I recently (July 2019) learned from a student that Michael and I had in common that he had passed 10 years ago. Michael was not only my fellow teacher but also my mentor in coaching. He was always a gentle soul whose soft-spoken demeanor had a calming affect on those he associated with.
He and I had common passions, especially music. I had lost contact with him after I moved to a new school district in 1979. I truly regret that I never kept in contact with him. I will always remember him in my prayers and his affect on my teaching career.
Wayne Foote Relation to Deceased: past Neighbor and Friend Mike was a neighbor and friend of mine; Mike also played a part in my children’s lives He would often take time out from what ever he was about to do to stop and play a little catch with my son Chris. He even taught him that a broken window did not mean any thing as long as it was done by accident that did happen on a couple of occasions in Mike own back yard. Ms Laura would just shake her head, laugh than walk away that was her husband and love and that was the way Mike just was. With my daughter Kim, Mike was available all the time to chat and ask her about school and her many other activities that she was involved in and to the best of my knowledge never told her that he was busy and would help her later, it would always right then. Pre- teen girls were complex and Mike would find and make time for her. Mr. Richter was their friend. As the single dad living next store, Mike always would listen and never be opinioned He was one great ear to stop and talk with and share a laugh or two with. He often would talk about his kids from school and what a great group of kids he was blessed with. We moved away but Mr. Richter was always in our thoughts and prayers, as was the entire Richter Family One good friend one great neighbor, May the heavens bless him and God keep him safe I think no matter where you stray, That I shall go with you a way. Though you may wander sweeter lands, You will not forget my hands, Nor yet the way I held my head Nor the tremulous things I said. You will still see me, small and white And smiling, in the secret night, And feel my arms about you when The day comes fluttering back again. I think, no matter where you be, You’ll hold me in your memory And keep my image there without me, By telling later loves about me. Dorothy Parker
Tim Donakowski Relation to Deceased: High School Classmate Everyone on the CC track team called him “Les Richter.” Quite a good nickname for a football fan like Mike. We will be reflecting on you Mike at our 40th reunion this year. Requiescat in pace. td
Terry Murphy Relation to Deceased: Friend Mike and I were roommates off campus at Fisher. He was a great competitor and friend. I will always remember his love for his Mustang and our wall of spaghetti. My prayers are with his family and all who mourn his passing. I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one, I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done. I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways, of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days. I’d like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun. Of happy memories that I leave when life is done.
Sr. Anna E. Derouchie Relation to Deceased: Friend I had the opportunity to get to know Mike when we worked together at Nazareth Hall in the late 70’s and 80’s. He always had a warm smile and was willing to help with almost anything. I am sure he will be missed by many but we will hold fond memories of him forever.
Mark L King Relation to Deceased: C.C. classmate When Mike was running for class president, he made a rather profound statement that I continue to use to judge every candidate from township clerk to our nation’s president. I don’t remember the exact wording, but it went something like this: The butterfly emerges from its silken shell- Reborn, it arises, no longer bound to earth. Free at last, the butterfly glides to heights unknown before. So do our loved ones find a beautiful release as, earthbound no more, they leave our sight and joyfully rise to a garden of matchless beauty, a place of light and peace. -Evelyn Phillips
Mark Harnischfeger Relation to Deceased: Former Student at Nazareth Hall Mike was my 7th Grade Teacher at Nazareth Hall. He was also my Basketball and Softball Coach. The lessons that Mike taught are still carried and used today. He truly had an impact on who I am today. The butterfly emerges from its silke
Kim Foote Graham Laura and Katy, I am so sad to hear about Mike. I have so many memories of all of you from when I was growing up. Everytime I hear anything about Michigan I still to this day think of Mike. He taught me so many things and he was truly one of the best people I know. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. The butterfly emerges from its silken shell- Reborn, it arises, no longer bound to earth. Free at last, the butterfly glides to heights unknown before. So do our loved ones find a beautiful release as, earthbound no more, they leave our sight and joyfully rise to a garden of matchless beauty, a place of light and peace. -Evelyn Phillips
Kathy Birk Relation to Deceased: I was blessed to work with Laura and so knew Mike I’m Free The butterfly emerges from its silken shell- Reborn, it arises, no longer bound to earth. Free at last, the butterfly glides to heights unknown before. So do our loved ones find a beautiful release as, earthbound no more, they leave our sight and joyfully rise to a garden of matchless beauty, a place of light and peace. -Evelyn Phillips
Kathryn L McHugh I have the best memories of Mike Richter. Always a pleasure to be around and had great stories to tell. I will remember his enthusiasm and energy towards life, sports and his family. The butterfly emerges from its silken shell- Reborn, it arises, no longer bound to earth. Free at last, the butterfly glides to heights unknown before. So do our loved ones find a beautiful release as, earthbound no more, they leave our sight and joyfully rise to a garden of matchless beauty, a place of light and peace. -Evelyn Phillips
Karen Pearson Relation to Deceased: colleague Mike’s was a life that touched us all. Always smiling, ever optimistic, Mike was a pleasure to know and work with. No matter how busy, he would take time to stop and chat or listen to a problem. His confident easy-going manner put adults and students at ease. This unexpected passing leaves us sad for the loss but joyful for his presence in our lives. The butterfly emerges from its silken shell- Reborn, it arises, no longer bound to earth. Free at last, the butterfly glides to heights unknown before. So do our loved ones find a beautiful release as, earthbound no more, they leave our sight and joyfully rise to a garden of matchless beauty, a place of light and peace. -Evelyn Phillips
John DeStephano Relation to Deceased: Nazareth Hall Student I am so sorry to hear about Mike. Mike was my 7th grade teacher at Nazareth Hall in 1981-82. I’ll always remember his passion to teach, his love of Michigan, the blue RX7 that was the coolest car in the world and how to diagram a sentence with a prepositional phrase. He’ll be in my prayers.
