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Jonathan Bernard Ricks (Jon Ricks) passed away Sunday, Jan. 1, 2012, in his home in Helena after an extended illness. _x000D_
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He was born in Detroit, raised in Birmingham, Mich., and spent his summers at the family cottage in Spring Lake, Mich. He graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor’s of arts in marketing, and spent the next 30 years as a corporate trust officer. He retired at 52 and moved to Helena in 2003 where he devoted his remaining years to pursuing his passions of fly fishing, hunting and horseback riding._x000D_
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Jonathan is survived by his wife, Natalie Gonzales; his sons, Jonathan (Tiffany) Ricks, Jr. of Traverse City, Mich.; Lee (Tricia) Ricks of Helena; his stepdaughter, Megan (Josh) Merritt of Pensacola, Fla.; his older brother, Jeffrey (Patricia) Ricks of Charlevoix, Mich.; his younger sister, Michal (Richard) Wheeler of Grand Haven, Mich.; one nephew; six nieces; six great-nephews; and three great-nieces._x000D_
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He was preceded in death by his father, Bernard Elijah Ricks in 2002; his mother, Ruth Margaret (Guenther) Ricks in 2010; and his brother, William (Bill) Ricks in 2006. _x000D_
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A memorial service is planned for Sunday, Jan. 15, at 2 p.m. at the Hannaford Street Bible Church, in Helena. A second memorial will be held in Traverse City in February 2012._x000D_
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To offer a memory or share condolences please visit www.bigskyfunerals.com or his Facebook site._x000D_
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In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the ALS Association (www.alsa.org) or to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (www.rmef.org).
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Steven & Karen Duell says
We are so sorry for the loss of Jon. He was like a brother to me. I will always remember the many times that we shared. I started him on the road to being a western cowboy…Jon, you made it. I will never forget you.
Love, Steve & Karen Duell
Tim and Janal Bennett says
Natalie and family:
You truly have our sympathy of John’s passing. We were blessed to have known him. God bless you and your family.
Joe and Rasa Baker says
You raised two fine sons, Jon. They live to fish and enjoy the beauty of nature in your honor. May you rest peacefully.
Lori Gittens says
Natalie-
My thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this most difficult time. I am glad you took some time away from the stresses of work to have time with Jon these last months. Please take care. Lori-SPH Mammography
Judy Davies says
Dear Dr. Gonzales,
My thoughts are with you these days and may you know comfort.
Deepest Sympathy to you and your family.
Judy Davies
Tim Sullivan says
I am so sorry for your loss and also for not reconnecting with Jon when we met at our 4oth class reunion a couple of years ago. We shared many good and a few bad times while in school but each went our own ways after. It is a shame I never got to know the man my young friend became.
Tim Sullivan