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Obituary for Richard "Rick" L. Kaczmarek
Richard L. Kaczmarek, age 66, a resident of Whitmore Lake and a former longtime resident of Farmington Hills, died peacefully at home after a four month battle with liver cancer (cholangiocarcinoma). Rick was born on September 4, 1952, in Detroit, Michigan, the youngest child of Richard L. and Vida (Dawson) Kaczmarek.
Following high school, Rick earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Wayne State University in mechanical engineering. He was extremely knowledgeable, analytical and efficient with his time, which suited him well in his thirty six year career at Ford Motor Company and Chrysler as an emissions lab manager. Rick liked to keep busy in his spare time tinkering with cars and making home improvements. He was a longtime member of Classic Legends Car Club in Brighton and cherished his 1934 Ford Tudor. Water sports, kayaking and snow skiing were among his most favorite hobbies, and as luck would have it, on a ski trip in northern Michigan with Ford, Rick met the love of his life, Patricia McCoy. They married on July 19, 1980 in Allen Park, Michigan and together raised their three sons in Farmington Hills.
In 2007, Rick retired and pursued his lifelong dream of living on a lake. He took pride in caring for his home and yard and took care of all of the home improvements and lawn care himself. He also immersed himself into the community at Livonia Church of Christ, where he was a thirty four year member. Rick was a talented handyman who was always willing to help others when called upon. He treasured time spent with his grandchildren, children and his beloved wife. Rick and Patty traveled extensively together in retirement—going in recent years to Australia and New Zealand, Hawaii, Florida, and Texas while sharing many adventures together.
He will be missed by many, especially Patty, his loving wife of thirty eight years; three sons, David (Stella Huizar), Ryan (Laura) and Brad (Annalisa Crosmer); grandchildren, Logan, Ophelia, Sophia and Gabriella; and sister, Valerie (Jim) Eggleston. He also leaves extended family members and many dear friends who mourn his passing while thanking God for his life among them.
Visitation will be held at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 600 E. Main St, Brighton on Friday, November 30, 2018 from 3-8 PM.
A Funeral Service will be held at Livonia Church of Christ, 15431 Merriman Rd, Livonia on Saturday, December 1, 2018 at 11 AM with gathering beginning at 10 AM and a luncheon to follow. Mike Miles to officiate the service. Burial will take place at St. Mary's Cemetery, Rose Bud, Arkansas.
Memorial contributions may be made in his name to The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, 5526 West 13400 South, #510, Herriman, UT 84096 or to Healing Hands International, 455 McNally Drive, Nashville, TN 37211.
For further information phone Lynch & Sons, Brighton at 810-229-2905.
