Richard Bugay

Richard was born April 11,1943 to the late Charles John and Mary Elizabeth (Lenart) Bugay in Escanaba, MI. He was raised in Bark River, attended both Bark River and St. Patrick’s Grade Schools and graduated from Holy Name High School in 1961. Richard also proudly served his country in the U.S. Army.

Richard completed an electrician apprenticeship with Western Electric in the Chicago, Illinois area and during his time there, he met Linda Luchesi. On June 29, 1968, Richard married Linda in Chicago and their marriage blessed them with three children. They returned to Bark River where he began his electrician career in 1971 at Mead Paper until his retirement in 2005.

Richard was a die-hard fan of the Detroit Tigers and Lions and loved watching the games on TV and listening to them on his radio. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, and cooking. He loved being at his hunting camp during deer season with family and friends, especially during the yearly fish fry. Richard was known to stoke the deer camp woodstove to an unbearably high temperature! Richard liked being the one to host friends and family for meals and gatherings and continued to be a gracious host even into his last days of illness. He was a Little League and Babe Ruth baseball coach, bringing a calm presence for the players while he mentored them on good sportsmanship. Richard’s kind heart had a soft spot for animals; he was even known for bringing home a stray pet or two.

Richard is survived by his children, Cheri (Matt) Johnson of Marquette, Rich (Lori) Bugay Jr. of Escanaba, and Ron (Angela) Bugay of Spring Lake; grandchildren Jacey and Cole Johnson, Ivy Evrard, Morgan Debelak, Collin Bugay, and Lena and Lola Bugay; siblings, Dolores Hanke and Toni Kochanski; eight nieces and nephews; and many special cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Mary Bugay; and brother, Ralph Bugay.

Richard’s family would like to give a special thank you to Hope Anderson and her staff with Dymond’s Hope, for their loving care and compassion while taking care of Richard over the years.

Visitation will take place on Tuesday, June 16th from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial at noon. Services will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Bark River. A meal will immediately follow in the church hall. Burial and military honors will take place in Bark River Twp. Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made directly to the family. Messages of condolence can be directed to the family by visiting www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net. The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the family.