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Ricky Spinks Obituary
Ricky Leon Spinks, 58, passed away April 1, 2013. He was born February 17, 1955 in Nutter Fort, West Virginia to Merle and Sarah Catherine (Jenkins) Spinks. He was married to Lynnette Jensen from October 23, 1973 for 31 years. He spent the last eight years of his life with his fiancée, Cindy Seals. He had five children: Sarah 31, Justin 30, Nathan 28, Brigette 25, and Rachael 21.
At 6'9", Rick Spinks was a man tall in stature and spirit. When a person would first see him, they might assume he played basketball, and they would be right. Rick Spinks was the star of his high school basketball team East High in Salt Lake City, UT and continued to play basketball throughout his life. But there was so much more to Big Rick than his size. He could light up a room with his beautiful smile, laugh, and quick-witted jokes. He had such a big heart and always went out of his way to help others and make people feel loved. Rick was full of life and very adventurous. He liked to have a good time and enjoyed sharing his happiness with others. He was very handy and always appreciated things others might overlook. He had a love for music and loved spending time with his family and friends. He always told his children to leave a place better than they found it, which is how he left this earth and everyone whose life he touched.
He is survived by his fiancée Cindy Seals of Beaver Dam, AZ; his ex-wife, Lynnette Jensen and five children, Sarah Spinks (Paul Opdahl); Justin (Lori) Spinks; Nathan (Casandra) Spinks, Brigette Spinks, and Rachael Spinks, of St George, UT; his grandchildren, Landon and Chloe Spinks; Mitch and Max Opdahl, Bailey, Shanley and Arena Wadsworth and Christian Spinks; brothers Terry (Chris) Spinks, Randy (Kathy) Spinks, John Paul Sacilotto, Merle (Ginger) Spinks, Ernie (Marylee) Spinks and sister Patty Spinks. He is preceded in death by his parents Merle and Sarah Catherine Spinks. Funeral services will be Tuesday, April 9, 2013 at Bloomington Hills Stake Center at 1130 E Brigham Road, St George, UT: viewing 10am, services 11am, graveside services at Tonaquint Cemetery, 1777 S Dixie Drive at 1pm, and gathering to celebrate and remember the life of Ricky Spinks at 2pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be sent to the Ricky Spinks Memorial Account at Mount America Credit Union, account 9592437 or call 1-800-748-7302 with information. Services are under the direction of Heideman Hughes Mortuary. (435)674-5000.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ricky Spinks
April 20, 2013
We are sorry for your loss and hope memories of your loved one help to ease your pain.
Ilya and Sandra Tulchinsky
(friends of Merle and Ginger)
Tasha Castillo / Spinks
April 7, 2013
My Uncle Rick was someone who no matter what life challenges and struggles he was faced with he was a man who could always find the good in a situation and never gave up! Rick you could always make me laugh:) ill always remember you as my candy uncle! U loved any kind of sweets:). Ill remember going places in your motorhome with all my cousins eating candy all the way. My heart goes out to Sarah, Justin, Bridgette, Rachel, and Nathan & all your families! Also to his fiancé Cindy may all of you find peace! I am comforted knowing my uncle will be watching over all of us from above. RIP uncle I love You!
Terrason Spinks
April 7, 2013
I couldn't say anything more appropriate then what Justin has said. It was absolutely perfect as too feelings about my uncle. I truly saw nothing but love and charity from my uncle Rick. He was the type of man that would do anything anytime for anyone in need. His example of christ like love and presence will be greatly missed. I love you uncle.
