"Dearest Naomi,Garner, & Holt, Words can not express our deepest heart felt sympathy. All our love and prayers are with you all. God Bless your family and comfort you at this difficult time. Tracy was a very special cousin and will be greatly missed. love, Jill & Steve"
In loving memory of
TRACY JAMES RICHARDS
April 25, 1966 - April 4, 2007
Tracy J. Richards, age 40, of 23 White Oak Drive, Marquette, died peacefully early Wednesday morning, April 4, 2007 at his home with his family at his side, after having received loving care from Marquette General Home Health and Lake Superior Hospice.
Tracy was born on April 25, 1966 in Saginaw, Michigan to James and Sheila (Rosewall) Richards. He was a 1984 graduate of Marquette Senior High School and a 1989 graduate of St. Scholastica College in Duluth, Minnesota where he attained a degree in physical therapy.
Tracy began working as a physical therapist at Hennepin County Medical Center in 1989 and then at Marquette General Hospital in 1991. During that same year he became a supervisor and since 1993 he had been the department head. He found working with his patients and co-workers rewarding and fulfilling.
Tracy was a member of St. Peter Cathedral in Marquette. He was dedicated to, and his life was enriched by coaching his sons junior hockey teams for the past 11 years. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed spending time at his camp with his family. These times were the highlights of his life. In recent years, he was working on developing an apple orchard and garden.
Tracy is survived by his wife, Naomi, who he married on September 2, 1989 at St. Vincents Church in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota; two sons, Garner Tracy and Holt William Richards, both at home; his parents, Jim and Sheila Richards of Marquette; a sister, Lisa (Scott) Ely of Harvey; father and mother-in-law, Richard and Jean Garner of The Villages, Florida; a brother-in-law, Jeremy Garner of Lady Lake, Florida; nephew, Ryan Ely; niece, Rachel Ely; also paternal grandparents, Robert and Charlotte Richards of Ishpeming. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, William and Evangeline Rosewall.
Friends may call at the Bishops Room of St. Peter Cathedral on Monday from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the church at noon with Rev. Francis Ricca officiating.
"Should you choose to contribute in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts will be invested in the boys' education fund."
Tributes
"We are so sorry to hear about your loss and pray that you find comfort in the many good memories shared with Tracy. This Easter season we all remember the resurrection. May this give you a sense of hope in these difficult times. You all continue to be in our thoughts and prayers."
"Dear Naomi, Holt, Garner, Jim , Sheila and Family, The whole MGH family is grieving for the loss of Tracy. He will be remembered for his lovely personality and ready smile. He will be deeply missed."
"Naomi, Garner & Holt - Our prayers and thoughts go out to you and your family during this most difficult time. May you find comfort in the love Tracy had for all of you and in the support of your family and friends. Tracy will be deeply missed by all who knew him."
"Dear Naomi and boys: I am so sorry for the anguishing loss of your husband and father. Rest in the love Tracy had for all of you, and the promises of your faith. love, margaret"
"Holt--- Call anyone of us if you want to play or just hang out. We're here for you. Your friends and teammates from McCabes."
"Naomi, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Garner and Holt. We are so grateful that Tracy was Mark's coach for 2 years and that Mark and Holt were on the same team for 3 years. Tracy was a great coach and so enthusiastic with the kids. We will always remember Tracy during the hockey season. Laura, Tom and Mark McLain"
"I worked with Tracy often during the 13 years I was with MGH. He was always a positive, warm, thoughtful individual to work with and know. Susan and I were very sorry to read of his passing. God bless you Naomi, Jim and Sheila. Our prayers are with you all. Mike & Susan"
"Naomi...Words can never express how deeply we feel your loss......Tracy was a wonderful person who loved his family first and foremost...You ,Naomi, will always be my hero for the strength and love you showed everyone throughout this ordeal. God has a special place in Heaven for people like you.......God Bless you and the boys.."
"Garner and family, We're so sorry to hear about Tracy. He was very nice and I know he will be greatly missed by many. If any of you need anything, my mom and I are here for you and are willing to help in any way. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Courtney Guidebeck"
"We are very sorry to hear of Tracy's passing. May he be in peace without pain & suffering. Our hearts go out to each of you. God Bless."
"Dear Namomi,Jim and Sheila. So sorry for your your loss our prayers are with you all. We are in Ohio so can not give hugs in person. Will be thinking of you all.Love Olive"
"Naomi, Garner, Holt, Shelia, Jim and family. I was so saddend to hear about Tracy's passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers, Tracy Brooks"
"Richards Family, We are so sorry for your loss. Although we are miles away, please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We love you all, and hope that you will call on us if there is anything we can do to help during this difficult time. Love Always, Elizabeth & Travis"
"My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time."
