Rick Root

Rick Root’s strongest belief was that “you can’t take it with you,” and he accordingly lived his life to the fullest. When he was at work, he worked hard, and when he was at home, he played hard! From fast cars, new boats, softball to happy hour with friends, and long weekends at the cabin with family, Rick spent his life doing what he loved. A vibrant medley of friends and family, sunshine and water, laughter and memories, it is hard to imagine a better way in which Rick could have spent his 64 years on this earth. His kindness, friendliness, and pure joy in life touched many hearts; he was deeply loved, and will be deeply missed.

For most Americans, post-war economic prosperity was starting to be felt by the year 1949, a year notable for the creation of NATO, the first non-stop round-the-world flight, and the airing of the first TV Western. For proud parents Lloyd and Mildred (McKay) Root, however, 1949 will be best remembered as the birth year of their first and only child, Richard H. “Rick” Root, on February 19, 1949.

The Root family lived in Byron, Michigan, the town where Rick would live his entire life. One of Rick’s favorite childhood memories was of the cookies his mother would have ready for him and his friends after school – a delicious treat to come home to, the cookies were always fresh out of the oven. Rick’s best friend was Sue Vince, who was born only seven days apart from Rick. It was a friendship meant to be: not only were Rick and Sue best friends, their mothers were best friends as well. Young Rick also enjoyed playing cards, softball, and baseball with the Warner and Sutton boys. Sadly, Rick’s mother Mildred passed away when Rick was 14 years old.

Even as a teenager, Rick worked hard by working at George Vince Garage, which was owned by the father of his friend Sue, and at Feke and Yoot Grocery in Byron, Michigan. Athletic and outgoing, Rick was frequently seen playing both football and slow pitch softball during his years at Byron High School. He graduated in 1967, and went on to complete an apprenticeship through the Bricklayers Union Local #12 in Flint during 1968.

Not long after finishing high school, Rick started dating a pretty young lady named Katherine Nichols. Rick and Kathy went way back, having been friends since their days in kindergarten. The young couple soon fell in love, and were married on May 23, 1969, in Byron.

As the years went by, Rick and Kathy were blessed with two children, whom they named Rob and Shannon. Rick supported his family by working as a bricklayer for Jones & Simpson of Flint, and later for Schiffer Mason Contractors. Rick also served on the Burns Township Fire Department from 1968 to 1997, and served as chief from 1982 to 1987. Rick’s son Rob remembers not listening to his mom much, but the sentence beginning “When your dad gets home …” always caught his attention. Once his mom said that, he knew it wouldn’t be long before his dad came home and he would have to “toe the line!” Although Rick taught his children much over the years, the most important lessons he passed on were a strong work ethic and the wisdom of living in the present moment. He understood that a happy life is a balanced life, and emphasized the idea that the weekdays were for work just as strongly as the idea that the weekend was for fun.

In his free time, Rick enjoyed getting together with friends to play softball. From the age of 18 to 35, he played slow pitch softball four nights a week, and often traveled for games on the weekend as well. Rick also loved cars, and was known for buying the newest, fastest and loudest boats and cars every year. Whether it was driving dune buggies, snowmobiling, or boating, Rick was happiest if his family members were there too. He was a true family man, and always looked forward to time spent with his family in the evenings and on the weekends. Every Friday night, friends and family gathered together for Happy Hour at the Root house, a long-standing tradition enjoyed by many over the years. Frequent attendees will remember Rick’s two catch phrases: “It takes a big dog to weigh a ton!” (in response to the question " What do you think?”), and “It’s a deep subject for a shallow mind!” (in response to the remark “Well”).

Rick and Kathy both enjoyed traveling, and have fond memories of a cruise to Hawaii. They also enjoyed traveling closer to home, and made many trips to Higgins Lake in their motor home. In 1992, their dream of having a cottage of their own at Higgins Lake became a reality. Six years later, in 1998, they were thrilled to move to another cabin, on the lake itself, where they could see and hear all of the waterfront activity. After Rick’s retirement in 2007, he and Kathy were able to spend even more time at the lake. Rick was never happier than when friends and family visited at the cabin, and the only drawback was that sometimes there wasn’t enough sleeping space for all the guests. Rick solved this problem in 2012, when he completed a “garage” with a special loft area with rooms enough to house all those who had a special place in his heart.

Hardworking and reliable, cheerful and outgoing, Rick was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a loyal friend. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his many friends and family members.

Mr. Richard H. “Rick” Root died on May 15, 2013, at the age of 64. Rick’s family includes his wife, Kathy; their children, Rob (Jennifer) Root of Byron and Shannon Root of Lansing; his grandchildren, Sabrina and Derek Root of Byron; and his sister, Sandy (Bill) Taylor of Bancroft. He was predeceased by his stepmother, Juanita Root.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 20, 2013 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 9450 Duffield Road, Gaines. Father Robert McKeon and Deacon Wayne Corrion will officiate. Burial will follow in the Byron Cemetery. The family will receive friends at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Sunday, May 19, 2013 from 1 to 4 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m., and on Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to Byron Sports Boosters, Byron Scholarship Fund, Byron Fireworks Committee, or the St. Joseph Catholic Church-Gaines MI. Please visit Rick’s personal memory page at www.hyattewald.com, where you can learn more about his life, share a favorite memory or photo, and sign the online guestbook.