Richard M. Cooley Obituary
Richard M. Cooley, known affectionately as Rick or Tex by his friends and family, left us on the 25th of February 2025, at the age of 69. Born on March 9, 1955, in Bay City, Michigan, he was a lifelong resident of the community he loved. Rick passed away peacefully in the same city where he first embarked on the remarkable journey of his life.
Rick was the beloved husband of Catherine Cooley, with whom he shared a life full of love and laughter. Together, they raised two wonderful children, Ryan, who is married to Amanda, and their daughter, Tiffany. Rick's legacy includes his cherished grandchildren: Kileigh, Kaden, Addison, Landon, Makenna, Liam Cooley, and Kellsie Rahn, who will forever hold him in their hearts as the grandfather who taught them the joys of the great outdoors.
He is survived by his brother, Norm Barber, and was preceded in death by his siblings Jay Barber, Oliver Barber, Leona Campbell, Shirley Miller, Carol Barcia, and brothers Bill and Ron Cooley. Each family member played a significant role in shaping the man that Rick became, and their memories will continue to be honored through stories shared at family gatherings.
Rick's work ethic was admirable; he began his career at Made Rite, where he was integral to the maintenance team. His industrious nature led him to a career as a Semi-Driver, eventually moving on to Quality Carriers, where he dedicated many years before retiring in 2007. Rick's colleagues knew him as a man who could be relied upon, a trait that extended far beyond his professional life.
Away from work, Rick was a man truly at home in nature. He was happiest when camping, trail riding, or spending time with his family around a campfire. His love for deer hunting and the outdoor life was not only a hobby but a passion that he shared with his children and grandchildren, instilling in them a profound respect for nature. Rick was a drummer for many different local bands. He had love for music and karaoke.
Rick's sense of humor was infectious; he was the person you could count on to lift the spirits of everyone around him. His gentle and loving demeanor made him a friend to many. The words funny, loving, and gentle are not just descriptors; they encapsulate the essence of a man who brought joy and warmth to every life he touched.
We take comfort in knowing that Rick is now reunited with his siblings in eternal peace, and we consider ourselves blessed to have been part of his extraordinary life. As the sun sets over the trails he once rode, and the campfires burn a little dimmer in his absence, we remember Rick M. Cooley as a beacon of love and laughter, a gentle soul who enriched our lives beyond measure.
Funeral service will be on Monday March 3, 2025 at 11am from Rivertown Funeral Chapel with Rev. Charlie Campbell presiding with burial at Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be on Sunday from 2pm to 8pm at Rivertown Funeral Chapel. On Monday from 10am till time of service. In lieu of flowers family has asked for donations for National Kidney Foundation of Michigan or Michigan Outdoor wish makers.
