Obituary of Kim Chris Ricket

Kim C. Ricket, 69, was born July 19, 1954, and died at home in Manchester, MI. Kim pursued a lifelong interest in science and electronics and had an innate curiosity about all things current-related. He nurtured a yen for experimentation that led to eye-popping disasters and spectacular successes, but always to learning that created innovation and effective design. He worked for various companies in Southeast Michigan, but his favorite was the University of Michigan proton decay project. He later went on to establish his own company, R2 Electronics. A tinkerer extraordinaire, Kim’s garage projects ranged from a very early home computer to car modifications, household gadgets, and developing and installing an inexpensive and highly effective solar array for his home. He was keenly aware of Internet connectivity challenges in rural communities and became a continuing advocate for better coverage. A life-long avocation was cooking; no one ever went hungry in his company. If he was cooking for himself, he always made certain there was enough to go around. Friends and family continually enjoyed the smoked meats he prepared for gatherings. Kim was also active in the Manchester Men’s Club and regularly volunteered for the annual Chicken Broil and 4th of July fireworks show. Friends and family who mourn his passing include his mother, Sharon (John) Hammang, and his sisters and brothers: Kate (Adrian) Astrakhan, David (Elizabeth) Hammang, Jane (William) Buhl, John (Phyllis) Hammang, Dan (Laura Suter Hammang), and Sara (Roger) Clark. His stepfather, John Hammang, his father, Fred Ricket, and his sister, Beth (Bruce) Thibault, predeceased him. Kim was uncle to seventeen nieces and nephews: Sarah Gilmore and Chris Doemer; Ian, Clark, and Ava Hammang; Geoffrey and Amy Buhl; Eileen Yaworsky, Karen Hammang, and Shannon Ronald; Annie, Genevieve, and Jack Hammang; Andrew and Brian Thibault; and Becca and Alex Clark. He was also great uncle to eleven nieces and nephews: Ivy, Damion, Penrose, Harlow, Alexander, Nicholas, Spenser, Ellie, Joshua, Nathaniel, and Edison. Kim loved the natural beauty surrounding his home and captured photos of sunsets, deer, and birds—beauty that appealed to him, and he shared that beauty often in his social media circle. In lieu of a charitable donation in his name, it would be wonderful if you could sit peacefully and really enjoy your own place of beauty. Kim’s remains will be cremated, and a memorial will be planned for when the weather is warmer.