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Robert Ted Rickelton
Robert "Ted" Rickelton of Normandy Park passed away on Friday, April 12, 2013. He was born January 22, 1934 in Delta, CO to Howard A and Marjorie Rickelton. He grew up in Colorado and New Mexico. He earned his BS in Math at the University of New Mexico, and began work with the Boeing Company in 1957 in Wichita, KS. He began to work with computers when they were in their infancy. His experience included work in simulations and Master Dimensions, a forerunner to today's three dimensional computer aided design. Living and working for Boeing in the Seattle area since 1963, his efforts and contribution in flight test programming spanned the modern age of air transportation, from the Boeing 707, which introduced the jet age, though Boeing's 727, 737, 747, 757 and 777 programs. Ted retired in 1996 leaving behind a 39 year legacy of dedication and support, helping to make commercial air transportation safe, efficient, and affordable to people around the world.
An avid sportsman, he was a fast pitch softball pitcher, enjoyed golf, bowling, tennis and running. He completed both the Emerald City and Seattle marathons. He contributed to the community by managing little league baseball and youth soccer teams. He was an Elder in Marcus Whitman Presbyterian Church where he served as financial secretary for 43 years. His sense of humor brought joy and laughter to the people around him.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Glen H Rickelton. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Esther, sons J. Glen (Jeanne), and H. Scott (Kim), his sister Marilynn Whiteman, sister-in-law Simmie Plummer, grandchildren Katie, Marlee, Rob and Jason, as well as his nephew, niece and several cousins.
A celebration of his life will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 4th at Marcus Whitman Presbyterian Church, 2130 South 248th St. in Des Moines, WA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Museum of Flight, 9404 E. Marginal Way S. Seattle, WA 98108-4097 or to the University of New Mexico Foundation, 700 Lomas Blvd NE, Bldg 2 Suite 108, Albuquerque NM 87102.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2 Entries
My friendship with Teddy through adolescence and high school remained a constant positive inspiration throughout my life.
Although we didn't get to be roomies at UNM, as we thought we might, I will see you on the other side, old friend.
Wally West
May 7, 2013
So many great memories hangin' out at the house or in Emmett's woods out back of the Rickelton's! God bless all of his family.
Christopher Hume
May 5, 2013
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