Ricky L. Gleeson
They say the true measure of a man is the legacy he leaves behind. This would be true for Ricky L. Gleeson, 59, of Coldwater, as he made one final bike ride on Monday, August 1, 2016, around the neighborhood he had lived in for most of his life.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, August 5, 2016 at 11:00 AM at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Coldwater with Very Rev. Mark Vyverman, V.F. officiating. Visitation will be Thursday, August 4, 2016 from 2-8:00 PM, with the Rosary to begin at 7:00 PM, at Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater.
Ricky was born February 23, 1957 in White Pine, MI to Robert & Jacqueline (Dion) Gleeson. He graduated with honors from Coldwater High School in 1975 and from Kalamazoo College in 1979 with a BS in Bio Chemistry. On October 10, 1981, he married the love of his life, Dola Foster in Coldwater.
Ricky began his career as a business man, opening Rick’s Party Store in 1979 and World Automotive Equipment in 1995, operating them both until 2009. Rick was in charge of the Responsible Thinking Room at Legg Middle School and worked with ADAPT, home support. He most recently began working at Wal Mart.
Ricky was a member of St. Charles Church, where he took on many liturgical duties and proudly belonged to the Knights of Columbus. He was active with the Coldwater Township Sunrise Rotary, where he was past president and served as Foundation Chairman for 15 years. He continued to serve on many Rotary committees, including project manager for the baseball/softball renovations for the CHS and Little League programs. Ricky had earned the Paul Harris Fellowship, Rotary Hero awards and Silver Level Hal & Lillian Creal Service Above Self award. He belonged to the CAABC and loved hunting and watching sports. Ricky coached Rocket Football for 6 years. Also, baseball and softball for 4 years. He was an avid Green Bay Packers fan and a very proud supporter of the Coldwater Cardinals.
Ricky was a stranger to none. He was a friend and mentor, a humble and giving man. He would proudly tell you his accomplishments, but never truly take credit, because he attributed his success to the support of his community. He would, of course, smile and tell you his family was his most treasured blessing.
Ricky is survived by his wife Dola, his children Leah Gleeson of Coldwater, Ryan (Katie) Gleeson of Grand Rapids, his siblings Bruce (Tonya) Gleeson, Linn (Mike) McLaughlin, Brenda (Victor Landis) Haas, all of Coldwater, Scott (Renee) Gleeson of Saranac, Cheryl (John) Sherman of Coldwater, James (Nicki) Gleeson of Hastings, Michael Gleeson of Coldwater and many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by both parents.
Memorials may be directed to the Coldwater Township Sunrise Rotary Foundation or St. Charles School. www.dutcherfh.com.