Obituaries

Richard (Dick) S. Pike

Photo of Richard (Dick) S. Pike
Richard (Dick) S. Pike, 79, of Hot Springs Village passed away Sunday, December 9, 2012 at St. Vincent Hospital in Little Rock. He was born October 25, 1933 in Sacramento, California to Chet and Leona Pike. He was a graduate of San Jose State University in 1958, where he earned a B.S. degree in Business Administration. As an alumnus, he remained in touch with good friends from his Delta Upsilon Fraternity. Richard served his country in the U.S. Navy, and in 1973 he married the love of his life, Helen (Pinky) J. Beckwith of Cary, North Carolina. After leaving his service in the Navy, he worked in sales for Johnson & Johnson, and later in business for himself. During Pinky's 20 year tour in the Navy, they lived in places such as Taiwan, and traveled to many Middle Eastern Countries. They were adventurers, and loved collecting items from the countries where they lived and traveled. After returning to the states, they settled in California. In 1996, they hit the road in their motor home with their two Golden Retrievers. For four years, they explored our wonderful country, America, including Alaska and Canada. While in their travels, they discovered Hot Springs Village, and soon knew it was the place where they wanted to retire. They moved to the Village in 2000 where they enjoyed golf, kayaking and walking the trails. The Pikes have been members of Christ of the Hills United Methodist Church for 10 years. He loved to annually attend Manresa House of Retreats with good friends where they practiced silence and meditation. Dick had a flare for story telling that always held the interest of his listeners and put a smile on their faces. One of his current and greatest hobbies was photography. He loved taking trips with a couple of his photography buddies and especially loved taking pictures of birds and animals. Dick fought a gallant battle over the past twelve months against lymphoma, followed by open heart surgery. While he was strong in mind and spirit, his body was too weak to win the battle. He is predeceased by his parents and uncles, Bishop James A. Pike and James Fiske. Dick is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Helen J. Pike of Hot Springs Village; daughter, Shannon Pike Harrell of Lake Coma, Italy; grandsons, Max and Niko; daughter, Sherry Pike Lewton of Sammamish, Washington; grandson, Michael. Dick had a firm belief in God first, then devotion to family. He loved the unfortunate and contributed generously to various charities. A Memorial service will be held at Christ of the Hills United Methodist Church at 700 Balearic Road, Hot Springs Village, Arkansas on Thursday, December 13, 2012 at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, P.O. Box 9031, Pittsfield, Massachusetts 01202. Arrangements are under the care of Caruth Village funeral Home; guests may register at www.caruth-hale.com.

Published December 12, 2012

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