Obituary of Rick L Ocker

Rick L. Ocker 9/9/1947 - 12/7/2015 Rick, 68, is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Pat and daughter, Tracey Green (Jim) of San Antonio. To his granddaughters, Brenna, Madison and Peyton, also of San Antonio, he was lovingly known as "Grumps". To his great-granddaughter, Ryland he was just called "Great", which sums him up in one word. He is also survived by brothers, Timmy (Stacey), Danny and Tommy Domino; aunt, Lee Blair of Texas and many cousins in Texas, Minnesota, North Dakota, Arizona and California. Rick moved to Globe, AZ, from Minnesota in 1970, then to Tucson in 1979 where he hired on with what was then Southern Pacific Railroad in Train Service, and in 1992 transferred to Engine Service when he became an Engineer until his retirement from what is now Union Pacific Railroad in 2012 after 33 years. Rick was an avid bridge player having come in first in one of the Knock Out sessions in the November ACBL duplicate bridge tournament, winning a trophy. He was also an award winning pool player. He had put together a 23 ball run in college, winning him the right to play the renowned pool player Willie Mosconi, Rick lost. Rick was always physically active and loved to ski with his granddaughter, Brenna. He liked to challenge granddaughters, Madison and Peyton in gymnastics (a sport he won many awards in) swimming and cards. He was a voracious reader and did crossword puzzles…in ink. He was a foodie and enjoyed cooking with his wife for their special group of friends. Rick was an extraordinary man who loved history and traveling, always in search of the perfect Chiles Rellenos. He was loved by many and will be missed by all who knew him. Rick abhorred suicide. It is an act he never would have knowingly committed. Because of the rapid decline in his cognition, it is believed he was suffering from a tumor or a series of mini strokes. A Celebration of his Life will be held in March, 2016. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Avalon Chapel.