Richard S. Marquis

Richard Sanford Marquis, 73, of Gaylord, Michigan peacefully passed away on October 22, 2023. "Rick", as he was known affectionately by those closest to him, was surrounded in the love of his wife and two daughters. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather

Rick, the son of Lowell and Marie, was born January 11, 1950, in Detroit, Michigan. He spent his childhood and teen years growing up there. He graduated from Cody High School in 1968. While attending Cody, Rick met the love of his life Sharon. On March 13, 1969, Rick enlisted in the United States Navy for a 4-year term. He did his boot camp in the Great Lakes Naval Station. Upon completion of his training there, he received his orders to Base at Miramar in San Diego, California. Before leaving for California, Rick took his high school sweetheart as his wife and married April 17, 1971. They made the journey to San Diego where Rick trained in Aviation Fundamentals, Parachute Rigger, and other military requirements. Rick was soon summoned to serve on the USS Midway for active over seas duty in the Vietnam War. Rick was awarded a National Defense Service Medal, Navy Good Conduct Award, Vietnam Service Bronze Star and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Rick was honorably discharged in March of 1973. Rick also enlisted in the Reserve Army National Guard from 1980-1987. 

While Rick was in Vietnam, Sharon gave birth to his first daughter, Dawn in Dec. 1972. In May of 1976, Rick was blessed with his second daughter, Nicole. Rick was a very active father sharing his favorite hobbies; hunting and fishing with his daughters. He was very involved in all their schooling and extracurricular activities. He enjoyed doing taxidermy, camping, traveling, and computer games that the family enjoyed together. 

After his Active Naval Service, Rick came home to start a new career at Diamond Automation Services working with the creation of chicken farming equipment. He also worked at Engineering Tube, Mark One, Standard Products, Fabex, BJ Services and finishing his working career at Baker Hughes. He was a very hard worker that provided well for his family. 

Rick and Sharon spent 52 loving years together. They had a family of two daughters and loved many pet babies thru the years. Rick was a great friend to every person he met. He always had an ear to listen or advice to give. He was a huge role model to his daughters; a dependable, loving husband to his wife. 

Rick is survived by his wife of 52 years, Sharon, daughters Dawn (Dan) Nave, Nicole (Nate) Sherman. He is also survived by his 6 grandchildren, Tucker Sherman, Daniel Nave Jr., Skyler Nave, Jeffrey Nave, Kyle Allen, and Chynnah Allen. He also was lucky enough to have 3 great grandchildren, Zayne Nave, Zaruah Colbert, and William Nave. 

Donations in Rick's honor can be made in his name to the VA or the Diabetes Association. 

Per his wishes, Rick will be cremated and returned to his family with no funeral services. 

Please share your memories and personal messages with the family on the guestbook, below.