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David Ridgway Obituary
David was born to Russell and Elizabeth (Pratt) Ridgway on June 18, 1945, in Minneapolis. After several years of living in Minnesota, Dave and his family moved to Riverside, California, where he lived most of his life.
Dave started his career with the Riverside County Road Department in 1968, when in 1972 he was given the opportunity to become a deputy sheriff for the Riverside County Sheriff's Office. Dave remained there for nearly 30 years ultimately achieving the rank of captain. Throughout his career, he was one of the pioneer aviators for the department, a narcotics detective, in charge of jail planning and construction for two separate jail facilities and ended his career at the Colorado River Station in Blythe, California. Dave retired from the Sheriff's office in 2001 and moved to Lake Havasu City in 2003. In retirement, Dave spent most of his time riding his Harley which he collectively rode over 150,000 miles, working on old hot rods and building/flying RC Helicopters and planes.
Dave was a loving and devoted husband, father, and papa. Dave is survived by his loving wife of 40 years Maridee Ridgway of Lake Havasu City, son Todd Ridgway of Riverside, California, son Kyle (Jennifer) Ridgway of Lake Havasu City, his niece/daughter Valerie (Kenny) Gorecki of Yucaipa, CA, his brother-in-law Chuck Fonze of Lake Havasu City, and three granddaughters; Logan, Zoe and Olivia who loved him dearly. Dave is preceded in death by his parents and brother Douglas Ridgway.
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Services were entrusted to the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Ridgway
Sponsored by Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home - Lake Havasu.
4 Entries
Kathy Ochoa
April 14, 2025
Maridee, We are so sad to hear about Dave. He was such a great guy. We cared about you both so much. We just saw his obituary today. My kids still remember him playing friends with their finger. They still joke with Leonard about it. I hope you are OK. We will be praying for you. We live in Texas now. My number is 951-201-1587, if you ever want to talk. Love the Ochoa family.
Cherie Porter Hicks
May 10, 2024
Dear Maridee and family, Dave was my second cousin, who I loved very much. We were child hood buddies when we were kids. The family would visit and there was a fair going on and Dave and Doug and my brother Bill and myself would go. Dave and I would make each other laugh so hard. I tried to find you guys and my letter came back, then I did not what to do. He was a great guy even as a kid. I loved him very much, sorry I will never get to see him again or know his family. I am so sorry for your loss.
Tim & Michelle Smith
February 13, 2024
Dear Maridee and family,
Michelle and I just learned of Dave's passing. We both have wonderful memories of working with Dave. He was an absolutely solid partner when we worked together, and shared a shift, at RCJ. Smart, compassionate, and professional and had a wonderful way of working with people. I learned a great deal from him. And funny. He made the stress of the job bearable. "Bluntly" will always be a part of my vocabulary. Dave was a man I am proud to have known.
You have our deepest sympathy.
Love, Tim (TJ) and Michelle Smith
Steve Bloomquist
January 1, 2024
To Maridee and family,
I was sorry to hear of Dave´s passing. I will always remember him as a friend. His impact on my career with the Sheriff´s department can never be repaid. He was giving of his vast experience and expertise in corrections and the construction of jails. My only regret is that after retirement we didn´t keep contact. He will always hold a special place in my recollection of the individuals that impacted my career with the department. He was a great family man and never lost the importance of family and the love he openly expressed.
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Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home - Lake Havasu21 Riviera Boulevard, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403
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