Jody Filonovich Relation to Deceased: Friend and Big Ten Rival Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. Much love, Sparty
Howie Kavanagh Relation to Deceased: Long time friend… Mike was a friend for close to 40 years…..always there for you, a great educator, and a class person. I think of our first days at St. John Fisher and it seems like they only happened yesterday!! I could say more…but….. May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face and rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of His hand. An Old Irish Blessing
Dave Thomas Relation to Deceased: Friend Mike was one of “The Good Guys”! He always came into my gymnasium with a SMILE on his face and ALWAYS had positive things to say! REST in PEACE,Mike! Dave The butterfly emerges from its silken shell- Reborn, it arises, no longer bound to earth. Free at last, the butterfly glides to heights unknown before. So do our loved ones find a beautiful release as, earthbound no more, they leave our sight and joyfully rise to a garden of matchless beauty, a place of light and peace. -Evelyn Phillips
Bill Lindsay Relation to Deceased: Friend How sad it is to say goodbye to a nice friend and fellow educator. Time with you was always cheerful and pleasant. I will miss you! My best wishes to Laura and Katy. The butterfly emerges from its silken shell- Reborn, it arises, no longer bound to earth. Free at last, the butterfly glides to heights unknown before. So do our loved ones find a beautiful release as, earthbound no more, they leave our sight and joyfully rise to a garden of matchless beauty, a place of light and peace. -Evelyn Phillips
I recently (July 2019) learned from a student that Michael and I had in common that he had passed 10 years ago. Michael was not only my fellow teacher but also my mentor in coaching. He was always a gentle soul whose soft-spoken demeanor had a calming affect on those he associated with.
He and I had common passions, especially music. I had lost contact with him after I moved to a new school district in 1979. I truly regret that I never kept in contact with him. I will always remember him in my prayers and his affect on my teaching career.
Additional Tribute Link: http://youtu.be/WbsIoHPKBJ8
Wayne Foote Relation to Deceased: past Neighbor and Friend Mike was a neighbor and friend of mine; Mike also played a part in my children’s lives He would often take time out from what ever he was about to do to stop and play a little catch with my son Chris. He even taught him that a broken window did not mean any thing as long as it was done by accident that did happen on a couple of occasions in Mike own back yard. Ms Laura would just shake her head, laugh than walk away that was her husband and love and that was the way Mike just was. With my daughter Kim, Mike was available all the time to chat and ask her about school and her many other activities that she was involved in and to the best of my knowledge never told her that he was busy and would help her later, it would always right then. Pre- teen girls were complex and Mike would find and make time for her. Mr. Richter was their friend. As the single dad living next store, Mike always would listen and never be opinioned He was one great ear to stop and talk with and share a laugh or two with. He often would talk about his kids from school and what a great group of kids he was blessed with. We moved away but Mr. Richter was always in our thoughts and prayers, as was the entire Richter Family One good friend one great neighbor, May the heavens bless him and God keep him safe I think no matter where you stray, That I shall go with you a way. Though you may wander sweeter lands, You will not forget my hands, Nor yet the way I held my head Nor the tremulous things I said. You will still see me, small and white And smiling, in the secret night, And feel my arms about you when The day comes fluttering back again. I think, no matter where you be, You’ll hold me in your memory And keep my image there without me, By telling later loves about me. Dorothy Parker
Tim Donakowski Relation to Deceased: High School Classmate Everyone on the CC track team called him “Les Richter.” Quite a good nickname for a football fan like Mike. We will be reflecting on you Mike at our 40th reunion this year. Requiescat in pace. td
Terry Murphy Relation to Deceased: Friend Mike and I were roommates off campus at Fisher. He was a great competitor and friend. I will always remember his love for his Mustang and our wall of spaghetti. My prayers are with his family and all who mourn his passing. I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one, I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done. I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways, of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days. I’d like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun. Of happy memories that I leave when life is done.
Sr. Anna E. Derouchie Relation to Deceased: Friend I had the opportunity to get to know Mike when we worked together at Nazareth Hall in the late 70’s and 80’s. He always had a warm smile and was willing to help with almost anything. I am sure he will be missed by many but we will hold fond memories of him forever.
