Dale Rickards, 56

On May 22, 2020, Dale Rickards faithfully completed his battle with pancreatic cancer, and was called to be with the Lord. He died at home surrounded by family, and with his pastor and friend present.

Dale was born on September 14, 1963 in Algiers, Algeria, the youngest of four children born to Donald and Margaret Rickards, missionaries of Christ. On March 30, 1985, he married Valerie French, whom he met when they were 16, backpacking on Mount Whitney. They were married for 35 years. Dale started his biblical studies at Montana Wilderness School of the Bible, and continued on to receive his Bachelor of Arts in Bible from Cornerstone University, and his Masters in Biblical Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary in 1994. He and Valerie raised their four children, Jordan, Travis, Ellie and Malia.

Dale possessed a passion for the Gospel and ministry, which was evidenced throughout his life. 

As a lover of books, his library was filled with challenging writings on faith, science, and religion. His children remember his wisdom in spiritual leadership, his faithfulness as a father and husband, and his support for ministry all across the globe. When not working in ministry, Dale displayed a love for carpentry, ice cream, and family adventures. His family will fondly remember his eye for unique collections, including dozens of heart shaped rocks given over the years to his wife.

His final days were filled by the care of his wife, Valerie, his four children, two daughter-in-laws, and two grandchildren. He was comforted by the singing of hymns, the reading of scripture, and visits from his sisters. Dale was preceded in death by his parents Donald and Margaret, and his brother Don. He is survived by his wife Valerie, his son Jordan and his wife Elizabeth, his son Travis and his wife Maia and their two sons Kai and Ari, his two daughters Ellie and Malia, his sister Valerie and her husband Jim Easton, and his sister Linda and her husband John Brown.

Dale’s favorite passage is found in 2nd Samuel 7:21-23:  “How great you are, O Sovereign Lord! There is no one like you. We have never even heard of another God like you! What other nation on earth is like your people Israel? What other nation, O God, have you redeemed from slavery to be your own people? You made a great name for yourself when you redeemed your people from Egypt. You performed awesome miracles and drove out the nations and gods that stood in their way.” 

 In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Montana Wilderness School of the Bible, in accordance with Dale’s wishes. You can donate to C-Bar-N Mission Board, which runs the school, through the link on this page.