Of the Tuscarora Nation, passed away on Saturday, December 16, 2017, at his home under the care of his family and Niagara Hospice.

He was born on the Tuscarora Nation, a member of the Cayuga Nation Bear Clan, on August 7, 1932, the son of the late Fillmore and Lenora [Patterson] Rickard.

Mr. Rickard graduated from Trott Vocational High School in the Electrical Program in 1952, where he received the Excellency in Electricity Shop Award.   He served with the US Army during the Korean War and was awarded the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.   After returning from the service, he became an electrician with the IBEW Local #237 for over the next 50 years.

Mr. Rickard was the President of the Tuscarora Athletic Association from 1957-1964 where he also coached the boys lacrosse team.    He traveled with the team to Baltimore and Washington, DC. He was a charter member and President of the 7 Clan Bowman Archery Club from 1960-1963. In 1968 became a founding member of the Eh-Qua-Heh-Wah Gun Club and was on the championship team until 1972.   Mr. Rickard helped establish the Tuscarora Nation Snowsnake team that competed against other Haudensaunee Nations. As part of the snowsnake team, he was known for his snowsnake making.   He shared his knowledge and love of this Haudensaunee traditional sports at school and community functions.   Mr. Rickard was inducted in to the Native American Sports Hall of Fame.

He enjoyed spending time at the Buckskin Hunting Camp in Andover, NY and hunting on the Tuscarora Nation and in the Adirondack Mountains, also spearing along the Niagara River and 12 Mile Creek with his hand made spears that are on display at the Power Vista in Lewiston, NY.    He fished in the Redman Tobacco Bass Tournament , the Bass Master Fishing Tournament. Mr. Rickard was a "Semi-Permanent" Resident of Curved Lake on the Ojiibwe Reserve where he spent time fishing.     Above all of his interests,  was his love and pride of his family.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years Dorene A. [Williams] Rickard, they were married on December 6, 1952, two sons Martin and Dion (Dawn) Rickard, three daughters Ann Printup, Ellene Rickard and Theresa Wilson and was the nephew of his favorite aunties Ida [Patterson] Seeloff and Norma [Patterson] Brascoupe', also 18 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins.    He was the brother of the late Kenneth Rickard and Amy Printup.  

Friends are invited to attend his Memorial Service on Tuesday at 11:00 AM at the Tuscarora Baptist Church , 2208 Mt. Hope Road, Sanborn, NY, with the Walter A. Printup officiating.

Flowers are gratefully declined.     Memorials may be made in his name to the Parkinson Disease Foundation.

Interment with military honors in Mt. Hope Cemetery.
 

 Service Information