Rick Ryker

Rick Ryker, 65, passed away peacefully in his home May 28, 2022, surrounded by his family. Born October 26, 1956, in South Bend, IN, he was the son of the late Russ and Ruth Ann (Torok) Ryker. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Connie (Swanson). Family and friends who are left to cherish his memory include the love of his life and wife, Linda; daughter, Shannon (Brandon) of Westerville, OH; son, Ryan (Ciera) of South Bend; and nephews, Rusty (Amie) Young of Nashville, TN, and Andy (Anais) Young of Homestead, FL.Rick grew up around the corner from the University of Notre Dame. His dad was a South Bend police officer and his mom worked at several local clothing boutiques. Every summer, his family vacationed in Ft. Myers Beach, FL, for a month which is where Rick's love of fishing, reading, and the water began. Rick excelled at academics and graduated from John Adam's High School in 1974. He then attended Indiana University where he earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the Kelley School of Business. After graduating in 1981, Rick went on to create Ryker Appraisal Company of which he owned and operated with Linda for 15 years.Rick lived life to the fullest, which made for a never-ending library of laugh-out-loud stories and jokes that he was always willing to share at a moment's notice. All those who knew Rick could speak to his humor and quick-wittedness. Rick's intelligence and natural curiosity about life meant he was always the person to call for answers to any Jeopardy or trivia question.Rick loved all-things sports. He was a die-hard fan of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Indiana Hoosiers, and the Chicago Bears, Blackhawks, and White Sox. Every Memorial Day weekend, you could catch him watching the Indy 500 with his life-long friends. And every March he religiously filled out March Madness brackets. Rick also enjoyed golfing, fishing, and boating.Music was also a big part of Rick's life. He attended hundreds of rock concerts and no matter where he was or what he was doing, it was certain that Zepplin, the Stones, Aerosmith, Queen, or a new, up-and-coming rock band would be playing in the background.Above all his interests, were his pride and love for his family. His family spent summers at their cottage on Diamond Lake and made memories traveling throughout the U.S. He told anyone who would listen about the determination and accomplishments of his kids and his wife.The last six years of Rick's life were difficult as he dealt with serious health issues, but his attitude stayed positive. In his last two months, Rick battled aggressive and painful bone cancer. Ultimately, Rick would want to be remembered for the good times and laughs he brought to the world. As such, his family invites friends and family to celebrate his life at a later date in summer 2022. Details of Rick's Celebration of Life will be shared on Facebook.A Go Fund Me has been set up to cover the outstanding medical expenses accrued during the last years of Rick's life. His family greatly and humbly appreciates any donations: https://gofund.me/ed3ec059To send private condolences, please visit: http://www.mcgannhay.com/condolences.html