to the sea,

And the water again goes back in rain

To the hills where it used to be.



And I wonder if life’s deep mystery

Isn’t much like the rain and snow

Returning through all eternity

To the place it used to know

For life was born on the lofty heights

And flows in a laughing stream,

To the river below

Whose onward flow

Ends in a peaceful dream.



And so at last, when our life is passed

And the river has run its course

It goes back again o’er the same self track,

To the mountain which was it’s source.

So why prize life or why fear death,

Or dread what is to be?

The river ran its allotted span

Till it reached the silent sea.



Then the water harked back to the mountain top

To begin it’s course once more.

So we shall run the course begun

Till we reach the silent shore.

Then revisit earth in a pure rebirth

From the heart of the virgin snow.



So don’t ask why we live or die,

Or whither or when we go

Or wonder about the mysteries

That only God may know.



~~W. R. Hearst

Dawn and Family,



You are in my prayers. Jon's light will continue to shine through you. May that bring you peace and comfort.



Patti Neal

Man For All Seasons

( Our tribute to Bruce )

by: The Laurains



Everybody laugh,

Everybody cry



There are not enough tears in this world to show the way we feel inside



Our hearts torn in half,

Tryin' to understand the Master Plan



(Refrain)

I've got to tell you,

I don't know the reason...



He was a man, a man for all seasons.

It'll be alright...





Everybody love,

don't you keep it inside.

For this is the gift he left us,

Throw away your foolish pride.



Hearts restored at last,

Now we understand the Master Plan!





(Refrain)

I've got to tell you,

I've found the reason...



He was a man, a man for all seasons.

Let his Spirit always be our guide!



Everybody laugh,

Everybody sing...

Jon the nicest person to know he always had the answers he will be miss. From the group at MSX DQ&V

Watching, helplessly, as two dear friends struggled mightily against the impending, inevitable loss and, finally, the end. Their painful, protracted, forced march altered my perspective to bigger picture thoughts of life and its meaning.

If ever I had to fight with the forces of nature, darkness or evil, I would want Dawn there for me, as she was for Bruce, so in my corner and filled with vigilant love that words cannot sufficiently describe. They, their love for each other, the radiance of it, is legend. Not knowing them would surely leave an empty spot in your soul.

Selfishly, I want to keep him, to hold on to him, to think that he was there just for me. The kindest gentlest, most loving, generous man, Bruce would put his BIG, creative brain to work and made life so pretty and rich and tasty for me. I feel his presence all around, thank God, I miss him so much. Hunt on, Brave Man! We’ll all try to practice your bravery as we shoulder on without you.

Kathy Partin

Dawn, We are very sorry for your loss. Luke admired his cousin very much.

Jon will be greatly missed by all of his friends from CHEV. ENG. Most of us are at PARTS FAB now. Having worked with JON for many years,I will miss him greatly.JON and DAWN you are in my prayers.

I am very saddened by the loss of Bruce. I was in eighth or ninth grade when Bruce and Dawn moved in across the street in their Sterling Heights home. There was many times growing up that I would be trying to change the brakes or fix something on the car. A lot of the time I would get stuck or have trouble remembering what to do next. Then I would run across the street and Bruce would come over and solve the issue at hand within a second. There were a lot of times that Bruce, some other neighbors and I would go to 3D archery shoots. Those times were a great deal of fun and they will be missed. He was good hearted, funny and just a good person to be around. Bruce will really be missed especially by the people whose life he touched. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

To my friend Warren Ricker and his family:



So sorry to have read the news about your son Jonathan's death. I know what you are going thru, as I had the same experience back in 1992. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Warren, during your loss. If I get up to Zephyrhills from Naples, I'll give you a call.



Bill Carroll

Bruce was a friend and neighbor to me. Bruce and Dawn moved in across the street 16 years ago and finding out that he knew a great deal about cars I asked him for help with mine about every other day. He always helped even though I drove a ford. I will always remember him telling me that GM vehicles were the best, and then one day I was driving down our road and I saw a new PT Cruiser in their driveway. I pulled up and said nice car Bruce, he and I both laughed. I will remember the good times when he helped me with my cars. I will miss you Bruce.

I was not fortunate enought to have met Dawn's husband,but would like to extend good thoughts and prayers for the family. I know, Dawn, that your strength will see you through.

Thinking of you, Carol

Mere words cannot express the depth of loss. I woke this morning understanding the term "drowning in tears".



Life changed irrevocably when you walked in. I gazed at you and thought, "Oh, my God. He looks like Jesus on the cross." I did not know that after years of kindness, tenderness, generosity, and good deeds, you would be taken after only 25 years as my true friend. What a great heap of grief laid hid in me. Life, as I know it, changes irretrievably.



You transported to heaven, but only after suffering immense physical losses and emotional challenges beyond my measure. Your grace never faltered. I truly believe you are at the right hand of God. Spread your wings and fly joyously, my heart’s greatest treasure.



May you always look down kindly, as you have treated every person all the years we shared our path. I will do my best to carry on your legacy and wait to see your heavenly face again.



Your bereaved wife,

Sunshine.

Jon enjoyed making retirement projects throughout the many years I worked with him. It was then that he could be creative and not have to follow a blueprint made by someone else. I think he liked these projects because he knew that they would be treasured mementos to be displayed in a place of honor and not scrapped out like many of the cars we worked on. I am profoundly saddened that no one will be able to return the favor.

I have great respect for Jon. He was a great leader for me at GM. He always took care of his guys, he always put himself secound to others. Jon always put a lotta love into my life! I'll miss him.

John was a very special person with a heart of gold. May your family know the peace of God's love in your time of healing. With deepest sympathy, Darla Bratkowski

I Am Terribly Shocked and Saddened to Read of Bruce's Death. Bruce and I worked together at McDonald's Restaurant on 12 Mile & Mound In the late 60's and early 70's. He was a Quiet, Softspoken, Friendly Guy. We became Very Good Friends. Bruce would occasionally Run into my Dad at the GM Tech Center years back, My Dad Worked there also, and My Dad always spoke highly of Bruce's work.I have a distinct memory of Bruce. I would be working the front counter at McDonald's. Bruce was Robert Redford Good Looking, Blue Eyes and Model Handsome, and the Girls would just flock to his window, often leaving him their phone number's on napkin's while the rest of us just stood there and laughed.Actually we were quite jealous.Bruce had so many phone numbers he would pass them out to the rest of the Guy's. I have not seen Bruce for some years, but I will never forget him and his friendship and his Kindness. May Flights of Angels Sing Thee To Thy Rest Sweet Prince...Ron

Jon was a patient and gentle mentor, who will be greatly missed.