Ricky S. Spicer

Ricky lived in the Seattle area until age 4, when he was adopted out of the state foster care system by the Spicer family and began his life in Vancouver. He was a mostly happy and energetic little boy—he enjoyed playing with his five new siblings and exploring and playing in his big new yard with its many pets. Ricky was full of mischief like most young kids, and got into plenty of trouble but he also had a kindhearted and generous side. Ricky was homeschooled until he entered 5th grade at Roosevelt Elementary School. Although the academic transition was difficult, Ricky enjoyed the social aspects of school and made friends readily. In 2011, Ricky transitioned to Daybreak Middle School, then Battle Ground High School. He had just recently enrolled at Fort Vancouver High School.

Ricky was a capable learner when he wanted to be, and excelled at figuring things out. He enjoyed riding horses and was a remarkably good rider. He danced at Columbia Dance Studio, and several times appeared in their production of “The Nutcracker”. In addition, he enjoyed going on walks, spending time at the beach, listening to music (and playing it--piano and recorder) and playing Pokemon. Ricky had fun cooking as well--he made great scrambled eggs, and recently expanded his culinary expertise with his signature dish of Cup Noodles with a side of Chicken in a Biskit crackers. Ricky expressed himself artistically in drawing, taking beautiful photos of flowers and landscapes, and arranging bouquets. Ricky was a new uncle to his two young nephews, Solly and Wally, who loved to play with him.

Ricky struggled with depression during his last year while dealing with the many challenging aspects of transitioning from child to adult. Ricky received loving support from many school counselors and teachers, and the family is particularly grateful to Ricky's counselors at Family Solutions and the Institute for Family Development Homebuilders program.

Ricky is survived by his father, Kurt Spicer; mother, LeAnn Spicer; siblings, Ruth Spicer, Cecily Spicer, (spouse, Jacob Vallejo) Flynn Spicer, (spouse, Toni Spicer) Verna Spicer (fiancé, Kevin Wilbur), Hannah Spicer; and grandmother, Donna Burnett. He is preceded in death by his grandparents, David Burnett, and Stanley and Susan Spicer. Ricky will be greatly missed by many of his school and dance teachers and class mates, his church community, and his large extended family of cousins, uncles, and aunts, as well as his immediate family.

Viewing for Ricky will be from 12:00 noon – 7:00pm, Tuesday, May 9th at the Vancouver Funeral Chapel, 110 E. 12th St., Vancouver, WA., followed by a memorial service on Saturday, May 13th at First Evangelical Church, 4120 N.E. St. Johns Road, Vancouver, WA.

Memorial donations may be made to:

Family Solutions at www.family-solutions.net/

Institute for Family Development at www.institutefamily.org/

Arrangements under the direction of Vancouver Funeral Chapel, Vancouver, WA.