Raymond Bolger Rickard

Ray was born in Los Angeles, California in 1963, the third child of James and Katharine Reeve Rickard. He grew up in the hills of Burbank and always loved the outdoors and his dogs. Ray attended Burbank High School where he was a key member of a championship golf team and the cross-country team. He continued to love and teach golf for many years. Each summer Ray came to spend time with his large Menard family at the home of his grandmother, Sophie Luckenbach Reeve. On the hills and in the canyons of her wonderful home Ray decided he would one day return to Texas. He moved to Menard and purchased a home and a building on Main Street in his mid-30s. He was inspired by the work of his grandfather, Henry Reeve, who set off from Philadelphia to Los Angeles to pursue acting as a young man. Henry passed through Menard and stayed here the rest of his life, fulfilling his show business dreams by opening the Star Theatre and the Mission Drive-in and serving in all aspects of Menard civic life. Ray studied the history of Menard in depth and with great passion and devoted himself to the Presidio Restoration Project and the Forts Trails Project. He had a knack for meeting people and made many connections on behalf on Menard throughout the state and beyond. Ray also served on the cemetery committee and as the local chairman of the Republican Party. Ray did not seek the limelight but preferred to make important contributions where he could - and under the radar. He often led spontaneous and fascinating tours of Menard for people passing through town. He will be missed by many who knew his unique mind and his creative spirit. Ray is survived by sister, Chrissy Rickard of Menard, brother Reeve Rickard of Burbank, Calif. nieces Hunter and Leaf Rickard and great-niece Josephine Rickard. He is predeceased by his parents and spent many years assisting his mother, Kappy, in her final years. Ray was a member of a very large tribe of cousins, aunts and uncles, all descendants of Fritz and Anna Luckenbach of Menard. His family history on the Rickard side was set in California and in Hawaii, where his great-grandfather served in the cabinet of Queen Liliuokalani of Hawaii. Ray was named after his uncle, Ray Bolger, who played the Scarecrow in the 'The Wizard of Oz'. The Rickard and Bolger families enjoyed large family gatherings over many years. Many themes and times and people are part of what made Ray a unique citizen of Menard and his legacy will continue through his friendships and his most recent project The Sister City program with Cortegana, Spain. Ray loved Menard and will not soon be forgotten.

Raymond Bolger Rickard

November 26, 2018