Dale Harry Rickards

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Jordan Rickards

Dale Harry Rickards

September 14th, 1963 - May 22nd, 2020

September 14th, 1963 - May 22nd, 2020

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Dale Rickards, 56 On May 22, 2020, Dale Rickards faithfully completed his battle with pancreatic cancer, and was called to be with the Lord. He died at home surrounded by family, and with his pastor and friend present. Dale was born on September 14, 1963 in Algiers, Algeria, the youngest of four children born to Donald and Margaret Rickards, missionaries of Christ. On March 30, 1985, he married Valerie French, whom he met when they were 16, backpacking on Mount Whitney. They were married for 35 years. Dale started his biblical studies at Montana Wilderness School of the Bible, and continued on to receive his Bachelor of Arts in Bible from Cornerstone University, and his Masters in Biblical Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary in 1994. He and Valerie raised their four children, Jordan, Travis, Ellie and Malia. Dale possessed a passion for the Gospel and ministry, which was evidenced throughout his life. As a lover of books, his library was filled with challenging writings on faith, science, and religion. His children remember his wisdom in spiritual leadership, his faithfulness as a father and husband, and his support for ministry all across the globe. When not working in ministry, Dale displayed a love for carpentry, ice cream, and family adventures. His family will fondly remember his eye for unique collections, including dozens of heart shaped rocks given over the years to his wife. His final days were filled by the care of his wife, Valerie, his four children, two daughter-in-laws, and two grandchildren. He was comforted by the singing of hymns, the reading of scripture, and visits from his sisters. Dale was preceded in death by his parents Donald and Margaret, and his brother Don. He is survived by his wife Valerie, his son Jordan and his wife Elizabeth, his son Travis and his wife Maia and their two sons Kai and Ari, his two daughters Ellie and Malia, his sister Valerie and her husband Jim Easton, and his sister Linda and her husband John Brown. Dale's favorite passage is found in 2nd Samuel 7:21-23: "How great you are, O Sovereign Lord! There is no one like you. We have never even heard of another God like you! What other nation on earth is like your people Israel? What other nation, O God, have you redeemed from slavery to be your own people? You made a great name for yourself when you redeemed your people from Egypt. You performed awesome miracles and drove out the nations and gods that stood in their way." In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Montana Wilderness School of the Bible, in accordance with Dale's wishes. You can donate to C-Bar-N Mission Board, which runs the school, through the link on this page.

Tributes

Share a favorite memory, send condolences, and honor Dale’s life with a heartfelt message.

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Carole Hageman

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Dale was an amazing person. He seemed to live his life to glorify God. First in his life was God, followed by his commitment and love for his family. He was my older cousin, by 5 days, and that gave us a unique closeness. We shared many memories that I will always cherish. Dale truly loved the Lord and was never shy about sharing his beliefs! This is a photo of Dale and Val at Aunt Mary and Uncle Charlie's 50th Anniversary. August 25, 2018 (This is my mother-in-law's fb page, I don't have fb.) Margaret

Published June 13th, 2020
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David Miller

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We first met Dale when he came to Australia in early 2011, just prior to becoming GRN USA Director. He graciously tolerated our small guest room, in our small 3 bedroom house in Werrington in western Sydney. And our dog, Sally. And on discovering we had some common interest in Sci-Fi, he tolerated watching an probably incomprehensible Doctor Who episode! And he got to visit the Three Sisters in the Blue Mountains. He visited GRN in Sydney a number of times after that, and I visited the US office a few times, including at least one stay in the Rickards' house. We spent a fair amount of time in some complicated, an at times tense meetings. I also remember attending a GRN Men's Breakfast at his place in Temecula, and I have a photo of him at the hotplate. His heart for service impressed me. We have been, and continue to pray for all the family. Blessings - David & Katrina Miller

Published June 9th, 2020
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Christine Platt

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Published June 8th, 2020
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Geneva Krag

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One of my favorite memories of Dale is how much he cherished Val.

Published June 10th, 2020
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John Brown

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I'm Linda, one of Dale's sisters. I have such fond memories of watching over him when he was born, and playing with him as he grew older. Last week I found this article that he wrote when he was 20-1/2 yrs. old, working at a Christian campground in Virginia. We miss you already, Dale! But we'll see you later... all our love, Linda & John

Published June 8th, 2020
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Jim Johnston

What a good and godly man. Valerie, you moved here to Phoenix just 1 year ago, and the Lord called him home so suddenly. Thank you for the beautiful video, a window into a life well lived. We are praying for you and your family, and our hearts are with you. May you feel the peace and comfort of God's presence today and lean on the hope we have in Christ. "He who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus." (2 Cor 4:14)

Published June 8th, 2020
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