ROBERT RICKETTS

1938 - 2021

RICKETTS Robert T. Ricketts, Jr. Robert T. Ricketts, Jr. died peacefully on March 5, 2021, in Braddock Heights, Maryland, in his beloved home which was of his own design. He was born to the late Robert T. Ricketts and Evelyn Lucille Black Ricketts in Jackson, Tennessee, on May 16, 1938. He often said that his childhood in Jackson was nothing short of idyllic. Robert was a graduate of Vanderbilt University and attended the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. Later, he studied Marine Biology at the University of Maryland. After leaving medical school, he was drafted into the Army Medical Service Corps, and found his passion for research working in the Radiation Pathology Branch of the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP) in Washington, DC. Upon completion of his military duty, he was invited to stay on as a microbiologist. Perhaps most importantly, it was at AFIP that he met his future wife, Judith. He continued his career in medical research in the Fermentation Program of the National Cancer Institute-Frederick (MD) Cancer Research Facility. Robert was proud of his work in the program and the opportunity it provided to work with the famed Nobel Laureate, Christian B. Anfinsen. He later sought advancement at Otsuka Pharmaceutical in Rockville, Maryland, where he developed their fermentation laboratory. At heart a scientist, Robert brought his methodical approach to his personal interests. He was a dedicated hobbyist, most notably in fishkeeping, gardening, and kiting. He wrote extensively in online publications about these pursuits, sharing his vast knowledge with other enthusiasts. To the delight of his neighbors, friends, and those just passing by, Robert's leafy, hardy banana plants, which were the centerpiece of his garden, put on a show every year. Robert was a devoted concertgoer in New York and Washington, DC. He loved the National Symphony Orchestra and was often the last one to stop clapping when their performance was at its most rapturous. A voracious reader, Robert had an extensive collection of books about fishkeeping, reptiles, amphibians, plants, gardening, building, along with many works of fiction. His books are now housed in a lending library at his son's Design-Build company, GuildWorks (Architecture of the Air) in Portland, Oregon. Many will always remember Robert's keen sense of humor and the sound of his infectious laugh. He knew what he wanted and was strong-willed. Robert had a spirit that could not be quelled. Robert was predeceased by his parents and a sister, Beverly Ricketts Maxwell. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Judith Anne Sollod Ricketts. He leaves behind his son, Marc C. Ricketts, daughter-in-law, Alexandra Jackiw Ricketts, and his treasured granddaughter, Somila Sage Ricketts-all of Portland, Oregon. He is also survived by his sister, Virginia Ricketts Whaley of Cordova, Tennessee; in-laws, Marie-France and Albert Sollod of Diamondhead, Mississippi; nieces Lisa Michael, Laurie Schirber; nephews, Kurt Sollod, Chris Whaley, Kirk Whaley; and lifelong friends. A private service will be held by the family.