Richard Michael Joel of Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed away at home on the evening of August 10, 2021 at the age of 78. His loving and devoted wife and best friend, Linda Erickson-Joel, cared for him during the past 4 years as he bravely struggled through two strokes, a heart attack and advanced COPD. The love and support of many friends, family, neighbors, colleagues and health professionals kept Rick as safe and comfortable as possible. When he passed away at home he was with Linda and his faithful dog and best buddy, Hastings, just as he had wished to be.
Rick was born near London, England, and grew up there in the post-World War II era. He was an avid history buff with a keen interest in both WWI and WWII and had quite a collection of facts in his head, which he enjoyed sharing with anyone who wanted to listen. He was also a huge fan of the music of Billy Joel, The Beatles, and Queen. He moved to Canada as a young adult and established a distinguished career as a sales executive with the Harlequin book publishing company. He was relocated to the United States in his later career and retired from Harlequin in 2005.
Rick will be remembered by many for his energy and joy of conversation, his twinkling blue eyes and his generous spirit. He was preceded in death by his son, David Michael Joel. He is survived by wife Linda Erickson-Joel, step-son Ryan Erickson, daughter-in-law Gina Erickson, daughter-in-law Aimee Richard, granddaughter Elly Joel, sister Carole Hazel, nephew Daniel Hazel, Niece Natalie Cheney and her family, Niece Caron Joel-Dallow and her family, sisters-in-law Jayne Seymour and Amy Oesterreich and their families, mother-in-law's Sue Harris and Dee Seymour and his former wife and friend Eileen Joel, as well as many extended family members in the U.S., England and Canada.
Memorial services will be announced at a later date. It was Richard's wish that donations be made to your local humane society or animal shelter.