Richard (Rick) Vernier, 78 of Bowling Green, OH passed away on Sunday, October 22, 2023 under the care of hospice after a nearly 10 year battle with multiple serious health issues exacerbated by a recent bout with Covid-19.
Rick was born on September 14, 1945 in Detroit, MI to the late Al and Ann Vernier. A life-long sports fan, Rick earned a baseball scholarship to the University of Arizona and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. Rick worked as a Corrections Officer at the Forensic Center for the Criminally Insane in Ypsilanti, MI and retired on disability after being injured on the job while working as a member of a Fugitive Apprehension Unit, just barely escaping losing his life when the fugitive’s gun misfired. Rick enjoyed 50’s and 60’s music, classic cars, computer games, and football, especially the University of Michigan Wolverines and was a die-hard Detroit Lions fan. Rick enjoyed good friends, good times and good conversation and was an avid reader of diverse online articles, remembering many off the wall facts that nobody else ever knew!
Rick is survived by his loving wife, Dr. Patricia McCutchan-Vernier and his faithful German Shepherd furkid Marshall Dillon, as well as several close friends who he greatly enjoyed spending time with when his health allowed.
Friends may call beginning at 10:00 am on Friday, October 27, 2023 at the Deck-Hanneman Funeral Home at 1460 West Wooster St., Bowling Green, OH 43402 with a celebration of life service to follow at 11:00 am in the funeral home’s chapel. Burial will be private at Resurrection Cemetery in Toledo, OH. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions in Rick’s name to Friends of Wood County Dog Shelter, P.O. Box 222, Portage, OH 43451; For the Love of Cats, P.O. Box 500, Bowling Green, OH 43402, Hospice of Northwest OH or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Rick was one of the really good guys who will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7)
Online condolences, as well as a fond memory, may be shared with Rick’s family by visiting www.hannemanfuneralhomes.com.
