South Ryegate, VT-  Harvey Samuel Ricker, Sr., 71, of Pinehurst Road, died at his home on Saturday, April 13, 2019, following a time of failing health.

Harvey was born in Haverhill, NH on June 10, 1947, to Rupert H. and Doris (Keenan) Ricker.  Following his graduation from Groton (VT) High School in 1965, initially he worked at Fairbanks in St. Johnsbury, then went on to work for 45 years as a sandblaster for Gandin Bros. in South Ryegate.

Harvey was a member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Bath, NH.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, walking and hiking.  He was always proud when his boys would stop at the stone shed with their deer each fall.  He loved passing time, sitting on his porch and providing for the wildlife that came to feed on his property.  Louis L'Amour and Zane Grey were his favorite authors. For many years he was the Ryegate Cemetery Sexton. Mostly, he loved being with his friends and family, but specifically, his grandchildren.

Survivors include his five children, Robert Harvey Ricker of St. Johnsbury, VT, Emily Marie Bean and husband Michael of Corpus Christi, TX, Dwight Rupert Ricker and wife Christine of Topsham, VT, Nathaniel Rueben Ricker and his daughter Allana of South Ryegate, and Harvey Samuel Durias Ricker and fiancé` Holly of West Bath, NH; fifteen grandchildren, Anna, Kristy, Jennifer, Tristan, Danielle, Mariah, Luke, Jessica, Cody, Katie, Daniel, Ryan, Madison, and Trisha; ten great grandchildren; his former wife, Donna Pelletier of Dalton, NH; two sisters, Gracelyn Blaise of Orange, VT and Lillian Olsen of East Corinth, VT; a brother, Roderick Ricker of White River Junction, VT; a brother in law, Michael Frigon of Barre, VT; as well as nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was predeceased by his mother, Doris (Keenan) Ricker on February 7, 1991; his father, Rupert H. Ricker on September 5, 1996; two sisters, Priscilla Ricker in November 1997 and Doris E. Frigon on November 28, 2014; and a brother, Lawrence Ricker on September 17, 2016.

Calling hours will be on Wednesday, April 17 from 6-8 PM at Ricker Funeral Home, 1 Birch Street, Woodsville, NH.