— Richard "Rick" O'Neil, 64, of Traverse City, passed away on Thursday, July 2, 2015 at Orchard Creek Assisted Living. Rick was born on March 1, 1951 in Riverview, to the late Richard Laurence "Larry" and Deloris "Dee" (Bertoldi) O'Neil. He married Lori Ankerson (Bloxsom) on May 30, 2009.
He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War.
Rick was employed by IBM as an electronic technician, retiring in 2010 after 33 years of service, and continued to work as an analyst for Ben Dunwell of Flextech Solutions.
The Boy Scouts held a special place in his heart and he served in Troop 30 for many years. He was a member of the Order of the Arrow and served as assistant troop leader, committee chairman and in many ways too numerous to list. Alongside many strong leaders, Rick had the privilege of assisting more than 50 boys reach the highest rank of Eagle Scout.
An avid hunter, Rick scheduled his life around regular trips to the Upper Peninsula and Circle W Ranch near Atlanta. There he joined his buddies hunting deer, and with his faithful Brittany "Jessie" at his side he hunted many birds and rabbits. This past season he bagged his trophy. It was the second largest deer taken from Circle W, a beautiful eight point buck weighing in at over 200 pounds.
In 2012 Rick fully retired. He delighted in proclaiming every day a Saturday and relished having more time to thoroughly enjoy life with his wife, hobbies, family and friends.
He loved birds and could whistle their calls so well they would fly in to investigate. Besides hunting Rick enjoyed many other hobbies such as cooking, gardening, reading, camping, mushrooming, dining, wineries, brew fests and fishing to name a few. He was learning beekeeping from his father-in law, Tom, and together they enjoyed a daily coffee club at Oleson's with friends.
Spending time with his family and his many good friends was Rick's greatest joy. His loving and robust personality drew everyone and he procured many wonderful friends over the years. Everyone who knew him knew that one of his all time favorite days was St. Patrick's Day. He thoroughly enjoyed that day each year and was sad that he was unable to do his beloved "Pub Crawl" this year.
This giant, big-hearted man would go out of his way to help others and often did. He was a giving and loving man who loved life and lived it to the fullest. He will be greatly missed and leaves a big gaping hole in his wife, Lori's heart and in the lives of many, many loved ones and friends.
Rick is survived by his loving wife, Lori; daughter, Heather O'Neil; son, Thomas "Tommy" (Massayo) O'Neil; daughter, Melanie (Kevin) Earl; son, Dustin (Sara) Ankerson; son, Kelby Ankerson; and two grandsons, Ein O'Neil and Logan Ankerson. Also surviving are four sisters and three brothers, Amy (Sam) Samfilippo, Sally (Randell) Thornton, David (Kathy) O'Neil, Joy (Eric) Parker, Allen (Christina) O'Neil, Michael "Mickey" (Sabina) O'Neil and Beth "Buffy" (Rodney) Powell; along with many dearly loved nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.
Friends are welcome to visit with Rick's family on Tuesday, July 7, 2015 from 4 to 7 p.m., at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth Street, Traverse City. A memorial service honoring Richard will take place at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 8, 2015 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, with visitation one hour prior. Pastor Rick Mavis will officiate.
The family expresses heartfelt thanks to everyone who donated prayers, time, financial help and gifts to Rick and Lori as they battled his illness of glioblastoma. Your help in any form is so appreciated and we pray you will reap a harvest of blessings for your love and compassion to us! A special thank you to Orchard Creek and their staff for their endless compassion, love and support, Rotary Charities for donating physical therapy. to the Munson Pharmacy and Munson Dietary staff, as well as Boy Scout Troop 30 for their fund raising efforts and to the Park Place Hotel for generously donating two days stay and dining for Rick and Lori's recent and sadly last wedding anniversary.
Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial donation to Westside Community Church or Orchard Creek.
Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Rick's family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .
The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.