RICKY LEE HIMES 1959-2011 Ricky Himes passed away peacefully, with his family by his side, at 1225am Saturday, Sept.10th at San Joaquin Community Hospital. He became critically ill suddenly and, though he fought a courageous battle, was unable to overcome his illness. Rick was born in Bakersfield, California on April 23rd 1959, as the first child of Elmer and Claudine Himes. He was preceded in death by his mother Claudine. He is survived by his father, Elmer, son Ricky Lee Himes Jr. and sisters, Teresa (John) and their children, Nicholis White, Brandon Trebbien, Lauren Trebbien and Angela Elliott (Mike) and their children, Thomas, Trevor, Audrey. Also many numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Rick was a simple man who knew what he liked and stuck to it. He was known to everyone as the guy who could fix a lawnmower or weed-eater and would give you a ride anywhere. He never met a stranger and had a big, wide grin. He loved food and friends and liked nothing better than an offer to "grab a plate and have a seat." If the plate had beans, cornbread, and fried potatoes, that was even better! We thank all his true friends who looked out for him with their kind words and actions. Rick also grew up fishing and camping and those remained some of his favorite things to do besides tinkering with all those lawnmowers he had everywhere! Rick had a beloved dog named Mandy who was by his side for nearly 15 years. When he was hospitalized, she became terminally ill, too and passed away. They are together forever. Services for Rick will be on Wednesday, Sept 14th at 7:00 pm at Hopson-Anspach Family Mortuary, 620 Oregon Street. In lieu of flowers, give your dog an extra hug and as Rick would say, "Make sure your lawnmower has oil in it before you run it!