Richard Goodyear Ankers

October 6, 1953 - December 31, 2020

Richard Goodyear Ankers October 6, 1953 - December 31, 2020 The world lost a true light with the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Richard Goodyear Ankers. Surrounded by family and fireworks on New Year’s Eve, he peacefully passed away at home surrounded by his wife and children. He joined his parents, best friends, and other family members who journeyed on before. He was 67 years old. Known affectionately as Ricki Roo, Ricki was the life of the party. You would often find him with a guitar in hand, a smile on his face, and a song on his lips. He had a movie star smile that lit up any room. An easy-going man, his friendly countenance made everyone feel seen, welcomed, and loved. It’s no wonder in his final days on earth, Ricki’s home was filled with endless visitors; former colleagues, clients, co-workers, nieces, nephews, friends, neighbors, band mates, ward members, his family’s pickleball crew, and so many more who considered Ricki family. That’s how he treated them and that’s how they saw him; a true brother who loved and served unconditionally. A brother so deserving of all the “fan mail,” fundraisers, alofas (love) and well-wishes that he never asked for. Instead he wept with gratitude and appreciation as he was definitely more comfortable being on the giving side of things. Ricki was born October 6,1953 in Coromandel Hospital, New Zealand to Derek Raymond Ankers and Audrey Marie Tibbo. He grew up in Auckland until he moved to Hamilton to attend the Church College of New Zealand (CCNZ) from 1967 - 1972. As a Taylor dorm resident, Ricki became a part of a brotherhood that lasted throughout his life. Growing up, Ricki learned the value and influence of women at an early age. With three older sisters - Sue, Evie, Anna, and three younger sisters - Tina, Hedy, Alana; and a much younger brother, Bruce Pennefather, Ricki spent most of his childhood surrounded by influential women. He cooked, cleaned, ironed, gardened, landscaped; and played counselor and confidant to his sisters. All these skills would come in handy later as a husband, father, and grandfather who loved to spoil his family. Ricki was a “get it done right” kind of guy and was known for working hard and never sitting still until the job was done. Ricki always wanted to help others and a big part of that was bringing people unto Jesus Christ. He served a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Apia Samoa Mission from 1973-1975. He was affectionately known as "Elder Aneti", which translates to Ankers in Samoan. It was also through his mission that he met a lot of his maternal Samoan cousins. Being afakasi (half samoan), Ricki didn’t look Samoan with his light hair and bright blue eyes. People were often taken aback when he started speaking the language so fluently. On his mission, Ricki instantly fell in love with Samoa, the simple way of life and blended in naturally with the village lifestyle. He was very popular with the village children, whom to this day still recognize and call him by the name, Aneti. Before returning to New Zealand, Ricki was formally introduced to his eternal companion, the love of his life - LaVon Pele Schwenke. LaVon later joined Ricki in New Zealand where they were married on December 4, 1976 in Hamilton, New Zealand. Theirs is a love and devotion that no doubt will extend into eternity. For education and careers, Ricki and LaVon moved to Laie, Hawaii in 1976 where they attended BYU Hawaii. Ricki became the first “palagi pepelo” musician at the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC). Music was Ricki’s life passion. As a gifted musician and entertainer, he used his natural talent and charisma to uplift countless tourists who flowed through PCC, and various beaches of Hawaii. In September 1979, Ricki and family moved to Utah to further his studies. He obtained a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Utah in 1985. He later obtained his Masters of Science 2014 from the University of Phoenix. He then returned to the University of Utah to work on his Doctorate while also working as a licensed Psychotherapist (Mental Health). Ricki had the gift to connect with so many others at different levels, and therefore, was very influential in that field. His education and natural talents extended to his Church callings and passion for his missionary work. Ricki and LaVon would serve many years as missionaries to those incarcerated at the Utah State Prison participating in the Church’s Addiction Recovery Program, and also to those learning how to be more self-reliant. Whether it was in his missionary service, clinical practice, cooking and cleaning for his wife and kids, or through the music that he played with his mates, Ricki always wanted to share his light. Ricki loved to play sports - volleyball, golf, and basketball to name a few. He even refereed various basketball tournaments in the Salt Lake area for