The Benzie County Record Patriot, February 2, 2016: BLAINE TWP. — Frederick "Rick" William Pringle, 71, of Watervale, died on Jan. 26, 2016, while on a sunny vacation, in Bushnell, Fla., enjoying his morning walk.
He is survived by his son, Mike Pringle, son of Anne Pringle; and stepdaughter, SueAnne Garvie (Jim) and family; sister, Betsy Abeel (David); niece, Samantha Abeel; nephew, Zac Abeel (Lynn) and family; and numerous cousins.
Rick was born on April 18, 1944, in Milwaukee, Wis., to parents, William B. Pringle and Lois (Kraft) Pringle. While growing up in Itasca, Ill., Rick summered in Watervale, on Lower Herring Lake. There he joyfully spent every minute of every summer, with extended family, playing and working at the Watervale Inn. A rich fabric of cousins, aunts and uncles, grandparents and summer guests provided endless opportunities for him to grow up, surrounded by wonderful people, enjoying the best of life. During this time, his love of Benzie County took root.
Rick graduated with a degree in psychology, from Lawrence University in Appleton, Wis., and, while attending there, watched the first televised Super Bowl. After graduation, Rick enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving with distinction; he was twice awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal during the Vietnam War while stationed in Takhli, Thailand. He was honorably discharged with the rank of captain.
After several years spent in various business arenas, from banking to industrial management, Rick moved permanently to Benzie County, establishing his own upholstery business. This led him to later work for Betsie Bay Furniture and offered him a shining moment in television. He wrote copy, directed and acted in more than 35 commercials, including one with the memorable pat on his bald head, stating "The store with a personal touch."
He later opened The Paper Clip, an office supply store on Main Street, in Frankfort, where sales and support for computers became his fascination. This focus eventually led to a succession of high-tech computer related positions, first with Rapistan Demag, in Grand Rapids, moving on to Ferris State University, and eventually retiring from the position of network administrator from Northwestern Michigan College. Over the years, Rick became well known and respected for his service on the Frankfort City Council, along with his more recent years of work on the Blaine Township Planning Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals. Many long-term friendships resulted from these varied pursuits.
One of Rick's passions was the time spent creating the Lamplighter radio program that aired live on WBNZ Sunday evenings, during the 1980s. He also greatly enjoyed his time as an actor with the Benzie County Players. Rick devoured learning, fascinated by the science of everything; he never stopped wanting to learn, enjoying such things as The Smithsonian, The History and The Science channels, and he spent endless hours reading. In retirement, he worked at the Villa Marine, in Frankfort, a favorite local haunt of his, from the time he moved to Benzie County. He also returned to a childhood passion of creating polished Petoskey stone jewelry. During his youth, Rick experienced one of his more notable adventures when he survived a plane crash and being lost in the wilds of Alaska, for over 24 hours.
Rick left this Earth on his own terms, while on vacation, feeling healthy and out for his morning walk; a major accomplishment for a guy who had survived repeated major complex medical procedures. He truly was a fighter and a survivor. Rick had shaken hands with death many times in the past and walked away. This time death decided he had many interesting things to tell Rick, and as Rick loved learning new and interesting things, they went on that final walk together.
An informal celebration of Rick's life will be held on from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 7, at the Villa Marine, in Frankfort, where Rick and friends were regulars on Saturdays for lunch. Rick would have encouraged all who attend to bring their good humor, and not to worry, plenty of time to get home safely for the Super Bowl at 6:30 p.m.
Contributions in his memory can be made to The Herring Lakes Watershed through the Benzie Conservation District.
There will be a separate graveside service, with full military honors this summer, date to be announced.
~Written by BCRP Staff
He is survived by his son, Mike Pringle, son of Anne Pringle; and stepdaughter, SueAnne Garvie (Jim) and family; sister, Betsy Abeel (David); niece, Samantha Abeel; nephew, Zac Abeel (Lynn) and family; and numerous cousins.
Rick was born on April 18, 1944, in Milwaukee, Wis., to parents, William B. Pringle and Lois (Kraft) Pringle. While growing up in Itasca, Ill., Rick summered in Watervale, on Lower Herring Lake. There he joyfully spent every minute of every summer, with extended family, playing and working at the Watervale Inn. A rich fabric of cousins, aunts and uncles, grandparents and summer guests provided endless opportunities for him to grow up, surrounded by wonderful people, enjoying the best of life. During this time, his love of Benzie County took root.
Rick graduated with a degree in psychology, from Lawrence University in Appleton, Wis., and, while attending there, watched the first televised Super Bowl. After graduation, Rick enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving with distinction; he was twice awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal during the Vietnam War while stationed in Takhli, Thailand. He was honorably discharged with the rank of captain.
