Rick was born in Aurora, IL to Vernon and Elizabeth Keye prior to the family relocating to Pleasant Ridge, MI where Rick grew up. Rick grew up fearless, mischievous, and always testing limits. At age 5, he climbed to the top of the Detroit Zoo Water Tower where he had to be rescued by the fire department. At age 6, he broke his neck climbing up a slide at the Pleasant Ridge pool and walked home to his shocked parents, landing himself in traction for 6 months and creating a lifelong fear of hospitals and needles. Rick loved to tell everyone until the day he died that he was trypanophobic. At age 9, Rick had the pleasure of meeting the Coast Guard in person when he and a friend had to be rescued after attempting to row to Gull Island in a small rowboat with a storm brewing. Rick survived childhood and graduated from Ferndale High School two years early at age 16. He then went on to attend the University of Arizona (Go Wildcats) where he was a proud member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity.

The antics continued in college. Rick and his fraternity brothers shot rattlesnakes in the desert, pulled stingers out of scorpions to add to aspirin bottles for the unsuspecting hungover mate, and was arrested in Mexico during a trade embargo placed on produce. It was also during this time that Rick achieved perhaps his greatest feat, launching his GTO 25 feet out into Omena Bay when he missed the turn by the Omena Bay Country Store while drag racing. To the best of the family’s knowledge, he still holds the record for farthest distance. For legal reasons many other great stories and family lore have been omitted.

The summer of 1969 he graduated from college and met Laura Denning Best on a boat in Europe, where they were both traveling post college. They fell in love and were quickly married upon their return to the states in 1970. Rick and Laura settled in Troy, MI for many years and welcomed their first daughter Kelli in 1982. Their second daughter Kristen showed up on the scene in 1986 when the family was living in Traverse City, MI. His love for both his daughters was ever present along with his wisdom learned from all his antics. In 1991, Rick, Laura, and the girls settled in East Grand Rapids, MI where Rick and Laura continue to live today.

Rick started his career at the Detroit Convention and Visitors Bureau where he worked for 13 years. From there he spent almost 30 years working for the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel fulfilling his love of hospitality and taking care of others. He loved making stain glass, reading, shooting firearms and fireworks, and boating (esp on a Boston Whaler). A good sale at Meijer made his heart sing. He loved good food and strong drinks with friends and family.

Last but perhaps most impactful was the 80 consecutive summers he spent in Omena, MI. It shaped him in so many ways. The family was able to celebrate life, laughter, and yearly family traditions on their annual June vacation despite Rick’s health declining. The friendships, laughter, and generosity helped make Omena a place filled with unforgettable memories for generations of the Keye family. While too many dear friends and neighbors to name individually helped shaped those summers, each left a lasting mark on Rick’s life and on the memories his family will cherish forever.

Rick was proceeded in death by his parents, Vernon and Elizabeth Keye and his dear cousin Mary Landa. He is survived by his wife, Laura who would be celebrating 56 years of marriage this August and his daughters: Kelli Keye (William Rybicki), Kristen (Keye) Hall, his grandson Nolan Keye Hall, and Nolan’s Father Jeff Hall. He is also survived by beloved cousins Vic Landa, Greg Landa (Pam Landa) and their son Ethan, Julie Keryc (Todd Keryc) and their children Matthew, Madison, and Isabelle. His beloved dog Jack proceeded him in death in May, but his other grand dogs, Sarge and Moo, survive him and his grand bearded dragon, Wally Jr.

In honor of Rick’s wishes – no funeral service will be held. The family will hold a private service with a celebration of life to occur at a later date. Special thanks to all friends, family, and dear EGR neighbors who fiercely loved and supported Rick until the end. In lieu of flowers and in honor of his memory, he has requested donations be made to the Omena Woods Association – PO Box 55 Omena, MI 49674 – an organization dedicated to preserving the place he loved most.

Rick also requested that you do not stay sad for long. Mix a whiskey sour, raise a glass with family and friends, tell one of his stories, and laugh a little louder than usual. May the next time you hear thunder roll across the sky, know that Rick is reunited with those who went before him, enjoying one hell of a party above Omena, and reminding us that a life filled with laughter is a life well lived.