"I will always remember the love Tracy showed for his family when I met him at parent/teacher conferences. I'm am very sorry that I will be out of town and will not be able to tell the family in person how very sorry I am for your loss. My deepest sympathy, Mary Micklow"
"Dear Naomi,Garner,Holt,Jim, Shiela,Lisa,& family Jack & Jan will never forget the years spent at"Deer Camp". We are still in Florida so we can't be there, please know you are in our thoughts & prayers. With Love Jack & Sandie"
"My sincere sympathy to Naomi, Garner & Holt, and Tracy's family. Thinking of you with love and prayers."
"Dear Naomi,Garner, Holt and family, We were so sorry to hear about Tracy. He was such a wonderful person. He was always smiling. I'm sure you heard that time and time again from many people. I have many childhood memories from the old neighborhood days. My husband Tom has many Redmen hockey/school day memories of them together. Tracy will be missed by many. Your family is strong, faithful, and full of love. May the hard days be filled with laughter and the many wonderful memories that each of you have with Tracy. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you, Tom & Carolyn Larson"
"Dear Naomi, Garner, Holt and the Richards Family, You are held in a special place in our thoughts & prayers, may the memories held deep within your heart help to soothe your spirits thru this difficult time. In the quiet moments when the hurt is hard to bear... May love become the shelter and the beauty of precious memories become your comfort."
"Dear Jim and Sheila, I am so sad to hear of Trace's passing. Way down here I don't get much info, so I didn't know he was ill. I remember playing pool with him (and giving him a hard time!) at your Christmas parties and then working with him at MGH. What a terrible loss of such a quality person. You are strong people and I trust that that strength will help you through this horrible time. My best to you and your family, Fred"
"Naomi & Family, Rich and Jean...our prayers are with you all as you go through one of the hardest trials in life. Please accept our heartfelt sympathy and God Bless you all."
"Dear Richards family, My dad (Tom Osier) passed this along to me today. I am very sad to hear about Tracy's passing. Although I didn't see him in the last several years, I do remember him as a very kind and funny person. I am very sorry for you loss and will all be in my prayers. God Bless, Ann Madely (Osier)"
"Jim, Sheila, Naomi and kids, and Lisa- Words cannot express how sorry we were to hear of Tracy's passing. We hope that you will find comfort in knowing that your friends are thinking of you, and keeping you in our prayers. May your fondest memories help you get through this difficult time. Our best, Bill, Jackie, Cole, Olivia, and Rachel DePetro"
"I remember Tracy as a Physical Therapist and Supervisor on Neuro Ortho. He was always friendly towards his coworkers, and gentle and caring towards his patients. He was a pleasure to work with. I remember the black and white photo that Naomi took and entered into the MGH photo competition. The picture of Terry and boys going fishin'. It is a lovely way to remember a lovely man. God's blessing on him and his family."
"To the family of Tracy~ My deepest sympathies to you all. I have fond memories of working with Tracy at MGH. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time."
"What a great gift God gave us all - in this wonderfull man. Mike Coyne"
"God must be making a hockey team and is starting with the coach--he picked the best! Tracy is very loved and will be dearly missed by all who know him. To the family, you are all in our prayers...if you need anything, please let us know!"
"We are so sorry for you loss. We will always remember Tracy as a friend, kind and with a quiet strength. He is an incredible man with an incredible family."
"I've gotten to know Tracy through the years as a colleague and fellow PT. His compassion, spirit, and love of family always struck me as so beautifully genuine. I will miss him greatly."
"Naomi, Garner, Holt - What an incredible loss! Tracy was a great man, husband, father and friend. He wil be missed greatly. I so very wish I could be there - dang the distance. Many thoughts and prayers with you all! Love, Mary, Paul, Chris, Ben"
"Jim and Shiela, Our sincere sympathy in the loss of Tracy. From our days at MGH and years since we heard so much about hunting, fishing, hockey and grandchildren. Our hope is that the memories fill the hole in your hearts, bring you comfort and strength as his children walk in his footsteps. He was truly a son to be proud of. You are in our thoughts and prayers."
"Holt and Family, I'm so sad to hear about your Dad. If you need anything call me. your friend, Sydney Today, Jesus, as You are listening in your home above; Would you go and find my dad and give him all my love."
"Dear Jim, Sheila, and family, We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Our prayers are with you."
"We are very sorry for the loss of your father and husband. You are in our thoughts and prayer during such a difficult time."