After several years spent in various business arenas, from banking to industrial management, Rick moved permanently to Benzie County, establishing his own upholstery business. This led him to later work for Betsie Bay Furniture and offered him a shining moment in television. He wrote copy, directed and acted in more than 35 commercials, including one with the memorable pat on his bald head, stating "The store with a personal touch."
He later opened The Paper Clip, an office supply store on Main Street, in Frankfort, where sales and support for computers became his fascination. This focus eventually led to a succession of high-tech computer related positions, first with Rapistan Demag, in Grand Rapids, moving on to Ferris State University, and eventually retiring from the position of network administrator from Northwestern Michigan College. Over the years, Rick became well known and respected for his service on the Frankfort City Council, along with his more recent years of work on the Blaine Township Planning Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals. Many long-term friendships resulted from these varied pursuits.
One of Rick's passions was the time spent creating the Lamplighter radio program that aired live on WBNZ Sunday evenings, during the 1980s. He also greatly enjoyed his time as an actor with the Benzie County Players. Rick devoured learning, fascinated by the science of everything; he never stopped wanting to learn, enjoying such things as The Smithsonian, The History and The Science channels, and he spent endless hours reading. In retirement, he worked at the Villa Marine, in Frankfort, a favorite local haunt of his, from the time he moved to Benzie County. He also returned to a childhood passion of creating polished Petoskey stone jewelry. During his youth, Rick experienced one of his more notable adventures when he survived a plane crash and being lost in the wilds of Alaska, for over 24 hours.
Rick left this Earth on his own terms, while on vacation, feeling healthy and out for his morning walk; a major accomplishment for a guy who had survived repeated major complex medical procedures. He truly was a fighter and a survivor. Rick had shaken hands with death many times in the past and walked away. This time death decided he had many interesting things to tell Rick, and as Rick loved learning new and interesting things, they went on that final walk together.
An informal celebration of Rick's life will be held on from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 7, at the Villa Marine, in Frankfort, where Rick and friends were regulars on Saturdays for lunch. Rick would have encouraged all who attend to bring their good humor, and not to worry, plenty of time to get home safely for the Super Bowl at 6:30 p.m.
Contributions in his memory can be made to The Herring Lakes Watershed through the Benzie Conservation District.
There will be a separate graveside service, with full military honors this summer, date to be announced.
~Written by BCRP Staff
The Benzie County Record Patriot, February 2, 2016: BLAINE TWP. — Frederick "Rick" William Pringle, 71, of Watervale, died on Jan. 26, 2016, while on a sunny vacation, in Bushnell, Fla., enjoying his morning walk.
He is survived by his son, Mike Pringle, son of Anne Pringle; and stepdaughter, SueAnne Garvie (Jim) and family; sister, Betsy Abeel (David); niece, Samantha Abeel; nephew, Zac Abeel (Lynn) and family; and numerous cousins.
Rick was born on April 18, 1944, in Milwaukee, Wis., to parents, William B. Pringle and Lois (Kraft) Pringle. While growing up in Itasca, Ill., Rick summered in Watervale, on Lower Herring Lake. There he joyfully spent every minute of every summer, with extended family, playing and working at the Watervale Inn. A rich fabric of cousins, aunts and uncles, grandparents and summer guests provided endless opportunities for him to grow up, surrounded by wonderful people, enjoying the best of life. During this time, his love of Benzie County took root.
Rick graduated with a degree in psychology, from Lawrence University in Appleton, Wis., and, while attending there, watched the first televised Super Bowl. After graduation, Rick enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving with distinction; he was twice awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal during the Vietnam War while stationed in Takhli, Thailand. He was honorably discharged with the rank of captain.
After several years spent in various business arenas, from banking to industrial management, Rick moved permanently to Benzie County, establishing his own upholstery business. This led him to later work for Betsie Bay Furniture and offered him a shining moment in television. He wrote copy, directed and acted in more than 35 commercials, including one with the memorable pat on his bald head, stating "The store with a personal touch."
He later opened The Paper Clip, an office supply store on Main Street, in Frankfort, where sales and support for computers became his fascination. This focus eventually led to a succession of high-tech computer related positions, first with Rapistan Demag, in Grand Rapids, moving on to Ferris State University, and eventually retiring from the position of network administrator from Northwestern Michigan College. Over the years, Rick became well known and respected for his service on the Frankfort City Council, along with his more recent years of work on the Blaine Township Planning Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals. Many long-term friendships resulted from these varied pursuits.
