Dr. Robert Lewis Ricks

I was thinking of Bob and Essie this morning. I guess that as we age and look back at memories we begin to revisit our friends from the past. My husband interned at Orange County Medical Center and we lived next door to you. One afternoon I lost sight of my almost 2 year old and was frantically looking for him as our apartments were on a busy street leading to the hospital. After running around the apartment building I heard a child laughing in Ricks apartment .............Chip had followed Bob into the apartment as he returned home..................the two of them were having the time of their life laughing and playing horse. Loved your mother, Essie, and remember when Robert Jr was born at St. Joe Hospital. Lucy Strait, Boulder, Colorado

My friend for many years, now has transition to a better place. He will be missed, Melody, you have my condolences. Will keep you and your family in prayer. Yvonne Jones

I am grateful for our beautiful family gatherings Robert had at his home. I will forever cherish the pictures taken of our family and my memories of those gatherings. Cousin Joan Ireland Hicks

To the family of Dr. Ricks. I met Robert in the early 70's while a student at Clark. We immediate became friends as we both had a thirst for knowledge. He was wise, well-read and well traveled. He had a wonderful sense of humor and a passion for medicine. I send you prayers of comfort. I will sorely miss him.. as I am proud to have been his friend.

Joy Russaw

He was a great man and a fantastic doctor. Dr. Ricks will be missed.

Claudia Edwards

I didn't get to meet Dr.Ricks personally but i mentored under his daughter Melodie for a while. I learned so much about him through many of the professional life lessons Mel shared with me. It's true that it takes a village to raise a child and Mrs.Ricks-Landry was undoubtedly a major part of my village, personally & professionally. The integrity, character, professionalism, grace and LOVE she constantly showed to myself and others was no doubt a beautiful reflection of Dr.Ricks.

My family extends our warm condolences to the Ricks family for such a great loss.

Revelation 21:4 And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.

Dad I am so grateful to You for trusting me with your care. It was such an honor to journey you home. Please watch over me in spirit as you have watched over me in this life. I will do this very best that I can to carry your legacy.

WHAT A AWESOME MAN~YOU WILL BE MISSED VERY MUCH! REST EASY DOCTOR RICKS!

Condolences to the Ricks family at the loss of your loved one. He was truly a caring and helpful mentor during a period of finding my path in life. Fartema

How I wish I could have known this fascinating man. Melodie and family, Please know that the Cornell family in Richmond is keeping you in our thoughts and wishing you peace, light, and the knowledge that all he taught you, all he gave you, and all his love is always with you; it's yours eternally to share as generously as I'm willing to bet he did.

I'm truly sorry Melodie for your loss and pray that you and your family find peace and healing during this time. Valerie Bryant

Uncle Robert, I still can't believe I am writing a tribute because of your passing. Words cannot describe this difficult moment, but if this is the last time I get to say goodbye then I know I will do so with the knowledge that I consider myself blessed to have known such a beautiful wonderful person. Rest In Peace,Your niece, Letha Griffin.

Uncle Robert went to school when many of the men's in our families didnt..I Admired him for such an accomplishment during that era

I will always love my father. His spirit will dwell inside me eternally. My father was an accomplished man. A real scholar, so education was very paramount to him. One thing he did teach me in regard to education or learning is that learning should be extended beyond the textbook. With that said, I try to make every single day a learning experience. Learning has allowed me to reinvent myself again and again. To bear up under any circumstance whether well fed or hungry. Understandably, my father was so very tenacious. He taught me to be strong and meet with adversity head on.i remember long time ago, he asserted that people may not always like you, but through your actions you can indubitably earn their respect. My father most assuredly commanded respect. Moreover he never forgot where he came from. He was born and raised in a ghetto known as Vine city during a time when most of his friends had to drop out of school to help take care of their brothers and sisters. However; my father, my dad, chose the road less traveled by. That made all the difference in the world for many, not just my family. Sadly to say, my dad and I became estranged for years, but I'm proud and very thankful to God that we came to a resolve several months before his passing. The last thing he told me was that one should never become estranged from their family. Especially one's siblings because after parents leave this world, all you have is each other. I will so desperately try to honor his wishes because I have a loving spirit. On that note, Dad I love you immensely. As in forever and a day. God bless you. May you rest in peace. You will not be forgotten...amen

___Robert Van Ricks, first son

My cousin, Dr. Ricks tremendously inspired me. His story of as a young man, working multiple jobs and persevering from humble beginnings to become a physician greatly encouraged me, especially, when away at undergraduate school. I would always tell myself, "If Robert Ricks could make it, I know I can do it with easier times." In our family, we were very proud of him!! I would tell my niece and nephews that we had a doctor in the family! His grandmother, Parthenia Ireland was a midwife and he followed in her footsteps to become a doctor. He loved her so...

God Bless is Soul! Beth Arnold Barner

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.