Ricky Tyler Petersen

Ricky Tyler Petersen was born April 12, 1996 and passed away unexpectedly on Feb. 5, 2016.

This tragic event has left a hole in our hearts and family that we feel almost every second. He brought joy and happiness to everyone he met and his smile would change the room. He especially loved his family and would do anything for them. Ricky was a wonderful son that we were always so proud of, and a great brother. He was our “handsome little man” and “buddy” but he was described by most as “my best friend.”

Ricky was a gifted athlete and loved sports. Starting as a little boy who could not tie his shoes, but with hard work and desire he became an impressive physical man who impressed all.

He played football with a furious passion and was awarded all-league honors on both offense and defense as well as team captain. He was also a tough wrestler and again was an all conference wrestler, state participant, team captain and was named “most inspirational.” Ricky was voted “Athlete of the Year” for the class of 2014 at Medical Lake High School.

Ricky was very protective of his siblings. He loved his sister Nicole very much and at an early age protected her on the McDonalds playground slide from bullies. He loved and mentored his younger brother, Brayden, and if he had any spare time would go to his wrestling practices to “roll around and help him.” He looked up to and loved his older brother, Dean.

They shared everything from a bedroom to their truck and described themselves as best friends and were almost always together.

He was a Momma’s boy who would do anything his mom asked of him and they spent countless hours together. Ricky liked hunting and stream fishing with his dad and family, but not always woodcutting.

More recently he was enrolled at EWU were he was on the Dean’s List and was studying criminal justice.

Ricky is survived by his parents, Sam and Sandy; his brothers, Dean and Brayden and his sister, Nicole. He was very close to both his grandparents, Larry and Carol Petersen and Joe and Vicki Garza and a great-grandma. He loved his aunts and uncles, Joe Petersen, Ben (Tina) Petersen, Cindy (Richard) Chaffee and Joe (Bambi) Garza. He had many cousins he enjoyed spending time with as well as countless friends.

Our family would like to thank the nurses and doctors who tried so hard to save his life at Sacred Heard CICU, especially Faun, Jordan and Dr. Elmer. We would also like to thank all the friends and family who supported us during this time and came to see Ricky. Hug your children and tell them you love them; it can never be too often or enough.

A memorial service was held Feb. 13, 2016. Please visit http://www.HennesseyFuneralHomes.com to share your thoughts and memories.