By Rebecca Goodman
The Cincinnati Enquirer

David F. Ricks, professor emeritus of psychology at the University of Cincinnati, died of a heart attack at his home in Shepherdstown, W.Va., April 13. He was 77.

Mr. Ricks wrote, contributed to or edited several books and articles.

Born in Wilson, Wyo., Mr. Ricks grew up in Jackson Hole, Wyo., during the Great Depression. His boyhood cabin is now part of a historical site about pioneer life.

A veteran of World War II, he escaped a life of subsistence farming by using the GI bill to earn a bachelor's degree (1948) and a Ph.D. (1956) from the University of Chicago.

"All through his life he believed that education was the door to great opportunity," said his son David Ricks of Leesburg, Va.

Mr. Ricks came to UC in 1976 to become chairman of the psychology department. He had been a professor of psychology at Harvard University, Brandeis University, Columbia University, Kabul University in Afghanistan, City College of New York and Cornell University.

"He was a good researcher and a great teacher and mentor," his son said.

Mr. Ricks moved to Shepherdstown in 1993 after retiring from UC the previous year.

In retirement he spent his time gardening and teaching his grandchildren to ski and ride horses.

He was preceded in death by a son, Rick Ricks, in 1993

In addition to his son David survivors include his wife of 55 years, Annie Russell Ricks; another son, Tom Ricks of Silver Spring, Md.; three daughters, Sarah Ricks of Philadelphia, Peggy Ricks of Santa Barbara, Calif., and Anne Sumers of Upper Saddle River, N.J.; 13 grandchildren; and a great-grandchild.

A memorial service will be held in Shepherdstown on May 15.

Memorials: American Civil Liberties Union, 125 Broad St., 18th Floor, New York, NY 10004, or the Campaign to elect John Kerry, 432 North Clark St., Suite 203, Chicago, IL 60610.