Richard F. Nicholson

Richard F. Nicholson II, age 54, of Plymouth & East Tawas, MI, passed away July 19, 2022. He was born on September 23, 1967, in Belleville, the first child of Richard (Beverly) Nicholson and Patricia Jakimowicz Nicholson. Surviving is his wife, Andrea Nicholson; his children Rachel (Victor) Orozco, Rebecca Nicholson, Thomas Nicholson, Elizabeth (Brett) McKee, Joshua Polka, Darren Polka and Ryan Nicholson; his sister, Michelle (Jeff) Lee; his brother James (Rosemary) Nicholson; his niece, Riley Nicholson; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Rich always talked fondly about his childhood growing up on Anne Street in Allen Park. He had so much fun with the countless neighborhood children who lived on the same street. The group always gathered to play a large variety of activities, usually with Rich in charge. Curb ball and street hockey being his personal favorites. Rich attended the University of Michigan, while he also worked behind the counter at Thunderbowl Lanes. At the same time, he played for the Canadian Junior Hockey League for several years and his ice time took him to several different rinks throughout Michigan and Canada. When his older body could no longer compete with the more youthful and agile players, he switched over to coaching for many years. After much time working the lanes at Thunderbowl, he then worked for McCulley Tools delivering supplies to countless construction sites. Before obtaining a degree, he was hired by Chrysler Corp. and then Ceva Logistics. After corporate downsizing, Rich enjoyed working alongside his wife in several facets, lastly at Trainyard Tech. In addition, he was a devoted and loved coach of the Plymouth High School bowling team for several years. After his cancer diagnosis, he was forced into early retirement so that he could focus on his health. Rich loved family time and simply hanging out with his wife and children. Although he was not the biological father to all of his kids, he loved them as if they were his own. He also found great joy in spoiling his beloved puppies, Zoey & Abby. Game nights were extra special. He excelled in Pinochle and Cribbage, as well as many other card and board games. Rich's close group of friends held a special place in his heart. The friendship, support and love they shared with him was immeasurable. He felt extremely fortunate to have them in his life. He enjoyed the time spent together with each and every one of them. Traveling was by far Rich's favorite pastime, cruising was at the top of that list. His travels took him to many destinations across the globe. He was lucky enough to cross off many places on his bucket list. Rich's home on Cranberry Pike in East Tawas, MI was where he was the happiest. A perfect day included him being on Tawas Lake with a fishing pole in his hand. Catching "a keeper" was just an added bonus. Rich enjoyed watching the Detroit Red Wings but he was a passionate fan of the Boston Bruins. He also enjoyed watching Michigan football and yelling at the TV during a Detroit Lions game. Rich also enjoyed swinging his clubs on the golf course. He was thrilled that he was able to share his love for the game with his family and friends. The informal golf scrambles and competitions brought him much pleasure. Being a bowling coach obviously came from many years of experience bowling himself. Although Rich never bowled a 300, he bowled two 298 games. And 796 was his high 3-game series. In addition, he liked watching tv, especially war documentaries, anything sci-fi and his daily Wheel of Fortune fix. His day would come to a close with an episode of Hogan's Heroes. He also enjoyed playing games on his tablet, going for bike rides along the lake, sipping on an ice cold can of Coca-Cola and taking Zoey & Abby for walks. There will be a celebration of his life to be held Saturday, July 30th 12 noon – 3 PM at the family home at 10111 Wolfriver Drive, Plymouth. Memorials may be made to the Nicholson Children’s Fund c/o Andrea Nicholson. To share a memory, please use the Share a Memory tab on this webpage.

Richard F. Nicholson

September 23, 1967 - July 19, 2022