Gerard C. Ricker

ALFRED — Gerard C. Ricker, 98, known as Jerry to many of his friends and family, died on Wednesday, April 20, 2011, at Goodall Hospital in Sanford.

Gerard was born on Sept. 18, 1912, a son of Edward C. and Ella (Baker) Ricker.

He was a lifelong resident of Alfred, attending local schools.

As a young man, Jerry traveled to the West Coast to attend an electrical school for two years before returning to the home he loved. Many in the community will remember getting their first jobs with E.C. Ricker & Sons, as they repaired and sold International Tractors. Jerry was a gracious man who valued hard work and being honest in all of his business transactions.

It was during elementary school that his wife of 71 years, Violet Day, saw Jerry playing basketball and announced he was the one she was going to marry! Within their marriage, they had two daughters, Bonnie and Jill, both of whom Jerry showered with love, encouragement and good ol' fashioned values. They were his pride and joy, and he extended his love to his grandchildren as they joined the family.

Both daughters shared he was 99.9 percent the best Dad ever and has left them with a "big ol' smile on their hearts that won't go away." He gave them a word of wisdom that has served them well" "Don't expect anybody to entertain you or make you happy."

Jerry enjoyed bowling, playing ping pong and a good game of cribbage.

He is survived by his wife, Violet Ricker; two daughters, Bonnie Chick and husband, Ron, and Jill Reed and husband, Greg, all of Alfred; three granddaughters; two great-granddaughters; and one great-grandson.

Gerard was predeceased by two brothers, Cecil and Colby, and his sister, Pauline DeHaven.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 6, at 11 a.m. at the Alfred Parish Church at 12 Kennebunk Road in Alfred with Rev. Bruce Burnham officiating. Committal prayers and burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Alfred.

Memorial donations may be made to the Alfred Fire and Rescue, P.O. Box 36, Alfred, Maine 04002, or to the Ronald McDonald House, 250 Brackett St., Portland, Maine 04102.

To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.autumngreenfuneralhome.com.

The Autumn Green Funeral Home of 47 Oak Street in Alfred is respectfully handling arrangements.