Michael L. Rikard

Taking one last flight, Captain Michael Leon Rikard of Enumclaw, WA passed away and set his final destination for the magnificent streets of gold on January 25, 2021.

Michael was born in Union, MO on October 8, 1940. In his youth, he developed a love of hunting, fishing, baseball, and golf – all of which he enjoyed as both a participant and a spectator throughout his life. Mike proudly served his country for six years as a mechanic, and later a pilot, in the U.S. Navy. While in the service, he gained a sincere love of flying. That love, along with his skills as an aviator, proved most advantageous when he was hired by Alaska Airlines in 1962. Mike enjoyed a very successful career as a pilot and then both a captain and a training captain, instructing young pilots in a flight simulator. During his many years in the air, he traveled to every corner of the earth and everywhere in between, all while proudly flying tens of thousands of passengers safely to their destinations.

His retirement in 1997 allowed him the opportunity to engage in his passions – golfing, hunting, fishing, traveling, reading, and history. Mike also enjoyed playing guitar – teaching two of his sons to play as well. His pastimes also included watching old war movies and military documentaries, an occasional trip to the casino, and telling dorky jokes to family and friends that always got a laugh and some eye rolls. Other things Mike will be remembered for was coaching two of his son’s baseball teams, his great sense of humor, and his gift for telling funny and interesting stories.

He loved his family, his friends, his hunting dogs, his favorite spot on the couch, and a cold gin and tonic. He lived a full life of more than 80 years that was jam-packed with loving family, good friends, many travels, interesting and educational experiences, giving sage advice to his kids, and too many laughs to count.

Michael was preceded in death by his father Eural, mother Marie, brother Marty and sister Marsha.

Michael is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 36 years Margaret of Enumclaw, WA; son Dan Rikard of Anchorage, AK, daughter Anne Wilkinson (Don) of Seattle, WA, daughter Martha Rikard (Josh) of Bellingham, WA, son Chad Rikard of Yakima, WA, and son Cory Rikard of Glenwood Springs, CO; grandsons Richard, Patrick, and Griffin and granddaughters Sydney and Olivia; niece Janie and nephews Robert, Mark, Matt, and Mike; and numerous great-nieces and nephews.

Please share memories or condolences with Mike's family on the tribute wall.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the American Cancer Society at http://www.cancer.org

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