Gary Alan Rickel
February 22, 1947 ~ August 30, 2013
Gary A. Rickel, 66, Brandon, died Friday, August 30, 2013, at the Helping Hands Assisted Living Home in Brandon.
Graveside services will be held Tuesday, September 3, 2013, 12:30pm at the Black Hills National Cemetery with full military honors.
Gary Alan Rickel was born February 22, 1947, in Berkley, CA, to Leo and Elna (Bloomer) Rickel. Upon his graduation from high school, Gary joined the Navy and was sent to Viet Nam as a machinist mate. When Gary returned from the service, he moved to Sioux Falls, SD. He lived in the area and worked at different jobs.
Gary loved to work on models; mostly planes and cars. He also tinkered with engineering model projects such as bridges, made from toothpicks. Gary was known to always have Bubble Yum – Bubble Gum and a glass of tea or coffee everywhere he went. He was family to everyone at Helping Hands. He also loved to go shopping with his buddy Clinton. While shopping, Gary would hop on a mobility cart and “cruise” the store.
Gary is survived by one sister, Penny Locken, Gillette, WY; friend, Clinton Johnson, and his friends at Helping Hands.
So sorry to hear about Gary. He worked for us at Camille’s Sidewalk Cafe for a while…we thoroughly enjoyed him and his wonderful sense of humor. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Penny and Clinton. —-Beth & Jennifer
I was saddened to see that Gary had passed. I worked with him for many years through Employment Connection and Clubhouse. We used to go grocery shopping together once a week and I would always get to see his cat at the end of our trips. I recall a frantic call one day when he could not find his cat and we looked for hours all over the neighborhood only to finally find him?her? (cannot recall) in the apartment stairwell! I so enjoyed his sense of humor, his great knowledge about everything, and the gentleness he had with others. I also recall what an amazing artist he was and especially one of the paintings hanging in his home. I feel so fortunate to have known Gary – truly one of a kind. So sorry for your loss.
Delores Lipp