Richard Fikes of Pulaski, NY triumphed over a long fight with early onset Alzheimer’s in the Masonic Care Community in Utica, NY., where he had spent the last 5 years. His battle came to an end on May 27, 2017. He was 70 years old. Dick was born in Syracuse, NY. After high school, he joined the Army in 1966 and served in Asmira, Ethiopia during the Vietnam War. He brought back a love of exotic spices, the hotter the better. He was a devoted husband and loving father. Dick was happiest when he was with the love of his life Kristine and his children. His family was the center of his world. He loved his community and was active at Park United Methodist Church, the Masons and he gave blood at the Legion blood drive every Christmas Eve. Dick was a member of the Pulaski Lodge #415 for 47 years, where he once served as Master. He was Vice Commander, Adjutant, and member of the award winning Color Guard of the Robert Edwards Legion Post. He was also active with the 40/8 and past Patron of Pulaski-Puritan OES. He served as Daddy for Astarte Triangle and Dad for DeMolay. He was Lay leader, mentor, part of the van ministry and member of UMM at the church. Everyone who met Dick was taken in by his gentleness and sense of humor. If you were visiting, he probably had a stack of neatly cut out newspaper and magazine articles and recipes that he was waiting to share with you. It was his way of telling you that he was thinking about you. He is survived by his wife Kristine, his children Jason (Kimberly), Dana (Melissa Cooper), and Matthew (Kathryn); his grandchildren Parker, Payton and Piper; his sister Kathleen; his brother Craig, and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents Glen and Jaye Fikes and his sister Cindy. There will be a celebration of his life at 11am, June 3, 2017 at Park United Methodist Church in Pulaski, NY. Reverend David Hays will be officiating. A very special thank you to the wonderful nurses and staff at the Masonic Care Community of New York - Buffalo Neighborhood. Their loving and constant care was always noticed and appreciated. Contributions may be made in his honor to any of the above organizations, or to Alzheimer’s research.