Dennis Neal Riker of Stanwood, WA a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away February 5, 2017. He was born December 4, 1942 to Lloyd and Dorothy (Fulfs) Riker in Arlington, WA while his father was serving in the Pacific in WWII. He was so pink when he was born that his mother called him "Pinky" - a name that stuck.
He grew up milking cows, playing football and competing with his brothers. He lived his whole life in the Arlington and Stanwood area, graduating from Arlington High School in 1960. He had many jobs as a young man, eventually landing a job as a semi-truck driver at Everett Steel and Pipe. He then worked for 35 years at Twin City Foods in Stanwood, driving to Ellensburg, Lewiston, ID and Seattle until he retired in 2012. He was a hard worker, always sure he could outwork the younger guys.
He loved joking, playing softball, fishing, hunting and camping with the family. He was very proud of his children and their athletic and academic accomplishments. He was a Husky and Seahawk fan. For many years he and Vickie drove the camper to Lake Sheridan in British Columbia to meet up with family and friends in search of the big one (that somehow always got away). His kids called him the "Lucky Fisherman," but he insisted it was all skill. He also loved hosting the annual Easter egg hunt for all the grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Craig and his step-daughter Tami Day. He is survived by his beloved wife, Vickie, of Stanwood, children Jim (Cheryl) Riker of Marysville, Ken (Susan) Riker of Everett, Kelly (Roger) Urrabazo of Gilroy, CA, stepchildren Patrick (Teresa) Haugstad of Stanwood, Ben (Sherri) Webb of Stanwood and Shannon Haugstad of Beijing. He also leaves behind his first wife and mother of his children, Chris Cochran of Arlington, his brother Mike (Pat) Riker of Arlington, sister Linda (Rich) Baasch of Mount Vernon and sister-in-law Jan Riker of Mattawa, grandchildren Haley, Landon, Andrew, Neil, Molly, Hollyn, Bethany, Jenna, Drew, Haley, Hannah, Amber, Alycia, Nate, Joshua, Tyler and Blake, and great-grandchildren: Taytum, Talynn, Tysen and Vivian.
Memorials may be made to The Alzheimer's Foundation of America in Dennis's name. A celebration of life will be held at Gilbertson's funeral home in Stanwood at 2:00 pm March 10 with a reception to follow at the American Legion.
Memorials May be made to Hosice of the Northwest or Alzheimer's Association.
See full obit and sign guest book a www.gilbertsonfh.com.