Richard Patch

 The dash between a person’s birth and death determines different things to different people. For Richard, that dash was all about his family and friends.

Born July 29, 1938, to Conrad and Katheryn (Wantuck) Patch, he entered this world weighing 9 lb, 11oz, ready to smile and laugh. He married Lorrie (Lorna Abell) in 1976, and the adventure began. Richard embraced Lorrie’s son (William “Rob” Robinson) as his own, teaching and giving him patience, the fine arts of mischief, and a dry sense of humor.

Richard and Lorrie spent many summers taking Rob, along with his cousins Sean and Bradley Abell, to Brevort Lake, where Richard would fill their clothes with sand, watch them climb the small sand dune, and, just before they reached the top, drag them back down the hill. You could hear their laughter echoing all the way across the lake. They also took side trips from Brevort Lake into Mackinac City, where, if Bradley didn’t behave, he would be ceremoniously tied upside down to a flagpole, and Richard, Rob, and Sean would tickle him.

Richard became the proud father-in-law of Stacie (Byrne) in July of 1992. He then patiently awaited the arrival of his grandkids, Jacob in 1998, and Amanda in 2001. This was his great opportunity to become a child again and to spoil and grow up again with them. They all learned so much on these summer vacations. It was always a vacation adventure. Whether packing them in a car and traveling, or watching Jacob and Amanda’s eyes as they rode huge water slides at the Wisconsin Dells, or ziplining through tree-lined resorts, he was always there, the third in line behind his Grandkids. Whether it was cutting up a good tie to make a tail for their kites or playing video games together to win a scooter, he was always right there. Lorrie said that she always took 3 children on vacation.

Richard also recently had the pleasure of becoming a great-grandfather to Riley Noelle Robinson. Another wonderful event marking the many blessings in his life.

If you had Richard as a friend, he was a true friend. He would always willingly help you with a true smile on his face.

And if he loved you, you never doubted it.

So, no tears, just smiles, and many beautiful, funny memories.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following charities:

The American Macular Degeneration Foundation

and

The Parkinson’s Foundation

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