Dale Rickards died of emphysema Dec. 29 at his home in the hills above Malibu. He was 88.
Rickards was born in Wichita, Kan. on June 29, 1921. After World War II, he moved to Southern California, joined the LAPD and married Carrie “Dee” Fogg Hart. They had three children: Gary, who lives in Mariposa; Ron, who lives in Topanga; and Mary Dee, who lives in Sacramento.
In 1957, the couple decided to build on their land on Mulholland in Malibu’s mountains, and moved into their new home in December of 1958. Fifty years later, their homestead looks like the original Knott’s Berry Farm. Rickards had collected so much Western and circus memorabilia that he started a movie prop business. He was an ever-present figure in his barn/museum, usually with a Dr. Pepper in one hand and a cigarette in the other, friends and family said in a written statement.
Rickards was called back into the service during the Korean conflict. After that, he returned to the LAPD and retired from there in 1973 with more than 27 years of service. He was also in the LAPD Cavalry, owned the Hansen Dam Pony and Train Ride for 10 years, was the first president of ETI Corral 63 and helped found the Trail Riders equestrian group. His life revolved around horses and horse people.
“Dale Rickards spent his lifetime ‘riding tall’ both in and out of the saddle,” friends and family said in a written statement. “He was a straight shooter who commanded the respect and friendship of all who knew him.”
A memorial is scheduled for Jan. 30 at 11 a.m. at Paramount Ranch, located on Cornell Road in Agoura. Guests are requested to bring photos and stories to share about their memories of Rickards, and to call 818.991.1236 with any questions.