Public Memorial for Michael J. Richter
NULL NULL Yo te Quiero Mucho….–Baby Bo
Mark L King Relation to Deceased: C.C. classmate When Mike was running for class president, he made a rather profound statement that I continue to use to judge every candidate from township clerk to our nation’s president. I don’t remember the exact wording, but it went something like this: The butterfly emerges from its silken shell- Reborn, it arises, no longer bound to earth. Free at last, the butterfly glides to heights unknown before. So do our loved ones find a beautiful release as, earthbound no more, they leave our sight and joyfully rise to a garden of matchless beauty, a place of light and peace. -Evelyn Phillips
Mark Harnischfeger Relation to Deceased: Former Student at Nazareth Hall Mike was my 7th Grade Teacher at Nazareth Hall. He was also my Basketball and Softball Coach. The lessons that Mike taught are still carried and used today. He truly had an impact on who I am today. The butterfly emerges from its silke
Kim Foote Graham Laura and Katy, I am so sad to hear about Mike. I have so many memories of all of you from when I was growing up. Everytime I hear anything about Michigan I still to this day think of Mike. He taught me so many things and he was truly one of the best people I know. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. The butterfly emerges from its silken shell- Reborn, it arises, no longer bound to earth. Free at last, the butterfly glides to heights unknown before. So do our loved ones find a beautiful release as, earthbound no more, they leave our sight and joyfully rise to a garden of matchless beauty, a place of light and peace. -Evelyn Phillips
Kathy Birk Relation to Deceased: I was blessed to work with Laura and so knew Mike I’m Free The butterfly emerges from its silken shell- Reborn, it arises, no longer bound to earth. Free at last, the butterfly glides to heights unknown before. So do our loved ones find a beautiful release as, earthbound no more, they leave our sight and joyfully rise to a garden of matchless beauty, a place of light and peace. -Evelyn Phillips
Kathryn L McHugh I have the best memories of Mike Richter. Always a pleasure to be around and had great stories to tell. I will remember his enthusiasm and energy towards life, sports and his family. The butterfly emerges from its silken shell- Reborn, it arises, no longer bound to earth. Free at last, the butterfly glides to heights unknown before. So do our loved ones find a beautiful release as, earthbound no more, they leave our sight and joyfully rise to a garden of matchless beauty, a place of light and peace. -Evelyn Phillips
Karen Pearson Relation to Deceased: colleague Mike’s was a life that touched us all. Always smiling, ever optimistic, Mike was a pleasure to know and work with. No matter how busy, he would take time to stop and chat or listen to a problem. His confident easy-going manner put adults and students at ease. This unexpected passing leaves us sad for the loss but joyful for his presence in our lives. The butterfly emerges from its silken shell- Reborn, it arises, no longer bound to earth. Free at last, the butterfly glides to heights unknown before. So do our loved ones find a beautiful release as, earthbound no more, they leave our sight and joyfully rise to a garden of matchless beauty, a place of light and peace. -Evelyn Phillips
John DeStephano Relation to Deceased: Nazareth Hall Student I am so sorry to hear about Mike. Mike was my 7th grade teacher at Nazareth Hall in 1981-82. I’ll always remember his passion to teach, his love of Michigan, the blue RX7 that was the coolest car in the world and how to diagram a sentence with a prepositional phrase. He’ll be in my prayers.
Jody Filonovich Relation to Deceased: Friend and Big Ten Rival Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. Much love, Sparty
Jerry Taylor Relation to Deceased: Colleague I worked with Mike for many years in Greece. He was a great guy. I’ll miss him.
Howie Kavanagh Relation to Deceased: Long time friend… Mike was a friend for close to 40 years…..always there for you, a great educator, and a class person. I think of our first days at St. John Fisher and it seems like they only happened yesterday!! I could say more…but….. May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face and rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of His hand. An Old Irish Blessing
Dave Thomas Relation to Deceased: Friend Mike was one of “The Good Guys”! He always came into my gymnasium with a SMILE on his face and ALWAYS had positive things to say! REST in PEACE,Mike! Dave The butterfly emerges from its silken shell- Reborn, it arises, no longer bound to earth. Free at last, the butterfly glides to heights unknown before. So do our loved ones find a beautiful release as, earthbound no more, they leave our sight and joyfully rise to a garden of matchless beauty, a place of light and peace. -Evelyn Phillips
Bill Lindsay Relation to Deceased: Friend How sad it is to say goodbye to a nice friend and fellow educator. Time with you was always cheerful and pleasant. I will miss you! My best wishes to Laura and Katy. The butterfly emerges from its silken shell- Reborn, it arises, no longer bound to earth. Free at last, the butterfly glides to heights unknown before. So do our loved ones find a beautiful release as, earthbound no more, they leave our sight and joyfully rise to a garden of matchless beauty, a place of light and peace. -Evelyn Phillips