Obituary
Rick Ronald Dowd Sr. crossed over and began his journey home on October 12, 2021. He was born on November 28, 1956, in Hoopa, to Venola and Frank Dowd. He was one of seven siblings. As a youngster he started out as a boxer, then grew into football and wrestling. His name is engraved on a Wrestling trophy at the Del Norte High School . He comes from a traditional Klamath River Yurok family and supported our dances and doings. He was also a stick game player.
Rick later joined the Army and did his term in Germany. His mother had to send pumpkin pies from Glens Bakery to him on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Rick came back to settle in Del Norte County, eventually making his home in Klamath. He was a member of Resighini Rancheria. He was in the Local Labors Union for many years, employed as an Environmental Assistant and served as Vice Chairman and Chairman for Resighini Rancheria for several terms.
Rick was a father to 8 children. Like his sons, he would help out anyone who asked, especially pulling them out at Resighini. He showed love and compassion for anyone that did the same to him. In his lifetime he liked to cut wood, commercial fish, and hunt for his family. He was an avid gambler and hit all the local casinos before he passed. His motto was “I cant take the money with me.” Ricky loved playing poker, pool at Pizza King, dice 1,4,24, and won quite a bit from whoever gambled with him.
Rick had his Celebration of Life two weeks ago, at his home, where a lot of people were able to say good-by, hug, shed a few tears and say their last words to each other. He then was satisfied and was ready to be with his loved ones on the other side. It is a hard thing in life, to say our final goodbyes to our dad, our brother, our Papa, our uncle, cousin or friend. We love you Ricky. Until we meet again. 11:11.
He is survived by his loving devoted daughter, Keshan Dowd who went through thick and thin, walked beside him and his sons Awok Gerald, and Rick Jr., with wife Rachel Dowd supporting him in his time of need. Also, son Jesse Dowd, daughters Anita Ellis and Janie Roberts. Rick was grandfather to Kitkah, Kaget, Kagama, Range Dowd, Mercedes Hernandez,Josie, Gerald, Aaliyah Dowd, Brylyn, London, Paris, Jiyaria.
He is also survived by sisters Rhonda Dowd, Kathy Dowd, Susie Gordon and brother, Gary Dowd.
Nieces: Moonchay Dowd (Timber Scott) Numikoy Gordon (Clifford Albers), Sahsep Dowd (Matt Swanson), Chelsey Dowd (Johnny Provolt), Kesi Gordon (Sheldon ) Roxann Dowd, Nicki Dowd, Jeremiah Swain.
His Great-nieces: Myah, Farah, and Autumn Dowd, Quespin Dowd, Nateya, Sueveya, Adeline and Johnnie Provolt , Tara Grace Gordon, Estelle Gist, Eliza and Nummy Albers, Klynn and Kiaha Swanson, and Denise Dowd.
Nephews: Israel Dowd(Kandace), Spaghe Dowd (Czarina), Rocky Dowd, Guy Dowd, Chmook Dowd, Thomas Gordon (Jessica), Jake Gordon, and Derek Goodlin.
Great Nephews: Ryan, Justin, Vinnie, Ethan and Collin Dowd, Dayton, Damian, Danner, Draiden Dowd, Zaiden Craft, Chmook Jr. and Eli Dowd.
One Great great nephew Emil Dowd.
Ricky is also survived by many many cousins of McCovey, Reed, and Dowd family trees.
He is preceding in death by his parents Venola and Frank Dowd, grandparents Lena Reed and William McCovey, Eliza and William Dowd, brothers Davy Dowd and Frank Rodney Dowd. Of his children: his sons, Kaget Dowd, and Tylor Dowd and Gerald Ieshh Dowd, niece Tara Sawn Gordon, and great niece Wau-kella Dowd, and many numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Pall Bears: Rick Dowd Jr., Kitkah Dowd, Kaget Dowd, Spaghe Dowd, Damian Dowd, Thomas Gordon, Isaac Kinney and Gary Dowd.
Honorary Pall-Bears: Kagama Dowd, Range Dowd, Donald McCovey, David Valenzuela, Greg Readen, Emery Mattz, Jeff Thomms, Artie Jones, Rick L.Sanderson sr., Bob Rakestraw, Johnny Provolt, Timber Scott, Wilbur Carlson, Al Schoonover, Nathan Scott, Marty Barbour Sr. , Axel Erickson, Dean Wills.
Please wear masks:
Viewing at Weirs Mortuary, October 18, 2021, from 9 am to 12:30pm. Following the viewing, a last car ride to Elk Valley Casino and 640 Fresno Street, arriving at Cemetery where the Grave site, services will begin shortly after 1:00 pm.