|
Ricky Allen Diamond, 50, of Letcher, SD, died February 19, 2006 as the result of an auto accident. Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 22, 2006, at the Will Funeral Chapel, with visitation at 12 noon. He is cremated and will be buried with his mother when she passes on. He was born on November 18, 1955 in Sioux City, IA to Tom and Frances (Frost) Diamond. He attended grade school at Prosper County School near Mitchell, SD. He graduated from Mitchell High School in 1974. He then attended Mitchell Vo-Tech for one year studying Culinary Arts. In 1976 he moved to Belen, NM, to open an antique store. He moved to Albuquerque a few years later, renting space in the Antique Co-Op to continue his passion of selling antiques. He was also a delivery driver for Borden's Ice Cream. It was in 1994 when he and his life partner Geoffrey Van Dusen opened a Consignment store. In 1996 they purchased Rick's dream house in Letcher, SD. The house was so run down, no one saw any potential in it, but Rick had his dream and knew he could get it back to looking as it did in 1902. They had the opportunity to go back and forth between Albuquerque and Letcher almost monthly so Rick could work on it. In 2001, the store was closed and they moved permanently to their home in Letcher, SD. This enabled him to be closer to his mother and step-father, Borge Christensen. Within a short time Borge's health was failing, Rick became a full time care taker for Borge until his death. He enjoyed restoring their house in Letcher, which had become a full time job for him. He also enjoyed going to local auctions collecting and selling antiques. So much so that in 2005 he bought a concession trailer with his brother Tom to take to the auctions and sell food and snacks. He also enjoyed spending time with his friends, the opportunity to fly between New Mexico and South Dakota to do so. He also enjoyed going to plays performed by his friends at the Musical Theatre Southwest, and the opportunity to help behind the scenes. He is survived by his partner, Geoffrey Van Dusen, Letcher, SD; his mother, Frances Christensen, Mitchell, SD; siblings, Geraldine Van Thuyne and husband, Bud, Mitchell, SD; Tommy Diamond and wife, Donna, Mitchell, SD; Sharon Howard and husband, Michael of Dexter, MO; Jerry Diamond and wife, Irene of Oacoma, SD; Vickie Jacobs of Tucumcari, NM; Curt Christensen and wife, Barb, Mitchell, SD; 13 nieces and nephews; 11 grandnieces and grandnephews; and one great-grandnephew. He was preceded in death by his father, Tom Diamond; his step-father, Borge Christensen; one sister, Joyce Diamond Scott; and niece, Linda Van Thuyne. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.
|
