Thurlough Gardner Ricker

Thurlough Gardner Ricker, 77, of West Simsbury, husband of Marion (Thomas) Ricker died Tuesday, (July 29, 2003) peacefully in his sleep at home. He was born February 15, 1926 in Newton, MA, son of the late Daniel and Winnifred (Howland) Ricker and had lived in Simsbury for 48 years. He graduated from Harvard College with a Bachelor of Arts degree with the class of 1948. In 1955, he joined the Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance Company in Hartford as a pension consultant. He earned his CLU designation while there and enjoyed a career in which he traveled extensively, lecturing on pension plans and consulting with agents and general agents throughout the country. He thoroughly enjoyed his chosen career and the many wonderful friendships that resulted from it. He retired as an Assistant Vice President in 1985. In retirement, Thurlough participated wholeheartedly in many local community activities. He was on the Board of The Hop Brook Tennis Club, as well as Simsbury's Retired Men's Lunch Club; and was active in a Great Decisions Group. His great love, however, was running a Chess Club for children in grades 1 through 6 at the Simsbury Public Library. He did this for more than 12 years with great enthusiasm, and his goal was to instill in the youngsters the fun of the game. He was happiest when a young chess player might discover a good move and react with excitement. Thurlough had been a member of First Church of Christ for many years and a 35 year member of St. Mark's Masonic Lodge #36 and the West Hartford Masonic Lodge. He was also a member of the Harvard Club of Northern Connecticut. Besides his wife of 48 years, Thurlough leaves two sons, Addison Gardner "Lad" Ricker of Old Lyme and Thurlough Gardner "T.G." Ricker, Jr. of Mt. View, CA. He is also survived by a son-in-law, William G. Oldman; and three granddaughters, Lindsay Erickson Oldman, Rebecca Brewster Oldman, and Samantha Mullen Oldman, all of Cromwell; a daughter-in-law, Ellen J. Schoenwalder Ricker; and two grandsons, Austin Gardner and William Wagner; and a sister-in-law, Priscilla Thomas of Berkeley, CA. He was predeceased by his daughter, Pamelia Thomas Ricker Oldman; and his brother, Barnard Howland Ricker. A memorial service will be held with the Rev. Jean Blanning, officiating on Saturday, August 16, 11 a.m. at the First Church of Christ, 689 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury. A reception immediately following the service will be at the home of Chrissie and John D'Esopo, 289 West Avon Road, Avon. Vincent Funeral Home, 880 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury has charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Friends of Simsbury Public Library, PO Box 282, Simsbury, CT 06070; the First Church of Christ, 689 Hopmeadow St., Simsbury, CT 06070; or to the UCONN Dialysis Patient Fund, 230 Farmington Ave., Farmington, CT 06032.