Eric Lee Dye (Big Rick),

Rolled out on the Highway to Heaven on May 7th, 2021. He is on the road once again.

He was born on March 5th 1951 in Watsonville, California to Donna Jean and Lowell Vernon Dye.

He received his education at St. Marie’s in St Marie’s Idaho. He then enlisted in the Army in March of 68’ where he received his training at Fort Lewis Washington then Fort Ord California. He was awarded the National defense Service Medal and was an Expert Rifleman. He was honorably medically discharged in May of 69’. Rick had a wild side that was hard to tame . He met his first wife Vickie apparently how the story goes his that his Harley had broken down and she picked him up hitchhiking . We are certain there is more to the story though. Boy were those two a wild pair. They got married in May of 1970 and to this union they had 5 children. Rick/ Rooster was a career Truck Driver the family moved to Oklahoma in the early 80’s where he continued to drive over the road for some years, He then did a career change in the mid to late 80’s where he went to work as a CMA at Shawn Manor Nursing Home and went on to LPN school. However that open road was calling him and back in that Big Rig he went. Some years had passed and it was time for a change. He became a cook at the Salvation Army and worked at Thorne Apple Valley in Ponca City, Ok .That is when he met Jaquie he was head over heels & in love

at first sight. But yet again that Open Road was calling his name and he was gone again. Some years had passed before Rick & Jaquie’s paths had crossed again. He owned his own Rig and they were off together traveling the states hauling all sorts of celebrities from Talk Show Hosts to County & Rock Bands from Monster Trucks to Dinosaurs. They were married in August of 2013 and continued on fun filled adventures together. Until his untimely illness in May of 2018 which is when he was forced to hang those keys for the last time. What a full life of fun and adventures he made with great memories and stories to share with his family whom he loved dearly. He is survived by his Wife Jaquie of the home, HIs Beautiful Mother Donna Rabuck of Cranbrook , B.C. , Father in law Jack Shearer of Ponca City, Ok. Sisters Linda Chisholm (Jack) of Cranbrook, B.C.,Laurie Gelech (Ted) of Ladner B.C. & Barbara Moggey (Chris) of Calgary, Alberta. Sister in laws Rhonda Giesbrecht of Vernon, B.C. & Julia Rabuck of Manhatten, KS.

Children David Dye of Joplin, Mo . Tamra Newlin (Jason) of Ponca City, Eric Dye of Enid, Ok. Michael Dye (Sharon) Bend, Or. Daniel Dye (Katherine) of La Pine, Or. Brandon Thomas of Lawton, Ok. Zachary Thomas (Victoria) of Ponca City, Ok. Shelby Thomas of Ponca City, Ok. & 3 bonus daughters whom he loved dearly Mandi, Shawna & Jamie. Grandchildren , Amber Evans, Heaven Dye (Malachi), Christal, Heather, Katlyn Newlin, Stephanie Smith, Jacob Bates ( Susan), Dillon Newlin (Amanda), Trenton Newln, Destiny Bates, Lane Newlin ( Makenzie), Roger Drinnen, Matthew White ( Emily), Landon Newlin, Anthony Dye, Jeslynn Stuber, Harley Dye, Adler Stuber, Portland Dye, Aubree Thomas, Xander Dye, John Thomas, Michael Whitehead & Ivan Thomas. Great Grandchildren Dominic, Landin, Harmony Dye, Jenna Bates, Evelyn Logan, Justice Hebert, Athena Martinez, Oliver Newlin , Aria Bates, Mercy Hill, Katherine Smith, Karmyn Vitamvas & Alex Newlin. Numerous cousins, nieces & nephews and great nieces and nephews. He loved his Family and he was proud of every one of them . He is preceeded in death by his Dad Dr. Bruce Rabuck, Father Lowell Dye, Mom Sondra Dye, Mother in law Phylis Delaney Brothers Roger Rabuck & Richard Rabuck -Lil Rick , Brother in law Philip Shearer & HIs Best Friend David Samuel Jones. He was known to many as Hattak, Dad, Big Rick, Uncle, Paw-Paw, Gpa Eric & Rooster, You will be missed by all who knew you. You knew no stranger you had a vibrant silly mean spirit a contagious smile & Eyes of Blue. Enjoy your ride and catching up with your friend David Jones . Roll on 18 wheeler Roll on! There are no services scheduled at this time. However his wife Jaquie is organizing a last ride in Honor of him at a later date.

Paid Obituary