"I just learned of Rickey's death while reading the FBI's Investigator magazine. I was lucky to have worked with Rickey in Miami. He was a fine man and a great agent. I was saddened to learn of his passing, and all my prayers go to his family. God Bless."
In loving memory of
Rickey O'Donald
July 31, 1962 - February 17, 2017
Rickey O'Donald ("Rick") was born on July 31, 1962, to McKinley and Margaret O'Donald in Detroit, Michigan. Rick was one of four children, 3 boys and a girl. He attended Longfellow School and Carlisle Stewart Elementary School then, later graduated from Cass Technical High School in June, 1980, in Detroit, Michigan. While in high school, Rick took rigorous science and math courses including calculus, which prepared him academically for his next phase of education. Rick attended the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he was a Dean's List student graduating in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Following graduation, Rick was employed as an engineer at General Motors Corporation in Pontiac, Michigan, from 1985 to 1987. In 1987, Rick began a successful career of over 29 years as a Special Agent with the FBI. Rick's dream was to teach Math following his FBI career.
"Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord"
Proverbs 18:22
In July of 1996, Rick met Tracy Dindayal, a godly young woman from Trinidad, who would change the course of his life, adding beauty to duty. Through Tracy's witness of a meek and quiet spirit, Rick sought the Lord, and was baptized at Evangel Temple in North Miami Beach, Florida, on March 12, 1997. Tracy and Rick were married on March 24, 1997, in a civil ceremony in Miami, Florida, and later celebrated their marriage in a formal wedding at their church, Evangel Temple, on July 12, 1997. To their union, God blessed Rick and Tracy with a daughter, Faith.
"Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it"
Ephesians 5:25
Rick was intent on providing for, nourishing, and protecting his family. After work, he wanted only to spend time at home with his wife and daughter. He was intentional and fiscally responsible in providing for his family. He spent time nourishing and cherishing Tracy and Faith, and faithfully planned fun activities and vacations with them. Rick enjoyed music, learning to play the guitar, and often singing to the top of his lungs. Rick was fiercely protective of his family, providing for and instructing them in safety and security. Rick exemplified excellence in everything he did, all activities were prompt - tardiness was never an option.
Character • Integrity • Excellence
Rick was a man of character and integrity. His personality can be described as: humble, kind, patient, diligent, responsible, and protective. Everything Rick did was with excellence. It is fitting that Rick would choose to serve the country in the FBI. While the FBI stands for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, it also stands for: Fidelity - Bravery - Integrity. These qualities exemplify who he was. Technically astute, Rick applied his mechanical engineering background to technical excellence in his FBI responsibilities.
Generations
Rick departed this life on February 17, 2017. Rick is survived by his wife, Tracy, and daughter, Faith; his parents, McKinley and Margaret O'Donald of Lauderdale Lakes, Florida; his brother, Keith O'Donald of Ypsilanti, Michigan; his sister, Cheryl (O'Donald) Smith (Donald), of Detroit, Michigan; his brother, Daryl O'Donald, of Lansing, Michigan; his uncle, Billy O'Donald (Rita), of Little Rock, Arkansas; his aunt, Rose Alston, of Inkster, Michigan; his uncle, Roy Glen, of West Roxbury, Massachusetts; his uncle Charles Small, of Southfield, Michigan; his special Aunt, Bernice Warren, of Detroit, Michigan; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Trevor and Adella Dindayal of Chaguanas, Trinidad; his sister-in-law, Patrice Dayal (David) of Chaguanas, Trinidad; his brother-in-Law, Marlin Dindayal (Alicia) of Chaguanas, Trinidad; special aunt and uncle, Dr. Claude Denbow and Mrs. Donna Denbow, of Port of Spain, Trinidad; nephew, D'Juan O'Donald of New York; niece, Danielle Smith, of Cambridge, Massachusetts; niece, Sierra O'Donald, of Southfield, Michigan; nephew, Donald Smith, Jr., of Detroit, Michigan; nephew, Josiah Paul, of Chaguanas, Trinidad; nieces, Scarlet, Serah, and Maranatha, of Chaguanas, Trinidad; a host of cousins, extended family, and friends; and the entire Miami Field Office of the FBI.
