Ric Bohms

A man of honor, integrity, and selfless compassion, there was no one who met Ric Bohms who didn’t leave unchanged. He worked hard and inspired others to reach their full potential. A devoted father, Ric instilled within his children the desire to be responsible and accepting of others even when they may not see eye to eye. A lifelong learner, he was highly intelligent and knowledgeable on a variety of topics that gave way to engaging conversations. Ric will be remembered for being willing to help others in any way he could in ways both great and small. An extraordinary man to know and love, he will be dearly missed and not forgotten.

The year was 1943, and that was a year to remember in the lives of Alvin and Theo (Turnbull) Bohms as they were blessed with the birth of a healthy baby boy on November 20th in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Ric was the oldest of five children in his family and was raised in Adrian alongside his siblings Judy, Scott, Ross and Jeanie.

Ric experienced an upbringing that was a reflection of his generation. His parents were both educators with his father being the band director at school, church choir director and a musician. He had a strong spirit of independence, at the age of six he arrived to an empty home, promptly called a taxi and journeyed his way to the church where he found his family, this would cost him 1 quarter. Ric went to Adrian Schools until his senior year when they moved to Warren. As a high school student he was a diver on the swim team and played the clarinet in the band.

After graduating from high school, Ric went to Wayne State on a music scholarship, while there he stylishly played the bass drum in the marching band. Ric continued his studies at Western Michigan University where he received his Master’s degree and finished a dissertation short of a PHD. Being young and single Ric followed his adventurous spirit to Israel where he floated in the Dead Sea, backpacked around Europe, partook in motorcycle trials competitions, and was quite feared and fearless on the Rugby and softball fields.

New and exciting changes were in store for Ric when he met an intriguing woman. Her name was Ellie Nielsen, and they met in the fall of 1976. A romance ensued, and with a desire to share their lives together they were married on 7-7-77 at 7:00, in Kalamazoo. Together they were overjoyed to welcome their first child, Maeghann, whose name was chosen by Ric and was a combination of his Grandma Mae and Meghann from the Thornbirds. She was born in August of 1978 and later followed by Erica in December of 1979, Jacob in April of 1981, and Jeffrey in January of 1983.

Ric's choice of career was a fulfilling one, he worked in the Iosco Intermediate School District beginning in 1978, in 1986 he took a job at the Hillsdale Intermediate School Disctrict to be a Special Education Administrator. His calm demeanor, effective problem solving skills, and a strong background in teaching made for a great combination for him to excel at his job. He was liked and well respected by both peers and colleagues. After he retired, Ric continued to work for the school district as a self-employed education consultant until 2013.

Ric loved nothing more than being with his family. As a father he was always a teacher who also knew how to add fun and adventure to the lives of his children. By building them a treehouse, giving them dirt bikes (teaching them to ride them at the age of 6), and helping with all sorts of sports. There was the constant attempt to teach them the perfect golf swing, how to play football, baseball/softball and everything in between. There also were memorable family vacations that were taken in their motorhome as it was a great time to be together as a family and have fun. Being that teacher at heart he also made sure that there was an educational component to their excursions. He was there to support his children and his family in everything they did, including never missing a flag football game that his grown sons would play every week (needless to say, there weren’t to many parents at adult league rec games, so he was always just considered the coach).

He was known for his quick wit, which he certainly passed along to his kids. This made dinner time often stressful for Ellie, because being surrounded by 4 extreme smart alecks could become a bit much. Since he was the leader of this brigade, she lacked any help to contain it. However, that wit did come in handy when it came time for him to be the author of the annual Christmas letter. Of course, Ellie always had to edit it in order to preserve the dignity of their children!

Ric was a book worm, an avid golfer, and a music enthusiast. While living in Tawas and Hillsdale he and Ellie assembled a band that performed locally. Ric also played and directed the music for community theatre. As for the golfing, there were few things that would keep him off the course, as long as it was above freezing without lightning, it was golf weather to him. One of his great accomplishments within the game was when he got a hole in one down in Mount Dora Florida.

Described as a big kid at heart, he could be silly at times, yet was wise and intuitive when it came to reading people. Ric was selfless and willing to help anyone. His devotion to his family was unmistakable as he was forever showing them by his actions just how deeply they were loved. He will be remembered and cherished.

Ric Bohms, of Mattawan, died on Sunday, April 20, 2014, at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo. Learn more about Ric, view his Life Story film, and visit with his family and friends on Thursday from 5-8 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (375-2900). Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday at the same location.