Drum Major Marc “David” Ricklis always led the way.
Ricklis, who was known throughout the region as a senior drum major and adjudicator at countless military and veterans’ gatherings and displays, passed away last Friday, July 11.
An Eldersburg resident who grew up in the Washington, D.C., area, Ricklis was 75.
A retired paralegal, code enforcement officer and hardware distribution manager, Ricklis was a ubiquitous sight at memorial events, Celtic festivals and traditional gatherings in the area for a half-century. He was considered a major figure in the pipe band community.
He was a member of the Brotherhood of Kilted Veterans and the Scottish-American Military Society Post 1814, as well as a founding member of Chabad of Carroll County.
Ricklis began his pipe band career in 1966 while attending Rockville’s Roger E. Peary High School. He enjoyed a successful competitive career and served as senior drum major and competition judge at highland games from Ontario to Florida and Texas to the East Coast.
In 1976, he performed at the White House during the national bicentennial, the 1999 Kennedy Center Honors salute to Scottish actor Sean Connery, and a St. Patrick’s Day ceremony for Ireland’s ambassador and President Barack Obama.
Ricklis was the recipient of the 2017 Spirit of Scotland Award from the St. Andrews Society of Mid-Maryland.
“A man of great dignity and presence, Dave was the drum major of all drum majors, commanding respect with his polished bearing, calm authority, and unmatched organizational skills,” his family wrote on the memorial page of Sol Levinson & Bros. “As co-commander of the Brotherhood of Kilted Veterans and a proud U.S. Army veteran, Dave revered the flag and was deeply honored to have served his country. In all he did, Dave brought order, precision, and thoughtful care. He ensured that every endeavor, large or small, was meticulously planned and documented so that it could be carried on seamlessly by others. He believed in always doing the right thing, even when it was difficult.
“At home, Dave revealed a quieter side, humble, gentle, and the steadfast protector of his family. … Dave’s eloquence, grace, and steadfast commitment to his values leave a lasting example for all who knew him.”
Wrote Rabbi Amy R. Scheinerman: “Dave’s memory will certainly be a blessing for all who knew this wonderful, kind, thoughtful man. I have many wonderful memories of Dave. I send my condolences to the entire family.”
Ricklis is survived by his wife of more than 52 years, Gladys Ricklis (née Weingarten); his daughters, Becky Ricklis, Carole (Banny) Nusbaum, and Rachel (Dov) Shar; and his grandchildren, Eitan, Rena, Addie, LeeLee, and Yishai Shar, and Sophie and Emma Nusbaum.
Services were held Monday afternoon, July 14, at Sol Levinson’s Chapel in Pikesville. Interment at Beth Jacob Cemetery, 2900 Baltimore Boulevard in Finksburg.
Contributions in his memory may be sent to Chabad of Owings Mills, 11299 Owings Mills Boulevard, Suite 202, Owings Mills, Maryland 21117 and Chabad of Carroll County, 748 Sussex Court, Sykesville, Maryland 21784
The family will be in mourning at 5705 Linton Road in Eldersburg.
“We mourn the loss of Drum Major David Ricklis — a towering figure in our pipe band community, whose serious expression while leading the massed bands was matched only by the warmth and kindness he shared off the field,” posted the Wake and District pipe band of Raleigh, North Carolina, on social media. “David led with pride, purpose, and a presence that commanded attention. But behind the music and the mace was a man full of life, laughter, and love for pipe bands and the people who play. To those who knew him, he wasn’t just a leader — he was a friend.
“A quiet encourager. A man who made us better. In his honor, we say not just goodbye — but L’Chaim — to life. Because David lived his with heart, and gave so much of it to all of us.”
Posted the Macdonald Pipe Band of Pittsburgh: “Rest well, Drum Major. You earned it!”
To watch the funeral of Marc David Ricklis, visit vimeo.com/event/5253954/a7247f2c5a.
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