Kevin S. Ricks

On Saturday December 2nd, 2023, Kevin S. Ricks, loving husband, father, and brother, passed away at the age of 74.
He is survived by his loving and caring wife of 39 years, Susan, and his children Gabrielle (Justin) and Seth; as well as his three brothers Emliss (Cathy), Doug, and Barry as well as his sister Shirely. In addition to his immediate family, he was survived by many nieces and nephews. He spent most nights with one or more cats on his lap. He loved all the cats he had throughout his life and is survived by his buddy Tiggy.
Kevin was born and raised in Akron. He served in the US Navy as a Hospital Corpsman, caring for the sick and wounded in Taiwan during the Vietnam War. After his service, he completed his degree at Kent State University in Resource Conservation while working as a medical technician at the hospital. It was during his time working in the hospital that he met his wife Susan. He worked for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Reclamation for 25 years where he made numerous lifelong friends. Kevin loved the outdoors and spent many hours cycling, hiking, and birding. He was a serious cyclist for numerous years, riding for hours at a time and taking multi-day cycling trips. Many of the family vacations were outdoor and nature focused. One of these vacations included a three weeklong adventure through the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone, where his family had to constantly tell him to stop rubbernecking at the wildlife and views. After his kids moved out on their own, a few of Kevin and Susan's favorite trips together included the Grand Canyon, Kings Canyon, Sequoia, and Magee Marsh. Kevin was extremely close with his siblings all through his life. He and his brothers would regularly meet for hikes in the metro parks and Cuyahoga Valley National Park. They would also have regular "Bro Breakfasts" and reminisce on their mischievous antics from their childhood, namely the "Covarians." He made multiple trips down to Tennessee with his family in Ohio to visit his sister and his weekly calls with her were a joy for him.
A small private memorial of life will be held for close family and friends. With Kevin having been an avid birder and naturalist, his family asks that any donations should be made in his memory to either the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and/or the Sierra Club.