South Prairie resident Ricky L. “Rick” Maiers, 51, died June 27, 2011.

He was born Dec. 20, 1959, in Bellingham, Wash. He was raised in Black Diamond by parents Butch and Lauretta Maiers. He attended Black Diamond Elementary School. He was fondly remembered for the valedictorian speech he gave at his eighth-grade graduation. He graduated from Enumclaw High School in 1978. He always enjoyed working and as soon as he could he joined in the operation of his family company, the Green River Sawmill in Maple Valley. He also worked in the woods as a logger and as a truck driver. He found relief working on his South Prairie property, where he would mow the grass with his monster mower.

He is survived by wife Cathy; son Chad; mother Lauretta; brother Shane; one stepdaughter; three stepsons; and 12 step-grandchildren.

A memorial service took place Saturday, July 30, at St. Barbara’s Catholic Church in Black Diamond.