"Dear Jim, Sheila, Naomi, and Boys: We were so saddened to hear of Tracy's passing. We will always remember Tracy with the fondest of memories. We hope you are able to find some comfort in the thoughts and prayers of all your many, many friends. With Deepest Sympathy, Larry and Pam Benton"
"Lisa and Family, I am truly sorry for your loss. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time."
"Dear Naomi, Holt, Garner, Jim , Sheila and Family, We are deeply saddened by the news of Tracy's passing. Please know that in these difficult times you are and will be in our thoughts and prayers. With our deepest sympathy, Chad and Melissa"
"When we look at his picture it seems impossible. I can still see him give that look and then laugh. He was one of a kind and had a one of a kind family. His sons can be proud of the fact that Tracy touched so many people in a positive way. Our hearts ache for you all - words seem so trivial and inadequate right now."
"Lisa, Scott and family, We're very sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Keith, Jackie, Brendan, and Konner"
"Naomi,Holt,Garner,Jim,Sheila and Lisa We are very saddened by your loss. Tracy brightened any lives. Your in our thoughts and prayers."
"Dear Shiela, Jim, Lisa and all, We are greatly sorrowed at the loss of your son and brother. We always found Tracy to be a gentleman in all our affairs. You are a family that we hold dear in our hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are yours today. We pray that you find some extra comfort in the knowledge and faith of the grace of God in these troubled days."
"My deepest sympathy at this very sad time for you and your family. It's hard to understand why God takes our good people at such a young age. May the love that will be shown to you by so many who will be with you grieving at Tracy's service be of some comfort to you. Tracy will be sadly missed by so many. God Bless You Ellen Greer"
"I am so sorry to hear about Tracy. I have so many wonderful memories of the times we spent playing cards, camping, hanging out together, and the many deep conversations in life. God bless you all as you go through this hard time in life. Keep in mind what a wonderful person Tracy is and how many lives he has touched."
"Naomi and Family, I am deeply sorry to hear of Tracy's passing. I met him when I worked at MGH and he was also my son's first hockey coach. He was truly a remarkable man and I would like to send my sincere condolence's on your loss. To know that you have an angel that will always be protecting you is the greatest reward of life. Tammi"
"Naomi, I was saddened to hear of the death of your husband, While I never met him, all I heard was that he was a terrific Dad and friend to lots of kids . My heart goes out to you. Richard Pincus"
"Dear Jim, Sheila, Naomi,Garner, Holt, Bob and Char ~ It is so sad to hear Tracy has passed from this life. Though he was ill for a time and God's love helps us to be joyful that Tracy has entered into his Glory with Our Lord, it is still sad for us to say good-bye. I pray for you to be healed from the sorrow and grow in your relationship with Tracy in his new life. He will always be near with the love of God to give you strength and hope. Until we see him again in the heavenly kingdom may God rest his soul and ours. Much love, peace & prayer for our brother in Christ and for you all. In God's Love ~ Kortney"
"To the Richards family: Being away from Marquette prevented me to say to you in person how deeply moved and sad I am in finding out about the loss of your husband and father. I feel an even deeper loss of words considering how long I know him coupled with the fact to have had the honor to find his son Garner also as my student. Please accept this as my expression of condolences to your family. Sincerely, Dirk Ahlers Marquette"
"Jim, Sheila and family. Jonnine and I feel the pain of your loss of Tracy. It's wonderful to see your children grow up and be successful, but it's unbelievable to loose them before their time. I have many fond memories of Tracy from Mites Hockey to his time as a health care professional. It will be painful for a long time. The open wound will heal, but the scar will always be there. Seek God and your close friends for your comfort. Our hearts go out to you and we will lift you up in our prayers. Tom and Jonnine"
"When I come to the end of the road And the sun has set for me, I want no rites in a gloom filled room: Why cry for a soul set free? Miss me a little - but not too long And not with your head bowed low. Remember the love that we once shared. Miss me - but let me go. For this is a journey that we all must take, And each must go alone. It's all a part of the Master's plan, A step on the road to home. when you are lonely and sick of heart, Go to the friends we know, And bury your sorrow in doing good deeds. Miss me - but let me go. We will miss Tracy, but know that he is with his Father in peace. Our prayers go out to you and the boys. God keep you in his loveing hands."
"Naomi and family, Please accept our deepest condolences on the passing of Tracy. We truly enjoyed the season of hockey my son Jacob played under Tracy's coaching. Words can't really express all the thoughts of sadness we're feeling for you. Melissa Treloar and Jacob D'Ambrosia"