[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 189 (Thursday, December 19, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1309]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING RICK RICKER, A DEAR FRIEND AND BROTHER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CLAY HIGGINS

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 19, 2024

  Mr. HIGGINS of Louisiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Richard 
Everett Ricker, a dear friend and brother. Rick Ricker was a legend in 
Louisiana, and he was kind enough to give me a job when I very much 
needed one in 1984. Rick Ricker became like a father to me through the 
years, and our friendship was unbreakable. Honestly Mr. Speaker, I 
don't believe I would be standing before you today as a Congressional 
servant to We the People, if Rick Ricker had not guided me through some 
of the darkest periods of my life. For the last forty years, Rick has 
always been there for me. In fact, Mr. Speaker, Rick introduced me to 
my wife Becca almost twenty years ago. I just cannot fully explain how 
much Rick has meant to me and my family.
  Rick Ricker was a fighter, and he waged a valiant battle to the very 
last minute of his life, but RIck has gone home to the Lord.
  Rick loved golf, and Harley Davidson motorcycles, and fast cars. He 
drank and laughed and loved life. Rick Ricker lived, Mr. Speaker. He 
lived an edge of life that most men will never understand, and I can 
say without doubt that he dearly loved his family. He was so, so proud 
of his sons and the men that they became, he gave me a thousand updates 
on them through the years. If pure love is a measure of a man's 
struggle to be a good father, Rick Ricker set a shining example, 
because he made it very clear how much he admired and loved his sons. 
When Rick's wife died, many years ago, he was injured in his heart in a 
way that changed him forever. Rick and I have just been through so much 
together. When my father died in August of 1989, I called only two men 
that night, and one of them was Rick. I cried with him, and he 
comforted me the way only a loving father can.
  Richard E. Wicker is survived by his two sons, Brent and Brian; four 
grandchildren, Amber, Isaiah, Kaleb, and Elora Rickery; three brothers, 
Fred, Peter, and Jim; one sister, Peggy, and a multitude of nieces and 
nephews. The virtue and success of his family today will forever mirror 
the love that Rick had for them.
  I will miss Rick terribly as my brother. I am prayerful that we will 
meet again in the kingdom. Lord Jesus, please hold Rick close and cover 
him with your grace.

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