Richard William Rokita

Richard William Rokita of Caro, age 60, left this good earth for an even better world on Sunday, June 4, 2017 at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit following a valiant five year battle with cancer, surrounded by his loving family and friends. Rick/Rich/Richie was born September 3, 1956 in Detroit, the son of the late Stanley and Mary (Salata) Rokita. He graduated from Denby High School and Northern Michigan University. He decided early in life that life was to enjoy and appreciate. After college, he spent fifteen years in the West before coming to Caro in 1994 to ensure the quality of life of his parents' final years. Rick spent the last fifteen years as a bus driver for the Tuscola Intermediate School District. He enjoyed his daily bus runs that saw many sunrises and a few sunsets. What he really enjoyed were the field trips that took him all over the state and where he practiced his skills as a tour guide to encourage the students to appreciate the state and the Detroit he was always cheering for. Rick enjoyed camping, traveling, coffee and beer, R&B and rock, being solitary in the woods or being in the big city with people. He was a man of contradictions. Rick is survived by three siblings and their spouses, Stanley & Janice, John & Peggy, and Rosemary & Larry Waldo; eight nieces and nephews, Kyle, Laura, Ryan, Traice, Ross, Camille, Stanley and Maxim; his two very best friends, Debbie Sandlin and Joe Bomberski; and his beloved golden retriever, Bailey. In addition to his parents, Rick was preceded in death by one brother, Anthony. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 8, 2017 at St. Christopher Parish, Sacred Heart Church, with Rev. Jerzy Dobosz officiating. In keeping with Rick's wishes, cremation will follow the service. The family will be present to receive friends at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro on Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and at the church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Caro Area District Library or the charity of your choice. Visitation Information Date: Wednesday, June 7, 2017 Time: 4:00 pm End Time: 8:00 pm Ransford Collon Funeral Home Address: 989-673-2175 | Map The family will be present to receive friends at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro on Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and at the church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Service Information Date: Thursday, June 8, 2017 Time: 11:00 am St. Christopher Parish, Sacred Heart Church site Address: 140 Atwood St. Caro, MI 48723 Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 8, 2017 at St. Christopher Parish, Sacred Heart Church, with Rev. Jerzy Dobosz officiating.