Brian J. Rickel, age 50, of Prairieville, La., formerly of Mikado, passed away suddenly in Terlingua, Texas, on Saturday, Jan. 5, 2013. He was born on May 6, 1962, in Tawas City to Claude and Violet Rickel. Brian pursued a career in the oil fields in New Orleans, from which he retired in 1996. More recently, he served as a contractor involved in the Edenborne development in Gonzales, La., and had many other projects in other states. Brian was a motorcycle enthusiast, a world traveler and an avid animal lover. He enjoyed a fast-paced lifestyle, but most importantly spending time with his grandsons. "B" will be loved and remembered by all who knew him. He is survived by, his loving wife, Tammy, who he married in 2010 in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Brian will be remembered as a loving father to Jennifer (Jerry) Lee of Oscoda, Erica (Rich) Snay of Jenison and Mandy Pardo of Prairieville, La.; a devoted grandfather to Austin, Patrick and Connor Lee, Isaac and Kincade Trout, Justin Snay and Elliot Patterson; son of Claude J. Rickel and the late Violet K. Rickel; and brother of Kay (Rick) Dafoe and Randy (Evelyn) Rickel. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Family and friends are invited to attend a luncheon in B's memory on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013 at 2 p.m. at the Mikado Civic Center. Online guest registry is available at www.leitzeaganfuneralhome.com.