Richard Kevin Spires

Richard (Rick) Spires 68, of Mancelona journeyed home on Monday, December 1, 2025 at Meadow Brook MCF following a long, hard 13 year battle with Frontotemporal Dementia. Rick was born on April 19, 1957 in Kalkaska, MI to Leslie and Vivian (Stratton) Spires. He was a 1975 graduate of Mancelona High School. He had worked many years in the automotive industry, followed by his “favorite job” -at Mancelona Public Schools (where he was known to many as “Uncle Rick”)-, and eventually retiring from Northwestern Michigan College. Rick was passionate about life and made sure to live it to the fullest. He made everyone feel that they mattered. His smile, laugh and energy were contagious. He loved people and they were naturally drawn to his light which made him the center of attention in every situation. Family was important to him and it brought him great joy when he was able to provide a place for the family to circle the campers for weekends/holidays. Rick was a memory making machine. If he wasn’t in the woods hunting, hiking, mushroom hunting, berry picking, fishing, camping, rock hunting, on a ballfield, or on a golf course, you could bet he’d turn up somewhere with somebody, getting into something. He would make memories alone, or with whoever wanted to tag along. He wasted no time and made sure to have no regrets. Rick was preceded in death by his parents. Brothers: Samuel (Helen) Spires, Leslie (Elaine) Spires Jr. Sister: Martina (Harry) Sutter. Brother In-laws: Thomas Healey, and Harry Sutter. Rick is survived by his wife of 37 years Jane. Sons: Richard (Audra)Spires Jr., Shawn Spires. Sisters: Zila (Tom) Healey, Gertrude (Ken) Westcott, Edna (Norm) Lanning, Sheryl (Dave) Miller, Bonnie (Orlo) Wildfong, and Jeanne (Eric) Hoogerhyde. Grandchildren: Mallorie Spires, Collin (Kadence) Spires. Bonus Grandchildren: Dustin Micheal, Darren Michael, Alyiah Grody. One Great Granddaughter: Josie Spires. Many nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend their gratitude and appreciation to the staff at Meadow Brook for the excellent care he received during his stay. Even as his light was dimmed by the FTD he made his presence known by warming hearts with his infectious personality. -Your efforts truly went above and beyond- Rick’s life will be celebrated on: April 19, 2026, 12-4pm at the Helena Township Community Center, 8751 Helena Rd. Alden, MI 49612. Arrangements were made by Wolfe-O'Neill Funeral Home, our family serving yours.

Tributes

Richard Kevin Spires

April 19, 1957 - December 1, 2025