Richard "Rich" Micklin, 71, of Traverse City, passed away, with his family at his side, on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 in Oakland, California, after a brief illness. Rich was born on September 15, 1945 in Chicago, IL to Frank and Bernice Micklin. He married the love of his life Marcia Polomski on February 18, 1969. Rich grew up in Oak Lawn, IL. He graduated from the University of Illinois earning a Bachelor's Degree and later his Master's Degree from the University of Arizona, both degrees were in Geology, which he knew he wanted to do since childhood. Rich began his career as a Petroleum Geologist for Texaco in New Orleans. His career took him to Denver and then Hawaii, where he became an environmental geologist. In 1994 he moved to Traverse City where he was employed by EC&S as an environmental geologist.

Rich had many hobbies and interests; first and foremost was his love for fossils and mineral collecting. He was also an avid gardener of both vegetable and flowers. Rich enjoyed bowling with the "Tuesday Group" and "donating" quarters to the other guys for many frames during the course of the afternoon. He was also a history buff, especially ancient Rome. Rich was always ready to lend a helping hand, he volunteered at his church's food pantry for many years. Rich was very proud of being within a few visits of getting his 5-gallon badge from MI Blood. This was a real achievement for a person who did not like needles. He recently started making jewelry and was very proud of a ring made for himself out of, as Rich said, "not just petrified wood, but a petrified tree ROOT."
Rich was always friendly, upbeat, optimistic and smiling. Even in the face of this disease, we never saw him "down" or heard "why me."

Rich is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Marcie, a daughter, Emily (Mark) Miraflor of Oakland, CA, his mother, Bernice Micklin. Also surviving are a brother-in-law, Ron (Jackie) Polomski as well as many friends and relatives, who will truly miss him.

Rich was preceded in death by a son, Frank Micklin and his father, Frank Micklin.

A memorial service honoring Richard will take place at 11:00 a.m., with visiting one hour prior at 10:00 a.m., on Tuesday, May 2, 2017 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth St., Traverse City, MI 49684. Rev. Fr. James Hayden and Deacon Rene Hoenscheid will co-officiate.

Richard's family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the countless friends and relatives, both local and out town, for all your love, support and help during this time. It all happened too fast.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial donation to the Father Fred Foundation, 826 Hastings St., Traverse City, MI 49686.

Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Rich's family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .

The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.