Milo - Bernard William Ricker (affectionately known as Chum or Rick), 87, loving husband, father, gramp and great-grandfather, passed away on April 12, 2017, at Hibbard's Skilled Nursing facility with his loving family by his side. He was born July 17,1929, in Milo, the son of Donald H. Ricker and Ruth (Ellis) Ricker. Bernard was a proud member of the Class of 1948 of Milo High School and attended Maine School of Commerce. He married the love of his life, Josephine May (Bishop) Ricker on February 24, 1951, before entering the US Army March 5, 1951, serving in Germany. Bernard was employed by the Bangor & Aroostook Railroad for nearly 40 years in the car shop and as wreck master. Bernard was an avid fisherman, hunter, vegetable gardening enthusiast, and wild berry picker. In his earlier days, he enjoyed snowmobiling, camping with family and friends, and woodworking. Bernard and Jo were fortunate to travel and experience many wonderful trips including the Panama Canal, Cancun, Aruba and several southern Caribbean Islands, and bus and car trips along the East Coast on their way to Florida. One of Bernard's favorite places was spending time with his family at his lakeside cottage he built on the shores of Schoodic Lake. Many memories were made teaching his children and grandchildren to swim and dive, how to drive the fishing boat and ATV, nightly bonfires with toasted marshmallows including shooting fireworks all became summertime rituals. During his lifetime, he was a 64 year member of the Piscataquis Masonic Lodge No. 44, Anah Temple Shrine, the 2nd section division for many years before his declining health. He was also a member of the Joseph P. Chaisson American Legion Post No. 41 in Milo. Bernard enjoyed being a member of the B&A Super 5 bowling team for many years. He was an original member of the 15G's investment club. Bernard is survived by his wife of 66 years, Josephine May (Bishop) Ricker; two daughters, Debra Ricker Walker and husband, David, of 68 d'Este Road, Milo, and Diane Ricker Delano and fiance, Stephen Harris, of Lake View, P.O. Box 319, Brownville; three grand- children, Amanda Walker and husband, Troy Crocker, of Bangor, Andrew Walker of Milo, and Taylor Delano of Lee; one great-granddaughter, Madelynn Watson of Pittsfield; brothers-in-law, John and Jean Bishop, Earl and Joan Bishop, and (Albert Bishop-deceased) Norma Bishop. He will be remembered by many cousins, nieces and nephews, and very special long time Stoddard Street neighbors, Ray and Helen Bolstridge and Gary and Lillian Cote. Josephine and the family extend their gratitude to the staff of Hibbard's Skilled Nursing Center, Beacon Hospice, Roger Stacey of the VA, Care and Comfort, Dr. Luthin and Dr. Dubien, and Milo Three Rivers Ambulance Service. Graveside services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on May 20, 2017 at Evergreen Cemetery in Milo. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Three Rivers Ambulance Service, P.O. Box 432, Milo, ME 04463 or to the Park Street United Methodist Church, PO Box 116, Park Street, Milo, ME 04463. Arrangements are in the care of the Lary Funeral Home. Condolences and memories of Bernard may be shared at www.laryfuneralhome.com.