On Saturday, April 28, 2018, Kimber Orson Ricks said good-bye to his loving wife and family after a two-and-a-half-year battle with leukemia. Those of us left behind are, as Mom (Dorothy Ann, his wife) described it, filled with "peace, sadness, and gratitude."

Dad devoted his life to three main values: faith, family, and friends—and he considered everyone his friend. He was born on November 23, 1938, to Orson Franklin and Nina Irene Clements Ricks, the fifth of their 10 children. His parents and siblings (Ethelyn, Bruce, Maureen, Karen, Patsy, Joanne, Cecil, Craig, and Lynette) laid the foundation for the life of love and service he would lead. What a tremendous blessing and support they are to all of us.

He met Dorothy Ann Hillam, the woman of his dreams (literally), while they were both attending Ricks College. The two were sealed in the Idaho Falls Idaho Temple on November 10, 1961. Three of their first four dates were to church meetings, where Mom sat in the congregation while Dad spoke. That pattern became typical of their lives together. Dad dedicated his life to service, helping others, and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ, while Mom quietly supported Dad and focused her efforts on raising and loving their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Dad worked hard to make a difference in the world—in both large and small ways. He graduated from Ricks College, earned a bachelor's degree in accounting from Idaho State University, and then received an MBA from the University of Utah. A CPA and certified fundraising executive, he worked at Ricks College (where one of his most treasured experiences was being advisor to the school's New Freedom Singers) and for the LDS Church for 38 years.

Outside of the office, he spent endless hours serving the community. A member of the Kiwanis Club since 1969, Dad sat on numerous boards and foundations, and served with many organizations on both a local and state level. Perhaps his most rewarding community involvement came the last 11 years, while serving as Madison County Commissioner. He loved his fellow commissioners, and together they worked tirelessly for the people of Rexburg and Madison County, whom he also loved.

In addition to his community service, Dad touched the lives of many through his Church service. He served as a missionary in the Australia South Mission, and through the years, he accepted callings ranging from home teacher and Scout leader to bishop and high councilman. His prayers were legendary, and his unwavering testimony—which he shared as often as possible—touched many.

Somehow Dad managed to fit all this in between doing what was the most important work of his life—being a husband and father. Every decision he made was based on what he thought would be best for his family. And we all knew that, other than the Savior, Dad's world revolved around Mom. The example he set of complete devotion inspires and blesses each of us.

Kimber and Dorothy had seven children: twins Kelli (Todd) Adams and Kristi (Don) Miles, Trent (Betsy), Dallan (Barbara), Devani (Jon) Corpany, Trevin (Stephanie), and Kyle (Anna). Their greatest joy is their 28grandchildren and 11great-grandchildren (with two more on the way). Dad also deeply treasured the relationships he had with his extended family—an incredible group of brothers and sisters and their spouses, aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, and cousins, whom he expressed his love for and hugged as often as he possibly could.

Dad was preceded in death by his son, Dallan; his parents; and three siblings: Ethelyn, Bruce, and Joanne.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m on Friday, May 4, 2018 at the Sugar City Stake Center. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and again on Friday morning from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. prior to services, both viewings will be at the church. Interment will be in the Sugar City Cemetery.  In lieu of flower donations may be made to the "Kimber and Dorthy Ann Ricks Scholarship Fund" through LDS Philanthropies.