Nathan C. Ricketts

Nathan C Ricketts ‘BIG NATE’ 38 went to heaven on Sunday September 26, 2021 to spend his days doing smokey burn-outs, re-building broken down rigs, and most of all watching down on all of his friends and family, especially his wife Tara, son Liam, and two daughters Fiona and Nora.  He was born February 21 ^st 1983, attended Stafford Technical Center for Automotive Technology, and graduated from Mill River UHS in 2001.

In spring of 2001 he went on the best blind date ever to his senior prom, getting hooked up with the love of his life Tara (Wilkins). After 20 years together, 15 married that love flame was more like a full fireworks display that most marriages never get to experience.  You’ve never met soulmates as true as Tara and Nate.

Born with Mopar infused in his blood, Nathan suffered from a heavy right foot.  Rarely were you behind him in a car that didn’t have a billowing cloud of smoke from one of his famous burnouts. His mountain man beard was no match in hiding his mischievous smile.  Growing up as a child he was a boy scout, and loved helping others.  He loved working on demo cars with his dad.  He was a loving son, and big brother.  Always smiling, he grew up to be a wonderful man, husband and father.

While we are sure he brought his love of Mopar to the car show in the sky, he left behind his beloved 72 Dodge Charger, and recently acquired 64 Barracuda here for the kids to burn rubber when they get a bit older.

The name Big Nate not only matched his sheer stature but also his wonderful personality as well.  His presence was known when he walked into any room (and boy he sure knew how to clear one) however also for his years of running in demo derbies, Huge Heart and love for his family and friends.

Hunting was a passion (lacking in the bagging department) that the big guy shared with both Liam and Fiona.  One of his proudest moments was Liams first youth hunt.  Watching Liam shoot, help field dress, and drag his first deer which brought tears to his eyes.  We will all never forget the stories of his moose hunt in the North East Kingdom with his father-in-law Harold and Pete.

He was passed down the love of Mopar and ability to re-build just about anything from his family especially his dad Clifford.  Nate took those skills and has been teaching his own family the same ever since, always helping other people before dubbing around on project cars around the yard.

Speaking of the yard, he enjoyed playing on his tractor.  If you’ve been by, you would notice random ‘tractor work’ (holes) around thanks to the new backhoe.

Seems like Nate knew everyone.  Being friendly is an understatement.  A talker to the extreme, there was no such thing as a short conversation with the Big Nate.  He talked most about his family, vehicles, what the next meat he would throw on the smoker would be....... BRISKET ANYONE?........  and if he was trying to keep it short, politics.

He and his friends Skipper and Aaron built a lifetime of memories by fishing, snowmobiling, and general shenanigans. Many late nights before changing shifts at GE were spent at Carrara Services with ‘the boys’ Eric and Nick shooting the breeze and often shooting fireworks at each other. Speaking of shooting, Mike of MMA Guns naturally became one of Big Nates good friends and another willing ear for him to bend.

Supervisor in the lumber yard at rk Miles in Manchester is where he spend over 10 years making memories and lifelong friends.  In 2013 he changed careers and started at GE in Rutland where his co-workers soon became family (many actually being family)

We will all remember Big Nate and never forget what a wonderful, caring man he was.

Surviving family members are his parents Clifford and Etta Ricketts of Danby, Grandmother Corola Mary Ricketts of Manchester, brother Keith Ricketts of Danby, two sisters Elizabeth (Michael) Dunbar of Granville NY, and Naomi (Kevin) Chamberlain of Castleton.  Mother-in-law Donna Wilkins of Clarendon, Sister-in-law Ashley (Kristofer) Robinson of Clarendon.  Nephew Macklin Chamberlain,  nephew Gage Robinson and nieces Cedar and Wynter Robinson.   Nathan was predeceased by a very special aunt Marcia (Rowe) Ricketts, Great grand parents Lawrence and Elizabeth White, Henry and Ida and Bessie Rowe, Grandparents Frank Ricketts, Henry and Alberta Rowe and Father-in-law Harold C Wilkins III.

There will be a private family graveside memorial on October 23 ^{rd ,} and we would like to welcome ALL to a get together at 2pm on Oct. 23 ^rd at the Danby-Mt. Tabor Fire Department in memory of ‘THE BIG NATE’  Please bring a dish to share.  Please be respectful to the covid restrictions in place at that time.

We would like any memorial contributions to be made to Shriners Hospitals.

Arrangements are by the Clifford Funeral Home.