Richard Vaughn Frederick II's Obituary
Of Pleasant Lake, died peacefully on March 1, 2017 at the age of 70 after a brief illness. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Nancy; children, Mary (Ron) Taylor of Grand Blanc, Angela (David Snider) Frederick of Northville, Richard V. (Pam) Frederick III of Michigan Center, Dawn (Eric) Ray of Navarre, FL and Mike (Gretchen) Rade of Michigan Center; eight grandchildren, Michelle, Jamie, Elizabeth, Emily, Dylan, Max, Richard IV and Ryan; two great-grandchildren, Kyle Jr. and Mila; three siblings, Gail (Sam) Gier of Osseo, Tom (Annette) Frederick of Reading and Jerry (Carol) Frederick of Coldwater; many nieces, nephews, family and friends. Richard was born August 18, 1946 in Jackson to Richard V. and Elizabeth (Fry) Frederick. He grew up in Pittsford, MI attending a one room schoolhouse thru the seventh grade. At Pittsford High he excelled in sports, especially football and golf. Upon graduation, Richard enlisted in the Air Force and was assigned to the Air Police which prepared him for a career in law enforcement. Returning to civilian life, he worked with departments in Jackson, Hillsdale, Orlando, FL and as the Chief of Police in Almont, MI. His career path took an interesting turn into private and international security culminating in a ten year stint in Washington, DC working closely with the CIA, FBI, DOJ and U.S. Marshal's with responsibility for an international witness protection program. Richard's high level security clearance made possible seven years as White House Volunteers for himself and Mrs. Frederick; their "front row seat on history" and his photography hobby allowed him to amass a large collection of historic photos. He cherished times on his grandparent's farm in Tustin, MI where he hunted, fished and had fun times with family and friends. He also enjoyed sports, especially the TIGERS; he was able to attend all seven games of the 1984 World Series. He loved coaching his three children in all of their sports and assisting and encouraging his grandchildren's athletic pursuits. Richard was a Puppy Raiser for the Leader Dogs for the Blind and had a "best friend" in his golden retriever, Buddy. He was dearly loved and will be missed by many. A Celebration of Richard's Life will be held at Arthur-Day Funeral Home, 820 Fifth St, Michigan Center, MI on Saturday, April 8, 2017 at 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Leader Dogs for the Blind, 1039 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, MI 48307 or McLaren Hospice and Home Care Foundation, 1515 Cal Drive, Davison, MI 48423 would be appreciated.
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