Raymond (Baldy) Richardson
Raymond (Baldy) Richardson age 84 of Atlanta, MI, formerly of Commerce Township passed away on August 23, 2008. He was the husband of the late Carolyn, father of William of Howell, MI, Mary of Atlanta, MI, Jim (Julie) of Highland, MI, and the late Albert (Butch); grandfather of Raymond (Buddy), Adam, Lizz, Tyler, Casey & Connor; and great grandfather of Rhett.

Baldy was the last surviving Richardson of his generation. His family was one of the founding families of Commerce Township at one time owning over 1000 acres of property in the township. Baldy was a Marine and served with distinction in World War II incurring serious injury at Iwo Jima. He returned home and married Carolyn, his high school sweetheart. They had four children together and a wonderful life surrounded by family and friends.

In his working career, Baldy pursued many avenues of employment- he sold commercial real estate, owned a service station in Milford, sold cars and finally found his true calling when he purchased Buck's Bar in Union Lake renaming it Baldy's Lounge.

Baldy was the total package. He had good looks, a shrewd wit but most of all, he had charm and magnetism. He was truly an unforgettable character. As the son of a farmer, he could fabricate something from nothing and could fix anything. He was fearless and would try any adventure.

He was also former president of many years of the Commerce Township Goodfellows. He was "best athlete" of his graduating class at Walled Lake High School where he played, as he put it, "everything"-football, basketball, baseball and track. He loved to hunt many types of game but most enjoyed his annual deer camps at his cabin in Atlanta.

If you were fortunate enough to know Baldy, you could never forget him. He was truly of "The Greatest Generation".

As were his wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at a later date.