David "Larry" Rickell

David Lawrence “Larry” Rickell was born on April 27, 1933, in Cody, Wyoming, to Mildred Sigrid Charlotte Peterson and George Frederick Rickell. Mildred’s family emigrated from Sweden in 1870, and George’s family came from England and Canada in 1868, eventually settling in the American West.

Larry cherished his sister, Ann Rickell Brown, and her husband, Charles Brown, who were his best friends; his cousin, Pat Peterson Fesel, and her husband, Bill Fesel; and his cousin, Jack Peterson. These enduring relationships formed a circle of love, laughter, and loyalty that grounded him throughout his life.

From a young age, Larry was drawn to the outdoors. He will be remembered for his deep and abiding love of nature, especially the mountains, forests, and rivers of the greater Yellowstone ecosystem. Fishing was a meditative retreat for him, and few things brought him more joy than casting a line into a quiet Wyoming stream. He also found comfort in the simple beauty of Sunday drives through the mountains, ideally punctuated with a slice of pie. Wherever he lived, Larry transformed his environment into an oasis, planting trees, tending flower beds, and cultivating lawns that rivaled any golf course.

Charismatic and kind, Larry was known for his bright smile, quick wit, and deep listening. His sense of humor was warm and intelligent, often moving him and others to tears. He had a remarkable ability to connect with people, and in his long career as a Human Resources Director, he often said that more than solving problems, people just wanted to be heard. “Listening is the job,” he’d say. And listen he did, with empathy, attention, and grace. Behind his quiet demeanor was a deeply sensitive soul, frequently moved by beauty, sorrow, and pride.

Larry was especially proud of his service in the United States Marine Corps. As a Marine, he was an expert marksman and served as a recruiter on college campuses throughout the western United States. He spoke fondly of his time stationed in Seattle, Washington, and San Diego, California, and carried the discipline and dignity of the Corps with him throughout his life.

On June 4, 1960, Larry married Shirley Faye Ferguson at the United Methodist Church in Cody, Wyoming. In Shirley, Larry found an intelligent, hardworking partner with a quick wit, a resilient spirit, and a boundless love for her family. They shared forty years of marriage until her passing in 2000, a union filled with laughter, learning, and enduring commitment.

Larry earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Wyoming in Laramie. After graduation, his professional journey began at the Boeing Company in Seattle as a government contract specialist. He and Shirley embraced the beauty of the Pacific Northwest,

exploring Mount Rainier, the Olympic Peninsula, and coastal beaches. They enjoyed enduring friendships in the Seattle area, especially those in the Methodist church they helped found. Their oldest daughter, Julia, was born in Washington during these years.

Larry and Shirley eventually relocated to Montana, where their second daughter, Rebecca, was born, and then to Wyoming, where they settled in Casper. There, they built a house on two acres just outside town and created a beautiful home, filled with learning. Larry worked as an HR Manager at Wotco.

Wyoming was home to decades of cherished family traditions. From frequent visits to see Larry’s parents in Cody to unforgettable weekends at their family cabin near Yellowstone’s east entrance, the Rickell family spent countless hours stargazing, walking, playing games, and learning the names of trees, birds, and plants. Fishing the Shoshone River was a near-sacred ritual for Larry, and he passed on his appreciation for wildlife and environmental stewardship to his daughters. He contributed regularly to the Sierra Club, the Arbor Day Foundation, and the World Wildlife Fund.

He gifted his daughter a subscription to Wyoming Wildlife each year, always calling to discuss the articles and photographs.

Larry also had a deep appreciation for the arts. He had perfect pitch, a rich tenor voice, and played trumpet in the Cody High School band. A fan of classic musicals and great dancers—especially Fred Astaire—he made sure his daughters attended concerts, ballets, and symphonies, either by his side or with their mother. He also took pride in his Arthur Murray dance lessons from his time in the Marine Corps. When his daughters' music tastes diverged during adolescence, he listened anyway, with patience and curiosity.

Books filled every room of the Rickell home. Larry was an avid reader who believed deeply in education, discussion, and the exchange of ideas. He spoke to his daughters as adults, nurturing their intellectual development through conversations about politics, space exploration, and world events. His daughters, both of whom earned master’s degrees in education, were shaped by his unwavering belief in the value of learning.

In the spring of 1984, the family relocated to Billings, Montana, where Larry assumed the role of Human Resources Director at Carquest (formerly Valley Motors). He played a pivotal role in the company’s expansion from Raleigh, North Carolina, into the Rocky Mountain region. He remained at Carquest until his retirement in 2001 and developed a deep affection for the colleagues and friendships he formed there.

After retirement, Larry returned to his hometown of Cody, where he joyfully embraced the slower rhythms of life. He purchased a bicycle and helmet and rode around town, relishing the familiar streets of his youth. He also bought a large red wagon—big enough for adults—which he happily used to give his grandchildren rides.

In 2004, Larry married JoAnn Kincaid, a spirited and social companion. Together, they built a rich and active life in Cody. As members of the First Presbyterian Church, they sang in the choir, volunteered at countless events, and deepened their friendships within the church community. Larry especially loved his Saturday Morning Breakfast Group and the Ivy Restaurant. Larry served with the Cody Rotary Club and volunteered at the Buffalo Bill Dam Visitor Center, where he welcomed tourists with pride in his hometown. He and JoAnn delighted in travel, including treasured “Peterson Cousin Trips.”

Larry’s 90th birthday celebration (2023) was held as a living memorial—a testament to his life well-lived and deeply loved. His family has chosen to celebrate his life privately.

Larry is survived by his wife, JoAnn Rickell; his daughters, Julia Rickell Eastes (Kelly) and Rebecca Rickell Gorton (David); his beloved grandchildren; JoAnn’s children and grandchildren; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Before his passing, Larry moved to Mountain Plaza Memory Care Facility in Casper, WY, to be near his daughter, Julie. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Shirley Ferguson Rickell; his parents, George and Mildred Rickell; his sister, Ann Rickell Brown; his cousin, Pat Peterson Fesel; and numerous friends and family who now welcome him home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Larry’s honor to the Wyoming Hunger Initiative

https://www.nohungerwyo.org/.