Obituary of Richard H. Martin

November 24, 1938 - November 21, 2020

Richard H. Martin. Age 81 of Southgate.

Beloved husband of Carolie.  Loving father of Sue (Greg) Pinkowski, Karen and Kevin (Kim).  Dearest grandfather of Gregory, Kristopher, Zachary, Katelyn and Koltin.

FAMILY TRIBUTE

Richard Harry Martin was born on 11/24/1938 in the home of his parents Clara and Harry Marcinkowski, brother to Dolores and Ken Martin. He lived with many dogs, chickens and enjoyed homemade polish and German meals.

Richard met his long-time loving wife Carolie at Immaculate Conception church in Detroit, and they were married there in December of 1961 giving them over 59 years of love together. During these years together he was an amazing father of Susan, Karen, Kevin, and a wonderful Father in law to Kim Martin and Greg Pinkowski. He was blessed with 5 grandchildren, Gregory, Katelyn, Zachary, Kristopher and Koltin. Richard was a friend to so many.

Richard worked on cars, he built the first one he and his wife drove around in for a while. Later, he built a Bradley GT out of a kit car. Richard was handy with everything and anything, if something needed to get done there was no hiring, he got her done.

Richards's first job was at A&P, his second job at Sterling automotive and his last job of 35 years at Ford motor company as an accountant. Of course, these skills were used at home too and he kept every receipt, manual and information organized in its own space or folder and kept all the finances in check. He even put his socks in a box in the drawer.

Some of the great things about Richard was he was so easy to talk to, a good listener, a great mentor, and so polite to everyone. He loved to wrestle with the kids and the dogs. If you ever needed a good hug Richard was the one to know and go to. He taught all of us to be strong and fight for a good life. If you needed a laugh hang out with Richard, he was always making jokes. He loved to dance he would dance the night away at wedding celebrations.

Richard was happy to spend time with his grandchildren at all ages. He would read to them, walk them to school, teach them new things and most of all love them to pieces.

Richard unfortunately for being the greatest man on earth, experienced many health problems through the years and never complained. He was our family rock and our gentle giant. Some of the things besides friends and family that helped him live through these challenges were taking trips with Carolie, especially the Smokey Mountains, taking rides through the Cades Cove looking for bear and deer. There were times he would have to tell Carolie, as she is chasing down a bear for a close-up photo, to get back in the car.

Richard enjoyed his time with friends and family. There are still today lifetime friends in his life. But his Carolie was his heart and then some. He would do anything for her. He knew how fortunate he was to have such a beautiful, loving, caring wife to take such good care of him. Like many of us, Richard liked to eat, some of his favorites were Carolie’s ribs, spaghetti and he enjoyed lasagna just to name a few.

We could write a book of great things about Richard. It does not seem fair to take such a special person in our life from us but he is in a better place and at peace. Oh, Richard; how we will all enjoy all the great memories, but we miss your physical presence more than words can even say. We just love and adore you and will keep you in our hearts forever. We will be talking to you.