David Harvey Rickert, 82, died in his sleep at home on the morning of Sept. 29, 2020.

David was born on Nov.18, 1937, in Rutland, Vermont, to John and Florence Rickert. He was the youngest of six children.

David met the love of his life, Lucile Feistner, while she was attending Colorado Woman’s College and he was stationed at the Lowry Air Force Base in Denver. Through a first date of dancing, their love began and they would continue to dance for over 50 years. They were wed on Dec. 23, 1956, and remained so until Lucile’s passing in 2007. He never gave thought to remarrying because as he put it, “How could I, when I’m still in love with my wife?”

David loved competing in many sports including judo while in the Air Force, decades of softball, archery, darts and, in more recent years, pingpong. Competition energized him to go on winning national championships. From working on the Cedar Grove Police Department in New Jersey, to several aspects of the construction trades, providing for his large family was of utmost importance to him. David also had a deep affection for dogs and horses.

David dedicated his life to Jehovah God as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on June 3, 1972. He continued serving his God faithfully until his death. He was known for his generosity and love of people, always looking for the best in them, setting a beautiful example for all who knew him. This is evident by his favorite Scripture to share with others, Acts 10:34, where it reads, “God is not partial.” He was eagerly awaiting being reunited with Lucile in the Bible’s promised paradise and resurrection. (John 5:28,29) David and Lucile both contributed to a priceless spiritual heritage for their family.

David was preceded in death by his wife, Lucile; his parents; his brothers, John Jr., Hugh, and Daniel Rickert; and his daughter, Laura J. Rickert.

David is survived by his brother Russell Rickert and sister Jeannine Rickert; his eight children, David Rickert, Dane Rickert, Deborah French, Desiree Dickman, Drew Rickert, Daphne Rickert, Daneane Hulford, and Darra Marx; in addition to 28 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren; all of whom are confident David is in Jehovah’s memory and await being reunited with him and Lucile on a quickly approaching Paradise Earth.

A Zoom memorial service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 10, at 2 p.m. with Dale Novak officiating. All interested in attending can contact local congregation elders or family members for connection information or email davidrickertmemorial@gmail.com.