Richard J. Pickard

Richard J. Pickard, 70, of Battle Creek, Michigan passed away peacefully December 22, 2017. Richard was born November 5, 1947, in Detroit, the only child of the late Maurice H. and Edwarda Sophie (Horosko) Pickard. He graduated from Roseville High School in 1966. For a brief time, he worked at Montgomery Ward in Roseville and at Chrysler. He completed Radio Electronic School and was hired by Grand Trunk Western Railroad in Port Huron in 1971. There, he held several positions over the next 30 years. He worked in the blacksmith shop, the signals department and later moved to Battle Creek to take a position as a locomotive electrician in 1981 where he retired in 2002. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), and also a member of the safety committee and first aid teams.

Richard was a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary and enjoyed watching ships and monitoring their radio frequencies. He was a licensed amateur radio operator since high school and a Ham radio enthusiast. He also enjoyed talking on CB radio where he went by the handle of "River Rat". He was an avid sports fan. He followed NFL and College football, basketball, baseball and hockey. He especially enjoyed watching NASCAR and Formula 1 racing and loved to attend Michigan Speedway on occasions. He was interested in local government for Emmett Township where he rarely missed township planning and board meetings. He was also an animal lover and adored his dog, Minnie.

Richard married the former Ann R. (Deaton) Marsh on May 7, 1975 in Port Huron, Michigan. When they were married, Ann had eight children from a previous marriage. He not only took on the responsibility of raising the kids with her, but accepted and considered them as his own.

In addition to Ann, Richard is also survived by 7 of their 8 children, Leonard W. (Patricia) Marsh of St. Clair, MI., Joanne L. Grantz of Amarillo, TX., Kathy M. (Rick) Steele of Port Huron, MI., Laura L. (Matthew) Graham of Clyde, MI., Steven D. Marsh of Battle Creek, MI., Daniel P. (Rhonda) Marsh of Croswell, MI., Tracy R. (Chris) Frey of Battle Creek, MI., 24 grandchildren and 44 great grandchildren.

Sadly, he was predeceased by his parents, a son, John L. Marsh of Amarillo, TX, and an uncle, Walter L. Pickard of Gaylord, MI.

A memorial service will be held February 3, 2018, 2 p.m., at Crossroads Community Church, 3631 King Rd., China Township, MI. 48059. Reverend John Beauchamp will be officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the family or consider giving to Haven of Rest in Battle Creek or the Salvation Army. Arrangements were made by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home and Cremation Care. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.