Rickey Melville, a beloved brother and step-father, passed away on June 9, 2024, at the age of 71. Born on March 7, 1953, Rickey was a man of immense resilience and strength, a pillar of love, and a beacon of inspiration to all who had the honor of knowing him. As Maya Angelou once said, "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Rickey Melville embodied this sentiment, leaving an indelible imprint on the hearts of all who crossed his path.
Rickey spent his life in Wyoming, Michigan, where he cultivated deep roots of friendship and community. He was known for his infectious laughter, captivating stories, and his knack for making anyone feel like they were the most important person in the room. His love for life was contagious, and he had a unique ability to find joy and beauty in the simplest things. His unwavering optimism and zest for life serve as a reminder of Mark Twain's words, "The secret of getting ahead is getting started." Rickey truly lived by these words, constantly pushing himself to explore, learn, and grow.
He leaves behind a loving family who will miss him dearly; his step-daughter, Kelly steffes ; his brothers, Tim and Dan and jim Melville; and his sister, Kathleen Wirtz. Each of them carries forward a piece of Rickey’s spirit, woven into the fabric of their lives through shared experiences, laughter, and love.
Per Rickey's request cremation has taken place and no formal services will be held.
Please visit Rickey's memorial page to leave memories and upload photos of him. As we remember and celebrate Rickey's life, let's honor his legacy by living out his values of love, resilience, and joy. Let us remember him not just for who he was, but for how he made us feel, for the laughter and love he brought into our lives. After all, in the words of Maya Angelou, "People will never forget how you made them feel."
To order
memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Rickey Melville, please visit our
flower store.