Cherie Spinks Hibberd
April 7, 2013
Heaven must have needed more Angels. Uncle Rick, I'm so glad I had the opportunity to get to know you when you lived in California and Utah. We've had many great moments that will be unforgotten. I miss your contagious laugh and smile already! I love you!
sacilotto jean paul
April 7, 2013
I'd love to be with you in difficult moments. Unfortunately unable to come, but i am wholeheartedly with you all. I love you. RIP my brother
jean paul sacilotto
April 7, 2013
I'd love to be with you in difficult moments. Unfortunately unable to come, but I am wholeheartedly with you all. I love you. RIP my brother
Larry Van Every
April 6, 2013
May God bless you with peace during this time. Me, and my family are mourning the passing of Ricky. He was our friend and we will miss him. I enjoyed being with Ricky during our family's time in Wisconsin. He was outgoing, gregarious, and a hard worker. I learned a lot from him and will thank him for that when my time comes.
April 6, 2013
Our prayers go out to you Sarah, Justin, Nathan, Brigette, Rachael and your families. We know how you love your Dad and hope the many treasured memories will help give you comfort. Love~ Uncle Merle & Aunt Ginger
April 6, 2013
Our prayers are with you Sarah, Justin, Nathan, Brigette, Rachael & your families. We know how much you love your Dad & know you will find comfort with treasured memories. Love~Uncle Merle & Aunt Ginger
Tami Robertson
April 6, 2013
I am sorry for your loss.I remember he always seemed to have a smile on his face. My thoughts are with you all.
Ricky Leon Spinks
Brad Morris
April 6, 2013
We always knew you as Ricky! You were a great pal at Bryant Jr. and East High School. The basketball memories will live with us for a lifetime... I can see that you have great children, grandchildren, and brothers and sisters. It sounds like you had that smile and sense of humor thruout your entire life. I regret not seeing you for so many years, but that's just life. I'll see you on the other side...and will let our old friends know of your passing, such as Steve Richards and Randy Waltman. We'll miss you at our 40th reunion in August but know you'll be with all of us in spirit. Thanks for your friendship Ricky! You have a lot to be proud of...
Justin Spinks
April 6, 2013
My Dad, my friend, and my hero I miss you more than words can say. You are such a wonderful blessing and inspiration to this Earth and your life here and after has great purpose. I learned so much from you about honesty, hard work, integrity, unconditional love and leaving a place better than you foud it and you sure left this Earth better and it is my honor to call you my Dad. Now it's time for you to continue your journey and the impact you left on this Earth is magnificent. Even through all your struggles you inspired others and uplifted everyone around you. If there is one word to describe you it's love. You loved life so much and those around you and you lived that with everything you had. I believe love is allowing others to be who they are and also who they are not and you accepted everyone and allowed love for all. I will surely miss your physical presence but I will always feel your spirit and your life and that's not something ever lost because we don't have to look for love when it's where we come from. I came from you and you from that infinite source that inspires peace. I will see you again in all your magnificence. :-) I love you Dad! p.s. we will play a game of h.o.r.s.e also!
Dad, Mom, and me, 31 years ago.
Sarah Spinks
April 6, 2013
Dad,
I love and miss you more than you could ever imagine. I wish we had more time together. It's so hard, I still don't want to believe you are gone. You touched so many people's lives and I am proud to call you my dad. You will always be in my heart. I love you so much and always will.
Your #1, Sarah
Terry Spinks
April 6, 2013
A Big Guy with A Big Heart. Rick would do anything for anyone at anytime. The hole in my heart now will be filled with great memories of my brother. I Love Him very much. My prayers go out to his kids which he loved so very much. We're going to miss you Rick. Your brother Terry.
Patty Spinks
April 6, 2013
My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with Ricky's children... I know how they loved there dad... I'm so sorry for your loss... Patty
RANDY&KATHY SPINKS
April 6, 2013
WE LOVE YOU AND KNOW WE WILL SEE YOU IN HEAVEN WITH DAD.
Randy&Kathy Spinks
April 6, 2013
Remembering Rick, he was not just a brother, he was/is our best friend.He could lite the room up with his smile and could make you laugh like crazy.We can still see him smiling and hear him laughing.We Miss you so much.RIP my bother, we had a special bond and he knew we truly loved him and he loved us.we could go on forever talking about how generouse RICK WAS.Randy is devastated.Rick would also preach the word of GOD to us, so we know we will "see you on the other side"bro.
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