Memorial service for UAA student Ricky Shivers, Oct. 22

Ricky James Shivers, 53, passed away Friday, Oct. 12, at his residence. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 22, at the First Baptist Church, 10th and L Street in Anchorage. A viewing will be held from 10-11 a.m. at the church. Burial will follow services at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Wasilla.

Ricky was born August 26, 1959, in Lubbock, Texas, to James Weldon and Marilyn Lou (Barry) Shivers. The family moved to Alaska in 1964. He graduated from A.J. Dimond High School, where he excelled in football and wrestling. This passion continued into adulthood as a football coach at Wendler Middle School. He loved sports and he was a diehard Cowboys fan.

In the past year, he had been a student at UAA working toward his associate degree. He loved camping and fishing.
 His family stated: "He was a gentle giant. He had a huge heart; he was a very giving and caring man. His generosity went out to everyone, even his brothers at SAARP. He had a never-ending smile. Every time you saw him, he was smiling. Once he put his mind to it, even with challenges, he continued on until it was completed. He was a wonderful guy, who will be greatly missed."