~~~
"Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God." Psalm 42:11
Contributions given in memory of Rickey can be directed to Christ the Rock Community Church, 11000 Stirling Road, Cooper City, FL 33328. http://crcconline.org/
Tributes
"My deepest condolences to the family. Although I did not have the pleasure of meeting SA O'Donald, I work with some who knew him from his tenure at the FBI Miami Office. All were deeply saddened by this loss. Rest In Peace, you will be missed. Julie Jones"
"May the Lord comfort you during this time of loss. "
"From the day he started on the C-1 squad, you knew Ricky was going to be a tenacious investigator. Great Agent! Even greater person! Rest In Peace old friend. We will see each other again. Steve Warner"
"Godspeed Rickey...you were one of best agents I ever had the pleasure of working with! You will be missed by all. Vince Pankoke "
"Rickey was a gentle giant who went through life with great purpose. He was a pleasure to know and to have on this earth, and God delights in his presence. May he find peace and happiness in eternity, and may his family find peace and happiness knowing that they got to share their life with such a wonderful human being. Barbara Moser, colleague, FBI Miami "
"To my dear friends and family may you take comfort in knowing there is one more angel above us. May loving memories bring you comfort and peace. God is always with us. Peace and love Helen Terrell an Family "
"It is with a sad heart that I write this. To Rickey's family, may God comfort you in this time of sorrow. As a distant co-worker of his, I will always remember him as part of the Miami's TTA Group. He will be missed."
"Please accept our deepest condolences. Rick lived to make other lives bearable and that is how I will always remember him, as a man who gave selflessly and sincerely. He took his place in life and played his role as husband, father, and son with courage, responsibility and love and his death is a big blow to all of us. Please accept our simple words of comfort knowing that you are always in our thoughts and prayers. We will truly miss this wonderful man. Remember that we are here for you and you are never alone. May God continually be your refuge and strength. --Joseph and Suzanne Brown and Family"
"I am saddened to hear of Rick's passing. I remember him during his early career when he was assigned to the bank robbery squad in Miami, and what I will remember most is the strength he exhibited through his quietness. He was a wonderful agent who was kind to everyone. He was the epitome of the scripture, "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." My condolences to his wife, daughter, and the Miami FBI family. "
"Rick - We thank you for being a wonderful neighbor, and for your dedicated service to our great nation. However, and more importantly, for being a dedicated husband and father to your wife and daughter. Although we will miss seeing you around, we will take great comfort in knowing that you'll always be with us. Tom, Trish & Family "
"Tracy and Faith, Please stay strong in your faith, and lean on your family and friends for comfort, knowing that Rickey made a significant difference in his life. Rickey dedicated his life to our great country and will be recognized for his achievements. I appreciate his dedication to law enforcement, the FBI and to the FBI Technical Programs. He will be missed on this earth, but we now have another soul watching over us. My sympathy is with you and your family. Jim Mendez (retired), Tech Advisor, Indianapolis "
"My heart grieves for my brother Rickey. For several years in the Miami Division of the FBI, we worked together tirelessly and became very close friends. I cherished his friendship and awesome work ethics. I was fortunate to be the best man for his wedding with his lovely wife Tracy. I also met his little princess Faith as a tiny beautiful infant. I will miss his friendship and keen sense of humor. May Rickey's soul continue to rest in eternal peace??"
"Rickey will be remembered as a very dedicated hard worker and true friend. My deepest sympathy for all of the family. "
"To the family of our classmate Rickey O'Donald we are sorry for your loss. Wishing you peace and comfort in the days ahead. With sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathy, Cass Tech Class of 1980 "
"RIP Rickey. One of the Best and most Enthusiastic Tech Agents in the FBI. We will miss you."