Ricky Authier

1959 - 2021

Ricky Authier
May 16, 1959 - May 13, 2021
Fresno, California - Ricky J. Authier age 61 passed away in the early evening of May 13 surrounded by his loving family. Rick was born in Long Beach, California May 16, 1959 to Richard and Shirley Authier. He and his 3 siblings grew up in Southern California before the family moved to the Madera area. He found himself a bit out of place in a small town atmosphere, but quickly made friendships that would last a lifetime.
Upon graduating Madera High School Rick enlisted in the US Army where he entered Aviator School at Fort Rucker, Alabama. He continued his education and earned his degree from St. Martin's in 1986. He truly was committed to service. It was during his years as a helicopter pilot that he met his wife Roberta while they were both stationed in Seoul, Korea. It was true love. They married and returned stateside to raise their family in Washington, while stationed at Fort Lewis.
Once he left the Army, Rick worked on developing safety equipment for nighttime flying through his company RoTech. He also worked as a safety coordinator for Tramco in aircraft maintenance. In his final years he worked as a scheduler for PG&E. He loved his job and all of the many friends he made while there.
Rick, Roberta, and son Scott moved to the Madera area in 1999 to be closer to his family. His son Kenneth entered the Army and daughter Tiffany entered the Air Force. Rick worked for Upright in Madera until its closing.
In 2001 Roberta died and he was heartbroken, but God would bring to him another love in Vellen. She brought him a large family to love and he accepted this with an openness that lasted the rest of his life. They shared many happy times spent with family and friends.
Rick loved unconditionally and was a role model of faith for all who knew him. He loved to share his "Pearls of wisdom" which always had a lesson to be learned. He never passed up an opportunity to speak publicly. He understood that life wasn't always fair and just, but he showed that faith, trust, and hope in the Lord would bring peace and joy.
He is survived by his wife Vellen, father Richard Authier, daughter Tiffany Rodriguez (Samuel), son Kenneth Authier (Ashley), son Scott (Dina), son Gabriel, daughter Lupe (Daniel), and son Isacc, sister Tammie Boehm (Tom), Becky Alvarado, and brother Mark Authier. Ricky is also survived by 26 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild and countless friends and extended family.
Ricky will be remembered for being a selfless, spirited soul who didn't shy away from giving a kind word of advice or guidance. He enjoyed working hard, BBQing, spending time with his family and listening to his country music really loud. He will remain in our hearts forever.
Viewing services for Ricky will be held on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 from 1-5pm at Jesse E. Cooley Jr. Funeral Home,1830 S. Fruit Ave., Fresno, CA 93706. Services will be held Tuesday, June 2, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at the Authier Farm, 25598 Road 20, Chowchilla, CA. A reception lunch to follow service.