William ‘Bill’ David Ricketts
GLADSTONE — William “Bill” David Ricketts, age 70, of Gladstone, passed away Thursday, August 5, 2021 at home in Gladstone, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on April 9, 1951 in Knight’s Cove, Newfoundland, Canada, the son of David and Catherine (McDonald) Ricketts. Bill was raised in Newfoundland, Canada where he also attended school. He went on to serve in the Canadian Merchant Marines and later moved to the United States. Bill married the former Linda L. Tyson on July 11, 1987 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Stonington and she preceded him in death on April 20, 2019. Together, the couple shared nearly 32 years of marriage and raised three children, Carla, Stacey, and Richard. Bill was a stay at home father for many years, helping to raise their children and care for the family. In 2007, Bill and Linda relocated and made their new home in Gladstone. He enjoyed hunting, playing cribbage, and going on late-night casino runs. Bill also loved to build things and always had a project going.
William “Bill” D. Ricketts is survived by two daughters, Carla (Thomas) Meyer of Gladstone, and Stacey (Tim) Nickell of Gladstone; onr son, Richard Edward Tyson of Gladstone; five grandchildren, Matthew Meyer, Alicia Meyer, Dale (Bailey) Nickell, Nathaniel Charlson, and Aleena (Hunter) LaVigne; four great-grandchildren, Aliyah, Aria, Idamay, and Coleson; siblings Richard (Elsie) Ricketts, Nora (Everett) Ducey, and Linda Elson all from Newfoundland, Canada; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents and wife, Bill was preceded in death by two brothers, John Ricketts and James Ricketts.
A Celebration of Bill’s Life will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, August 14, at Carla Meyer’s home, located at 8992 Kipling R.5 Lane, Gladstone, MI 49837 where a meal will be served in Bills’s honor. The Anderson Funeral Homes are assisting the Ricketts family and online remembrances can be shared at www.andersonfuneralhomes.net. \