Ricky P. Fick

Ricky Fick was a man of distinction. He was a hard-worker who knew how to get things done, and get them done right. Always loyal and loving, Ricky was a wonderful person to be around. If there was one thing that meant more than anything to him, it was family, and he made sure to do every thing he could to see them happy and well cared for. Ricky was an amazing man. 1955 was a year of events: the vaccine for Polio was introduced, saving countless lives; Disneyland was opened in California, which became a huge family attraction, the Guinness Book of World Records was published for the first time, and The Mickey Mouse Club even aired on television. Even so, the hubbub and excitement of the time was of little importance to Paul & Ruth (Johnson) Fick when compared to the birth of their first child, Ricky. Paul worked at the Norge Plant, and Ruth worked at the Wolverine Shoe factory. They were so thrilled to be starting their family, and after Ricky, they would have four more children. Marie was born in 1956, Terry in 1959, Mary in 1963, and their last, Vicky in 1968. Ricky had his work cut out for him in the big brother department! The family lived in Fruitport, and the kids went to Beach Elementary School. In July of 1968 the family found a new home at 1006 Washington Street, which was a wonderful place for the kids to grow up. Ricky was an active boy, and by the time he was at Nelson Junior High, he was developing many interests. He excelled as a track runner, and he started playing the guitar as well. He was a top-notch student who received good grades in all of his classes. He kept with track and cross country, and even managed to set records in cross country that are still standing today! Ricky may have been somewhat shy at times, but he had a rebellious streak in him as well and his shyness never stopped him from accomplishing anything he wanted to. He seemed to have it all, dates, invites to all the parties, plenty of friends, and yet, he didnt let it go to his head. After he graduated from Muskegon High School in 1973 he took a year off before joining the army in 1974. He left the next year, and came home to work at Westran Foundry. He treated himself to the purchase of a brand new 1976 red, white and blue Nova that he could not have been more proud of. Ricky lived with his mother, and helped her with the house and in 1977 he got married. His father died in 1978, which proved to be a devastating blow, but in the same year his first son Eric was born. His second son, Brian was born two years later, and those kids brought him more joy and fulfillment than he ever thought possible. After his divorce in 1982, Ricky worked especially hard in order to take care of his sons. He, as usual, had many interests and now he found a love of antiquing, as well as being on softball and bowling leagues. He enjoyed keeping busy, and these were excellent outlets for his time. He always loved to listen to music, and he turned to its comfort often. He was doing well for himself, he was a free spirit, had lots of girlfriends, and simply found ways to enjoy life. It was during one of his midnight bowling leagues in 1987 that he met Mary Manguem. She was a wonderful person, and he couldnt help but fall for her. There was something different about her, Ricky could tell. They dated for a long time, and finally got married on August 10, 1996. They lived on 4438 S. Quarterline roads, and they loved it. It was the perfect place for them. Ricky and Mary worked hard to landscape the outside. He loved to garden, and get in with his hands. They even re-did the entire basement, creating an enviable sports bar. This was not exactly a surprise, since Ricky loved sports like crazy! He had a huge plasma screen television on which he would watch sports non-stop. He always said, party in the basement! which was usually true. They were known for hosting the best parties. Ricky was a dew-rag wearing, Bud Light loving, easy-going guy. A year after he married Mary, his mother died suddenly from a heart attack. They were always very close, and her death hit him hard. He was truly devastated, and turned to friends and family to get through the worst of it. Company was always welcome to him, and he was very close with his sisters. His friends Cindy, Linda, Mary Lou, Pam and Arthur were always there for him, and he never forgot how lucky he was to have them in his life. In 2004 Ricky underwent open-heart surgery, and in 2006 he was diagnosed with lung cancer. Of course, in his fashion, he became very close with his chemotherapy nurses. He fought a tough battle, he was stubborn and refused to let even cancer get him down. After two months of hospice care, he could fight no more. Ricky died Wednesday, August 27, 2008. Ricky was a wonderful man, he loved his family and friends and pets to the ends of the earth, and he would do anything for them. He could find joy and fun in the most simple of activities. A hard worker, and a strong spirit, he was someone to look up to, to be respected. He never stopped giving and loving, and he will never stop being missed. He was preceded in death by his mother, Ruth (Johnson) Fick and his father Paul Fick. His family members include: his wife, Mary Fick; his sons, Eric Fick of Holland, Brian Fick of Holland; his brother, Terry (Debbie) Fick of Montague; his sisters, Marie (Jeffery) Spofford of Newaygo, Mary (Curtis) Scott of Twin Lake, Vicky (Art) Atkin of Twin Lake; his several nieces & nephews; his brothers-in-law, Thomas (Lori) Manguem of MA, Jim Manguem of Muskegon; Chris Manguem of Muskegon; & special friend, Cindy Hadix of Muskegon. Friends may visit with the family on Friday, August 29th from 6-9 p.m. and on Saturday, August 30th from 10-11 a.m. at the Clock Life Story Funeral Home in Muskegon. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, at the same location. Please visit Rickys personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a favorite memory, sign the online guest book or make a memorial donation to the Harbor Hospice.