many years. He ran 5Ks and marathons and didn’t let cancer stop him. After a major surgery the morning of an earthquake in Utah on March 18, 2020. He walked nearly every morning for 5 miles so he could regain his strength. He was determined to get well enough to run the Great Wall of China marathon. He was a fighter until the end. Ricki’s culture and upbringing were a big part of who he was. The fa’a samoa way to give to those in need was ingrained in him, always wanting to help with fa’alavelave’s (family contributions), family reunions, weddings, and everything in between. Because of how easily he made friends, he had “family” everywhere around the world. He especially loved his nieces and nephews in New Zealand. Ricki loved to travel and he loved the beach. You could always find Dad hopping on the next flight to his next island destination. Ricki’s travel partner, and partner through everything, was the light of his life, his beautiful wife, LaVon. His eyes seemed to sparkle when she was nearby and he often remarked that she was always the most beautiful person in the room. They were always together. In fact, for 28 years, they spent their evenings working together as ushers at the arena in Salt Lake City. They were mainstays at the Utah Jazz games. You could sometimes catch a glimpse of this good-looking duo on the sidelines during NBA games broadcast on TV. Ricki’s personable nature endeared him to NBA players, celebrities, Church leaders, and anyone else who got to know him during his Guest Services time at the arena, and also while driving limosines at the Sundance Film Festival. But, the most important person in his life, his number one fan, was always his dear wife, LaVon. She tenderly cared for him as cancer ravaged his body. In his final days, hers was the face he looked for on the side of his bed, the hand he often reached for to hold, and his final goodbye before passing to the other side. A love that will last “forevers”, is what Ricki would say about his love for LaVon. Through their union, they are the forever parents of Richard Earle, Neilani Saini, Ariane Sina, and Alana Marlene (Isaiah), his devoted children who cared for him to the very end. He will be a forever Grandpa to Aliyah, Yummy, Tangi, Rikki, Tevesi, Nakai, Irie, Zion, Reign, Atarah, soon to be born, Baby Roo (named in honor of her dear Grandpa) and Great-grandfather to Kaleb & Kyrin. He was the best Dad anyone could ask for. A true hero who was fun, always present for important events, a Dad with a sense of humor and an incredible intuition to make every child and grandchild feel special and loved. We believe Ricki is finally at peace, and in no more pain. If there is a band in heaven, he is no doubt playing in it, surrounded by his best friends, parents, in-laws, Arthur and Saini Atoa Schwenke, siblings, and other loved ones who have passed on before him. He is likely most excited to finally meet and hold his great-granddaughter Kaia Selah-Saini. The family would like to thank all of the angels who have lifted them during this difficult time. Words are inadequate to share our thanks for the countless acts of love, kindness, and service. To the doctors, nurses and caregivers who have been a part of our warrior Ricki’s journey - thank you for all that you do. As heartbroken as we are to lose our hero, a man we saw as invincible, we are grateful for the time we had with him, especially on Christmas, to celebrate the Light of the world with the light of our world, Ricki Ankers. All are invited to join virtually in a celebration of Rick’s life on Saturday, January 9, 2021. Family service: 11:00 a.m. Bishop’s service: 1:30 p.m. Location: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel, 12101 South 700 West in Draper, Utah. Following the memorial services, Ricki will be laid to rest at Crescent Cemetery in Sandy, Utah (11105 S. State Street). All of the services will be streamed via Zoom. Those attending in person will be asked to wear a mask and to follow social distancing guidelines to keep our friends and family safe and healthy. As said by his granddaughter Atarah and what became his motto in the last several months of his life, “I happy.” Ricki had a testimony of God as his Father in Heaven and Jesus Christ as his Savior. His faith and love for them fueled everything he did. Ricki sought to be happy every day, even when his mountains seemed insurmountable. His megawatt smile, positive outlook on life, and sparkling eyes is how many will remember him. Even in his final days, as visitors came to pay their respects, he muscled through the pain and put a smile on his face. He made it hard to see how much he was suffering because his smile always looked so good. “I happy!” That’s how he lived. That’s how we’ll strive to honor his memory. Be happy and live each day to the fullest. Until that bright and beautiful day of eternal happiness when we are together again, we love you forevers and evers, Dad. Manuia lau malaga!