September 14 1953 June 13 2019
Ricki Kim Mial, beloved son and brother, was born on September 14, 1953 to Harry and Joetta Mial in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He was baptized and raised in Bethel AME Church. He was a member of the Sunday School, an acolyte and participated in other church activities. He was an avid student of the Bible in his adult life, and attended Bible study classes on a regular basis. Rick attended the Ann Arbor Public Schools, excelling in academic and sports. He combined the two gifts into physical and mental agility as a football player and a track standout at Pioneer High School. He also played at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire his first year there. Rick transferred from Dartmouth to EMU in Ypsilanti, and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Science. He later attended medical school at Craighton University in Nebraska and realized that was not the career path for him. He then earned a Master’s degree in Physiology and was a teaching fellow for nursing students. Ricki loved math, science and history and willingly shared his knowledge by tutoring young people and even some of his classmates. Athletics remained a part of his life’s journey, Ricki was a bicycler and power lifter. In the gym, others would watch in amazement at his strength. From a very young age Ricki appreciated the sacredness of the environment. He loved the outdoors. It was a natural path to his most recent work at Fitz Enterprize, (from which he retired), located in Trenton Michigan. He was an environmental specialist. When Ricki learned to hunt from his grandfather and fishing from his father, a seed was planted for his love of the outdoors and how to respect life in the process. Other work stops included Park Davis and the UM Hospital. In the Mial Household, family means the gathering of relatives, friends and neighbors on Minglewood Way. Holidays and birthdays were Ricki’s favorite ones. He was an excellent cook and all family celebrations benefitted from that. Ricki left this life unexpectedly on Thursday, June 13, 2019. He is now and will always be missed by his mother, Joetta Mial; two brothers, Harry Jr. and Scott, niece Paige Mial, nephews Blake and Harry Mial III and Sister-in-law Stephanie Barnes. Ricki will also be missed by many family members, extended family and friends. Ricki was preceded in death by his father 18 years ago and his twin brother Reginal Earl, six days after his birth. A Memorial Service will be held for Ricki at Bethel AME Church, 900 John A. Woods Drive, Ann Arbor, Saturday, June 22, Family Hour at 10 am, followed by the service at 11am., Rev. Mashod Evans will officiate. In lieu of flowers you may consider memorial contributions to: Bethel AME Church Scholarship Ministry and mail to Bethel AME Church, 900 John A, Woods Drive, Ann Arbo rMi., 48105. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Ricki Mial please visit our Sympathy Store.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Ricki Mial September 14 1953 June 13 2019.
Death notice for the town of: Ann Arbor, state: Michigan