From Pat Dixon for ARMA Newsletter

In Loving Memory of Barbara Rike, CRM

Barbara Rike passed away on July 3, 2008 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born on December 21, 1946 in Kansas City, Missouri to LeRoy and Twyla Deason. Barb remained ready with a smile and her attitude toward her disease was always positive.

Barb was a dear friend of mine for over 30 years and with many other people whose lives she touched. She is remembered for her bubbly personality, love of life, the outdoors, and all of God’s creatures great and small. Barbara was a long time active member of ARMA, International and began her career in records and information management at First Federal Bank. During her time in Dallas, she also worked for CALTEX and Alliance Data Systems. Barbara joined the Dallas Chapter of ARMA in 1977 where we first met. Because of her love of hiking, white water rafting, snow shoeing and all of nature’s beauty, Barb jumped at the chance to move to Washington State. She became one of the founders of the Bellevue/Eastside Chapter of ARMA where she lived and worked, first consulting and then for the City of Redmond. Prior to the Bellevue/Eastside Chapter, she was a member of the Greater Seattle Chapter. Barb had recently moved to Aurora, Colorado when she was diagnosed with cancer. It was difficult for her to give up her new position with the City of Aurora and move back home, but her health demanded the support of her family and friends in Texas.

Barbara was a Certified Records Manager and as such, a member of the Institute of Certified Records Managers. She was a frequent and sought after speaker at ARMA and other professional organization’s meetings, seminars, and conferences throughout the
U. S. and Canada. Barb was at her best teaching others and inspiring them in their jobs.

Family was also important to Barbara, and she is survived by her sister Nancy Suttle and Nancy’s family which includes her husband Tim, daughters Regina and Erin, son Mathew and his wife Leanna and daughter Abigail. Barbara is also survived by her brother Richard Deason, his wife Sharon, their daughter Natalie Aho, husband Chris and son Cameron, as well as their daughter Jenny Zagst and husband Jed. No matter where Barb was living and working, she always made an effort to return home to spend Christmas with her family which was her favorite time of the year. Her childlike joy in the Holidays was endearing, and she took such joy in finding just the right gift for a family member or friend.

Everyone I talk to mentions Barb’s zest for life and they find it difficult to believe she has gone so quickly. Her light remains with the loving family and friends she left behind. We will miss her and remember the good times we were privileged to share along the way.

Submitted by: Pat Dixon, CRM