Richard Randall Wheeler

July 30th, 1984 - August 19th, 2015

Richard's Memory Wall

We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of Richard here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.

As another West Michigan native (Ludington) that is making a career out of fighting wildland fire, I know what fire season meant to your family and to Rick. Fire season meant abundant travel to small towns facing crisis, driving until the road ends and carrying the rest of your supplies five miles to fight the fire, limited contact with loved ones and a little extra cash in your pocket at the end of the summer that somehow made you feel good about all the blisters and countless nights sleeping in the dirt.. Michigan has there share of early spring grass fires, but no where near the scale and respect that Western states have. Although I didn't personally know Rick, we shared the same passion. Intense training, traveling our great country, Pride, working with others and that hard chunk of fireline that I am sure he has told you all about. The Wildland Fire Community is 100% with you during this time of grief and we thank Rick for his hard work and fireline Leadership.

Joshua U.S. National Park Service Fire Fighter

Karen, Celeste and families we are so sorry for your loss! Rick left this life much too soon. In the time he was here he lived his life to the fullest, fulfilling dreams, sharing his love and serving others. We looked up the definition of a HERO and the following came up: A person who is admired for great or brave acts or fine qualities: A person who is greatly admired! We feel this describes Rick and his contagious smile and outlook on life. He gave his life unselfishly protecting so many others! May you and your families find solitude knowing he is at peace and will always be in your hearts. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all in this difficult time!

Charlie, Cheryl, Justin & Tyler Hamlin

Charlie, Cheryl, Justin & Tyler Hamlin

We are heartbroken to hear of this great loss. We are praying for you and trusting the God of all comfort to comfort you. In the book of Revelation we are assured that God will wipe away every tear from our eyes, that there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain one day when God makes everything new through Jesus the first born of the dead. We wish that you could feel the very hand of God wiping away your tears at this very moment and know that He is Immanuel, God with you.

Walt and Kathy Sicard and Family

My heart is heavy with sorrow for the family and know that you should be proud of his passion to lay his life on the line for others. I have a nephew that works search n rescue at Yosemite so I know the work he does is dangerous yet very rewarding and that makes me so proud. I know that God is with you during this time as he rejoices in the homecoming of his child. I will pray for peace for your hearts til you see him again and you will. May he R.I.P. as well.