One of Rick's passions was the time spent creating the Lamplighter radio program that aired live on WBNZ Sunday evenings, during the 1980s. He also greatly enjoyed his time as an actor with the Benzie County Players. Rick devoured learning, fascinated by the science of everything; he never stopped wanting to learn, enjoying such things as The Smithsonian, The History and The Science channels, and he spent endless hours reading. In retirement, he worked at the Villa Marine, in Frankfort, a favorite local haunt of his, from the time he moved to Benzie County. He also returned to a childhood passion of creating polished Petoskey stone jewelry. During his youth, Rick experienced one of his more notable adventures when he survived a plane crash and being lost in the wilds of Alaska, for over 24 hours.
Rick left this Earth on his own terms, while on vacation, feeling healthy and out for his morning walk; a major accomplishment for a guy who had survived repeated major complex medical procedures. He truly was a fighter and a survivor. Rick had shaken hands with death many times in the past and walked away. This time death decided he had many interesting things to tell Rick, and as Rick loved learning new and interesting things, they went on that final walk together.
An informal celebration of Rick's life will be held on from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 7, at the Villa Marine, in Frankfort, where Rick and friends were regulars on Saturdays for lunch. Rick would have encouraged all who attend to bring their good humor, and not to worry, plenty of time to get home safely for the Super Bowl at 6:30 p.m.
Contributions in his memory can be made to The Herring Lakes Watershed through the Benzie Conservation District.
There will be a separate graveside service, with full military honors this summer, date to be announced.
~Written by BCRP Staff
He is survived by his son, Mike Pringle, son of Anne Pringle; and stepdaughter, SueAnne Garvie (Jim) and family; sister, Betsy Abeel (David); niece, Samantha Abeel; nephew, Zac Abeel (Lynn) and family; and numerous cousins.
Rick was born on April 18, 1944, in Milwaukee, Wis., to parents, William B. Pringle and Lois (Kraft) Pringle. While growing up in Itasca, Ill., Rick summered in Watervale, on Lower Herring Lake. There he joyfully spent every minute of every summer, with extended family, playing and working at the Watervale Inn. A rich fabric of cousins, aunts and uncles, grandparents and summer guests provided endless opportunities for him to grow up, surrounded by wonderful people, enjoying the best of life. During this time, his love of Benzie County took root.
Rick graduated with a degree in psychology, from Lawrence University in Appleton, Wis., and, while attending there, watched the first televised Super Bowl. After graduation, Rick enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving with distinction; he was twice awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal during the Vietnam War while stationed in Takhli, Thailand. He was honorably discharged with the rank of captain.
After several years spent in various business arenas, from banking to industrial management, Rick moved permanently to Benzie County, establishing his own upholstery business. This led him to later work for Betsie Bay Furniture and offered him a shining moment in television. He wrote copy, directed and acted in more than 35 commercials, including one with the memorable pat on his bald head, stating "The store with a personal touch."
He later opened The Paper Clip, an office supply store on Main Street, in Frankfort, where sales and support for computers became his fascination. This focus eventually led to a succession of high-tech computer related positions, first with Rapistan Demag, in Grand Rapids, moving on to Ferris State University, and eventually retiring from the position of network administrator from Northwestern Michigan College. Over the years, Rick became well known and respected for his service on the Frankfort City Council, along with his more recent years of work on the Blaine Township Planning Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals. Many long-term friendships resulted from these varied pursuits.
One of Rick's passions was the time spent creating the Lamplighter radio program that aired live on WBNZ Sunday evenings, during the 1980s. He also greatly enjoyed his time as an actor with the Benzie County Players. Rick devoured learning, fascinated by the science of everything; he never stopped wanting to learn, enjoying such things as The Smithsonian, The History and The Science channels, and he spent endless hours reading. In retirement, he worked at the Villa Marine, in Frankfort, a favorite local haunt of his, from the time he moved to Benzie County. He also returned to a childhood passion of creating polished Petoskey stone jewelry. During his youth, Rick experienced one of his more notable adventures when he survived a plane crash and being lost in the wilds of Alaska, for over 24 hours.
Rick left this Earth on his own terms, while on vacation, feeling healthy and out for his morning walk; a major accomplishment for a guy who had survived repeated major complex medical procedures. He truly was a fighter and a survivor. Rick had shaken hands with death many times in the past and walked away. This time death decided he had many interesting things to tell Rick, and as Rick loved learning new and interesting things, they went on that final walk together.
An informal celebration of Rick's life will be held on from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 7, at the Villa Marine, in Frankfort, where Rick and friends were regulars on Saturdays for lunch. Rick would have encouraged all who attend to bring their good humor, and not to worry, plenty of time to get home safely for the Super Bowl at 6:30 p.m.
Contributions in his memory can be made to The Herring Lakes Watershed through the Benzie Conservation District.
There will be a separate graveside service, with full military honors this summer, date to be announced.
~Written by BCRP Staff
Gravesite Details
The grave marker has an image of a Petoskey stone. When he was retired, Rick made jewelry out of polished Petoskey stones.
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Records on Ancestry
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
