FYE, RICHARD H.

Richard H.”Rich” Fye, age 88, of Richland, died unexpectedly, Thursday evening, May 15, 2008, at his residence.

Rich was born on Nov. 29, 1919 in Kalamazoo, MI and was the son of George and Grace (Whipple) Fye. Rich served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. He received the Purple Heart for injuries sustained in combat in 1942 on Guadalcanal while fighting with Carlson’s Marine Raiders. After the War, he returned to this area and worked as a Sheet Metal mechanic. He was the shop Foreman for Associated Mechanical Services for 25 years until his retirement in December of 1979. Rich was a member of the Comstock V.F.W. Post # 6252 and A.A.R.P. He loved flowers and thoroughly enjoyed raising flowers and vegetables. Rich was always helping anyone and everyone and took great pride in being a good friend and neighbor.

With the dedicated help of his wife, Mary J. Fye, he was able to build and move into their new home on the outlet to Gull Lake in 1959. They enjoyed their country living for many years. After his wife became ill, Rich received the help of a support group and also, with the understanding and unselfish help of Rita M. Atkinson of Richland and her family, Ann M. (Eppe) Wolfis and Michael L. Atkinson, both of Richland, he was able to survive some very difficult times. Also surviving is a sister, several cousins, a step-daughter and several step-grandchildren. Rich was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, a sister and a brother.

At the request of the family, friends may call today, May 19th at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Richland Chapel, 9170 East D Avenue, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The funeral service to celebrate Rich”s life will be held on Tuesday, May 20th at 1:00 PM at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Richland Chapel, with the Rev, Stephen M.G. Charnley, Pastor of the Gull Lake United Methodist Church, officiating. Interment will follow in Prairie Home Cemetery, Richland with the Comstock V.F.W. Post # 6252 providing military honors. Memorial contributions in Rich”s honor may be made to the Gull Lake United Methodist Church, 8640 Gull Road, Richland, MI, 49083 or the American Heart Association.