Richard E. Wales

He was born on March 10, 1947, in Iron Mountain to the late William F. Wales Sr. and the late June B. (Larsen) Wales. Richard grew up in Quinnesec where he attended the Quinnesec Junior High School and graduated from Kingsford High School in 1965. He was an active member of the Kingsford High School Varsity Club and was manager for both the boys football and basketball teams, helping both to win championships.

After graduation, Richard worked as a truck driver, delivering prefabricated houses for Dickinson Homes for 34 years, driving over a million miles in six different states. During this time, Rich also served on the Quinnesec Volunteer Fire Department for many years. After retirement in 2012, he worked off and on with the Dickinson County Road Commission, keeping the roads plowed as needed. He also had many local friends, businesses and churches that contracted him to keep them plowed during harsh U.P winters.

Richard absolutely loved deer hunting and was successful yearly. He also enjoyed bird hunting and was a member of Ducks Unlimited for many years. He enjoyed fishing whenever he could and loved spending time with family and friends at his cottage on Sundog Lake where he would cook his annual Labor Day fish fry from the fish caught in the lake.

He was an avid outdoorsman and loved working in his garden. Richard also grew cherry tomatoes for several years, which he would sell to the local community. He served on the Breitung Township Board of Trustees for several years and loved being involved in the community. He was also a devoted member of the Quinnesec United Methodist Church for many years where he practiced his faith. He loved watching NASCAR racing and always cheered for anyone who was driving a Ford. Lastly, he loved all the dogs he owned throughout the years, especially his latest dog, Thor.

Richard is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Deborah J. (LaPointe) Wales; one step-son, Paul (Junice Dawn) LaPointe of Quinnesec; two step-daughters, Cheri (Joey) LaPointe of Quinnesec and Nicole (Joe) Gasper of East Grand Rapids, Mich.; a niece, Amy Wales of Lakeview, Mich.; and two grandchildren, Naya and Elli Gasper.

In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by his brother, William Wales Jr.; a sister-in-law, Sandy (Groenleer) Wales; and one nephew, William Wales III.

Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Friday, March 15, at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home.

Services will follow at 2 p.m. at the funeral home, with Pastor Walter Reichle officiating.

Condolences to the family of Richard E. Wales can be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhome.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.