Jeffrey Gerard Ridky

Kalkaska -  Jeffrey Gerard Ridky was born on March 10, 1960 in Detroit, MI. to Richard and Delores Ridky of East Detroit, MI. He passed away peacefully on April 18, 2023 in Traverse City, MI at the age of 63 with both his son Jeremy and daughter Sheylyn by his side. He was battling several medical ailments, many for years and even decades, and was relieved from the ongoing pain and suffering.

Jeffrey was preceded in death by his mother, Delores Ridky, sister Deborah Zelkowski, and nephew Kurtis White. He was also the beloved brother to Sandra White (Jack) of Warren; Matthew Ridky of St. Clair Shores; and Patricia Lisi (Joe) of St. Clair Shores.

He was a proud and loving father to two children and one granddaughter; son Jeremy (Rebecca) Ridky 43 of Sterling Heights; daughter Sheylyn (37) of Beverly Hills, CA, and granddaughter Ellie (10) of Sterling Heights (Jeremy & Rebecca).

Jeffrey will be remembered most for his remarkably talented artistic abilities. As a young child, his giftedness was apparent and he knew art was his calling. By the time he reached high school (East Detroit – Class of 1978) he was well known amongst his peers for his creativeness. After graduating, he continued his education at The Center for Creative Studies in Detroit, MI.

His childhood aspirations were realized when he began his career as a Commercial Artist at Art Staff Inc. in Detroit, MI where he dedicated himself to his craft for nearly two decades. He produced intricate  illustration advertisements for many major companies. His art could be found in magazines, on billboards, and even on the boxes of toys.

In his spare time, he loved to share his gift with his children, nieces & nephews, and granddaughter. He would do projects, make things, and help others to create. He took great pleasure in sharing artistic adventures with others whenever possible.

He spent his later years living at a slower pace “up north” with his parents. The majority of his time was spent on new modalities of art such as woodworking, photography, and graphic art. Jeff was equally talented in these crafts as he was with a pencil or an airbrush. Just about everyone in his family and circle of friends has received some kind of hand-crafted functional piece of art he made from wood. One of the last pieces he made was a gorgeous trophy case for his granddaughter Ellie.

His other great loves were nature and animals. He always had a dog and was specially bonded to each animal. His most recent Golden Retriever, Max, was his companion for the past decade. Unfortunately, a few months prior to Jeff’s passing he lost Max. Jeff can now be at peace in a better place where he is surrounded by all his dogs and past loved family and friends.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family online at www.CremationServicesOnly.com The family is being served by Cremation Services Only.

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