Bruce Lynn Ricks

Bruce Lynn Ricks, also fondly referred to as Brucey and Pops, died of pancreatic cancer on October 24, 2016 in his Sunnyside home with his sweetheart, Jeanie, by his side. He was 66 years old.

He is survived by his wife Jeanie or as he often called her, “Glo Jean,” his children: Lindsay (Travis) Benedict, Sterling (Chelsea) Ricks, Jamie (Jordan) Nugent, Tyler Ricks, Nikki (Brandon Crockett) Ricks, and his grandchildren: Max, Brooklyn, Brynlee, Lucy, Liam, Bernadette, Annie, Sloane and Romy and brother Barry Ricks. Bruce was preceded in death by his son Scott Kelley Ricks and his parents Theodore Lynn Ricks and Donna Huskinson Ricks.

Bruce was born in Tacoma, Washington on January 29, 1950 and adopted by parents Theodore Lynn Ricks and Donna Huskinson Ricks. From a young age his parents instilled in him the importance of hard work which shaped him into the man he became.

At 19, he served a two-year LDS mission in Florida, where he spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. When he returned, he attended Ricks College in Idaho where he met the love of his life, Jeanie, at a party where she was serving chocolate chip cookies. It was love at first sight for both of them – “it felt like thunder as I approached him,” Jeanie always said.

They were married in the Salt Lake City Temple for time and all eternity on January 10, 1973. Their early marriage was an adventure that took them everywhere from Utah to Washington, where they held jobs managing a drive-in movie theater (and making a home under the screen), beekeeping, and farming.

Bruce and Jeanie settled in Sunnyside, Washington where he started his insurance business, which grew to be known as “Bruce Ricks and Associates,” and they raised their five children. His business was successful not only because of his tireless dedication to hard work, but because he loved and connected with all of his clients, and treated them like family.

In Sunnyside he became an important part of the community, and committed himself to serving others. He served in a variety of LDS church callings, including Bishop and member of the High Counsel. He also served on City Council, and volunteered much of his time to causes like Sunnyside Promise and E.S.D. He was also known throughout the community as the owner of “The Dog” – a Dodge truck that he turned into a dump truck and a snow plow so he could help out his friends and neighbors.

Bruce enjoyed mountain climbing and was able to climb to the top of Mount Adams, one of his life goals. He also loved spending time with his family and in his later years he was a beloved “Pops” to all of his grandchildren. When he found out his pancreatic cancer had returned, his final wish was to live to see his two granddaughters, Romy and Annie, born. He was able to meet both of them before he passed.

Bruce’s motto was “Every day is sunshine” and he embodied that principle throughout his life. His legacy of hard work and service will live on in the people who were blessed to know him.

Viewing and visitation will be held Thursday, October 27, 2016 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at Smith Funeral Home in Sunnyside, WA and Friday, October 28, 2016 from 9:30 to 11:00 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Sunnyside, WA. Funeral  services will be Friday, October 28, 2016 at 11:00 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Sunnyside, WA with burial to follow at Lower Valley Memorial Gardens in Sunnyside, WA. Those wishing to sign Bruce’s online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com. Donations can be made in his name to Life Options, www.lofriends.org, 509-882-8299. Smith Funeral Homes in care of arrangements.

CT Resullts

Before I get started, this is a good news update.

Three months ago we discovered that the pancreatic cancer was back and that it had found a home in other locations in my body. We made the decision to go ahead with a series of chemo treatments, every other week now for 6 weeks till August 1st. I had a very aggressive cocktail of chemo administered. After the 6th treatment, I basically felt completely exhausted and felt that the cancer had advanced. So much for my self-diagnosis. A CT scan was performed August 16th, it seems in all cases where there has been cancer, each one has been reduced in size by 20 to 25%. The chemo has been doing a job on the cancer, as well as me.

Dr. Weaver (a true angel in doctor clothes) came to our house last Monday and worked us through this turn of events, "it seems you keep defying the odds" he laughed, as did we, while we tried to get out heads around this new information.

Fast forward to today, we met with the oncologist, Dr. Hague (Hawk), and I'm able to take a 4-week holiday/vacation and grab some quality time and then look at options going forward.

Since beginning this trek we had 2 daughters that were due to have babies in the near future and I so wanted to be here to greet them. Check, Romy Day Ricks Crockett was born over 30 days ago and Annie Jewel Nugent was born this last week. We will be able to hold cuddle and love on each of them in the coming week, too cool.

So we are setting new goals.

When we began this leg of the challenge we were asking for prayers of comfort because healing seemed distant. Now I am not healed, but as close as the Lord could get to it at this time He has granted this, and yet all during this time we have felt the comfort of all prayers asked. All of your prayers and offering and calls and cards and hugs and winks of good wishes have bolstered us up. When you kneel once again please thank Father for the comfort and the time that He has seen fit to extend my stay. I cannot tell you in any way the many blessing that has been from our Fathers grace because He has listened. There has been an out pouring of love He has seen fit to extend to Jeanie and me.

I also want you to know of my love for my angel, Jeanie. She has smiled through tears and been at my side with every treatment and mood swing, the best. We gesture a signal between us that represents "you and me babe" often and we can now keep doing that for a time.

