Rick Sak died on Friday, just days after his most recent fishing trip up north to Grayling, the Ausable River, and our place. It was his latest, and last trip in a decades-long series of hunting, fishing, and outdoor activities Rick loved to do in Northern Michigan. Rick was from Livonia, Michigan.
A friendly, gregarious guy, Rick made friends everywhere he went. He also had a deep well of knowledge of the woods, rivers, lakes, hunting, and fishing. We’re certain Rick knew more about the local woods than most of the locals. If you’ve stayed at our motel over the past 20 years and talked with another friendly guest about nature, hunting, or fishing, there is a good chance it was Rick.
On a more personal level, Rick was a wonderful mentor, guide, and teacher for our son Stuart. He and Stuart spent a lot of time on our local lakes and rivers, and had many successful fly fishing, turkey and deer hunting trips.
I sincerely hope that Stuart remembers what he learned from Rick, so that some of Rick’s knowledge can live on, and so that Stuart can teach his Dad a thing or two. The world of knowledge of local wilderness and wildlife will definitely be poorer for Rick’s passing.
Rick, thank you for being a friend, for all the evenings out around the fire, and thanks for all the pie. We will miss you.