Serving West Michigan Since 1899
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Raymond Riker, III

March 2, 1959 - January 3, 2010
Douglas, MI

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Visitation

Thursday, January 7, 2010
4:00 PM to 7:00 PM EST
Dykstra Funeral Homes
Mulder Chapel
188 West 32nd Street
Holland, MI 49423
(616) 392-2348
Driving Directions

Service

Friday, January 8, 2010
1:00 PM EST
Dykstra Funeral Homes
Mulder Chapel
188 West 32nd Street
Holland, MI 49423
(616) 392-2348
Driving Directions

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

Harbor Humane Society
14345 Bagley St at US 131
West Olive, MI 49460
(616) 399-2119
Driving Directions
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


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Raymond Riker was a determined man, whose success in life was measured by more than his career. He loved his family and friends and made the happiness of initial strangers his prime objective. Ray was good at what he did, and his many talents were directed toward the service of others.

Raymond’s story began in Grosse Point Farms, a beautiful suburban community on the shores of Lake St. Clair in southeastern Michigan. He was born at the height of the post-WWII baby boom era, the youngest of six children, spanning 13 years from oldest to youngest.

As a family, the Rikers spent summers at a cottage south of Detroit on Harsens Island. At the time, they could not know that young Ray would make his life’s career in the hospitality industry, but they might have had some indication when he built a tree house that included a kitchen.

Ray attended Notre Dame High, an all male school in Harper Woods, Michigan, where he graduated in 1977. He became involved with the drum and bugle corp and helped with the color guard. His interest and skills connected him with DCI (Drum Corp International), and he taught the color guard at Royal Oak High School. While traveling with these groups around Michigan, Ray ended up in Frankenmuth and started working at The Bavarian Inn. It was the first of his many restaurant jobs.

Once launched, Ray’s career in the restaurant business just kept climbing. He worked in and around Detroit at Money Tree, The Lark, Ritz- Carlton and finally Tribute, a highly respected restaurant that catered to such VIPs as Lee Iococca, Jack Nicholson and other celebrities. With his vast experience, Ray started a catering business with his brother Scott. From Riker Catering, he was poised to venture into yet another business: owning and operating a bed and breakfast establishment.

In 1989, Ray met his partner, Jim Gowran, and in 1996, the two of them bought a second home in the Saugatuck area. Two years later, in 1998, they bought the Kirby House B&B, that featured fresh vegetables and flowers from Ray’s home garden. He was the perfect host, especially when it came to serving cocktails around the pool or hosting theme dinners, like the “Titanic Last Dinner,” at the Kirby House. Over a 13 year period, hundreds of guests enjoyed a relaxing getaway along the shores of Lake Michigan, thanks to Ray and Jim.

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Ray’s fondness for travel and love for his family, took him on many trips to see his siblings all across the country. For someone who didn’t like to talk on the phone very much, it was the perfect way to keep in touch with family and friends. Over the years, Ray and Jim went on cruises and traveled to Mexico, Europe and Hawaii. Each summer, they were certain to make a trip to Mackinaw Island to stay in one of the hotels (perhaps taking notes for their own business). What made their relationship special was that the two of them were truly best friends. They even finished each other’s sentences.

Among the pleasures of gardening and cooking, Ray was also a sports fan. Though his Detroit teams could often disappoint him, from time to time, he did see them excel to championship levels in basketball and hockey. At all times, Ray enjoyed the fine things of life, like savoring a glass of exceptional wine, popping the cork on a delightful champagne, decorating lavishly for Christmas, and indulging his four cats. Most of all, he cherished his beloved brothers and sisters and his partner for life.

Sadly, Ray was diagnosed with colon cancer in November 2009, and he passed away from complications just two months later. He died at his home in Douglas, Michigan on Sunday, January 3, 2010.

A man of refined taste and talent, Ray spread his joy for living to those around him. He will be sorely missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Raymond Perry Riker lll, aged 50, is survived by his life partner; James Gowran, brothers and sisters; Kathleen (Richard) Dinkel of Franklin, TN, Susan (Ralph) Hayne of Dacono, CO, Marguerite Riker of Orlando, FL, Scott (Mary Ellen) Riker of St.Clair Shores, MI, Grace (Richard) Tapert of Ferndale, MI, as well as several nieces and nephews. Funeral Services will be held Friday 1:00PM at Mulder Chapel, Dykstra Lifestory Funeral Homes, 188 West 32nd St. Holland with Rev. Andy De Braber officiating. Burial will be in Douglas Cemetery. Friends may greet the family Thursday 4-7 PM at the chapel. Memorial gifts may be given to: Harbors Humane Society. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to share a memory of Ray or to sign the guest book.

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