Love those around you each day. Thanks for being a part of this journey with us. Our love to you seems small in consideration of all the love extend to us. We love you all.

On to new goals,

Bruce and Jeanie

4 down, 8 to go!

Last Thursday was my 4th, in a series of 12, chemo treatment. After the 6th treatment we will do a CT to determine whether we are telling the cancer to "go sit in the corner and shut up for a while" or if it has advanced some (or a lot, we may make new plans). The most recent blood tests were good as the tumor markers have a downturn trend (not significant, but downward) and the other blood indicators are favorable. The chemo treatments are rigorous - I go in every other Thursday all day, and then pack a portable injector for 44 hours after that.

We are not able to go to Chicago for Brandon and Nikki's little girl's birth this week as I am just too much at risk right now, but we are so anxious to hear of their baby girls' arrival. Jamie's baby is due next month in Boise. The end of August seems a ways off, but we might be able to be present for that baby girl's birth.

The support from all friends and family has been stellar - cookies, fruit, apple sauce, breads, cards and flowers left each morning by Jim Stevens (Thank you, Jim, for your persistent support!) calls, winks, hugs and prayers of comfort and peace have been overwhelming.

Jeanie and I are being cradled in the arms of all we come in contact with. The Lord has sent each of you into our world and you have brought us peace and comfort.

We are truly blessed and our gratitude is eternal.

EVERY DAY IS SUNSHINE!

-Bruce

Recent News

Hi Friends and Family,

We wanted to post a brief update on Bruce. We found out in April that his cancer is back. A routine scan showed that his cancer has reoccurred in his pancreas, and spread to his liver. Because of this his prognosis has changed significantly. His number one priority is to maximize his quality of life and spend as much time with the people he loves as possible. He is currently undergoing chemotherapy in an effort to prolong the time that he have left with us.

Last week our entire family was able to be together on the Oregon Coast. There was lots of beach time, card playing and bonding. We're thankful for every moment we have. Below is a picture of Gramie and Pops with Sloane, Nikki's daughter. This bench over-looked the ocean, and was the perfect spot to watch all the family play in the sand and water.

Thanks to you all for your on-going love and support to our family.

Love,

The Ricks Family

Update & hopefully the last post!

Since the last update I had a clean CT 3 months ago and at that time had some elevated blood indicators but no alerts. Now, three months later I can report that not only the CT but also the blood reports, as well cancer markers, are very conclusive to the fact that each one is in a very positive and trending NORMAL direction. My energy is very good, and I also have to factor in age, ya think, when thinking that I am not where I want to be--it is nice to be OLDER.

I have achieved a bucket list task and have set a "person best" record in that I HAD 2, COUNT THEM, 2 granddaughters in less than 30 days. Brynlee and Bernadette -- yahoo for me!! Since then we have found out that Dale and Dane Smith are trying to help their dad break my record by both their wives being due the same day (go figure).

When we counseled with Dr. Hauk, my oncologist, on June 29th, and he reviewed the blood work, I could tell he was tempted to not recommend the next CT in 3 months, because of all the good indicators. But staying true to form of caution, I am scheduled for another one in 3.

I can truthfully express to all the miracle I have experienced due to God allowing me to stay and the overwhelming love extended by all.

I am back, living! I am not sure what is in store tomorrow, as you all are not, but I do know that today I am trying to live and appreciate air, sunsets, baby cries, hearing about dirty diapers, skylanders, hulk, princesses (too many to name), skyping with a rubber duck in hand, getting giggles all the way from Chicago, and hearing my bride say that I am still "her favorite". Living, ain't it great!

Thank you Father. And thank you all.

All my love - now go live.

The Bruce

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas!


 

Christmas Update

Well, since the last posting, I have had 2 CT's showing no signs of issues (cancer). So now, instead of doing CT's every 3 months, we are discontinuing them and doing blood draws every 3 months watching for cancer markers.

It is so hard to go from "you're going to probably die" to the word CURED. Still trying to get my head around the reversal, and recognizing the Lords hand, the support from so, so, so many, and my wonderful bride that held my hand at every juncture in this journey.

You also know that you're on a good path when the port that was implanted in your chest has been removed (on Nov. 21st). It was a happy Thanks just before Thanksgiving. We are giving thanks in so many ways that I am having a hard time counting them.

I was asked, many times, what my "bucket list" was. I thought about this and melted it down to the fact that I wanted my grandchildren to remember me so I needed to stay for that and to my pleasure at this writing announce that our family is expecting 2 more of those choice spirits next year! The bestest!

Also I have noted that the Lord looked at taking me, and noting that I am a bit of a handful, and that Jeanie has me better trained, decided to leave me here to continue giving ya'll a bit of heartburn. I am the most blessed guy you know and praise our Father in Heaven for granting me this extended stay.

Hug all those you can, and squeeze extra hard.

May this Christmas season bring you all of the blessings the Lord has in store for us, even trials that strengthen our ties to Him. Here's a fantastic Christmas video for your viewing pleasure.

. 

Our Love,
Bruce and Jeanie