Richard Brower

1949 - 2021

Richard Brower obituary, 1949-2021, Ann Arbor, MI

BORN

1949

DIED

2021

Richard Brower Obituary

Brower, Richard Rick Brower passed away on Friday, April 2, 2021 at home surrounded by family after having been diagnosed with cancer 18 months ago. Born in Detroit, Michigan on March 22, 1949, Rick was preceded in death by both his parents, Shirley Fournier and Byrl Brower. Rick is survived by his wife of 40 years, Claudette; his son, Alex (Mara); and his daughter, Kerry. Sisters Barb Statham (Rick) and Patty DeCenzo (Jim). He was a favorite Uncle Rick to many nieces and nephews on both his and his wife's sides of the family. He also leaves behind a large family of friends, to whom he was known as "The Big Mo", many of whom date from early childhood and high school. Rick trained as a Commercial Union Carpenter, and not one to be told what to do, transitioned to running his own remodeling company. A serendipitous request from a realtor friend to "take a look at a house" for a buyer led to a 36-year career of inspecting homes for prospective homeowners. His keen knowledge of home construction and mechanicals, along with his efficient and calm demeanor made him the preferred home inspector of many. Rick loved being outdoors, kayaking, birdwatching, gardening, watching sports, and attending Saturday Morning Physics. He particularly loved doing these things with his family and friends, ever eager to share his talents, joys, and passions with others. Invariably, he could be counted on to have "the biggest TV" and his and Claudette's home was typically filled with all his friends for potlucks on Michigan Football Saturdays; Rick set the main menu and took a spot in front of the grill where he cooked each item to the liking of each guest. He drew his joy from seeing happiness in those around him. Vaccinations made it possible for some of Rick's friends to visit on his last birthday. When asked if he was happy to see his friends, he said he was happiest to see how joyful others were to see each other after a year of quarantining. A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date when gatherings can safely take place. In lieu of flowers, please consider dedicating a donation in Rick's name to Huron Valley Habitat for Humanity at h4h.org.

Published by Ann Arbor News from Apr. 7 to Apr. 11, 2021.
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I was so sad to hear about the passing of Rick Brower. I met Rick and Claudette and their children through my aunt who live across the street from them when their children were young. He was a kind and gentle man. My deepest sympathies to Claudette and the children. - Jane Pettit

Jane W Pettit

Friend

April 28, 2021

So sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences sent. ❤

Laurie Layton Bachler

April 26, 2021

Rick (or “Brow” as we decided sounded cool in Bryant Jr. High) could truely be the most noble person I have ever had the good fortune to know, a modern day Good Samaritan. Big Mo has been picking me up when down and supporting me our entire lives. Not necessarily because we were Best friends on the same block growing up (possibly the greatest blessing I could have hoped for). He would do the same for all he knew as well as any number of people he had never met before before helping them.

In our teens Rick met an older man at a phone booth, by where we lived, the man was crying because he had left his wallet, with all his Christmas savings for his family, which was no longer there when he returned to look for it...long story short, through a Christmas miracle coincidence, Rick ran into friends who had found the wallet, and returned it to the poor fellow, who of course was beside himself with joy at the return. Rick refusing anything in return.

This story is a exactly whom I believe Rick Brower to be. Successful at just about anything he applied himself to. Generally more concerned for others than himself and possessing some luck that I never refrained from giving him a hard time about.

We and the world are less for this loss.

Not sure how I’ll do, until I see him again...but I know I will. May good fortune follow you Brother.

Carl Paulina

Friend

April 13, 2021

I am so sorry for your loss, Rick was a kind expert, a strong pillar in home inspections, so calm and reassuring to my buyers. I didn't know he was ill. He should have lived forever.

Viviane Shammas

Acquaintance

April 12, 2021

Sending condolences and lots of love to Claudette and family. As a chosen daughter to Carl and Patty, I was also welcomed into the big circle of love that included Rick and Claudette. I can attest to the "biggest tv" also, if I remember a spongey "brick" was nearby to throw at said tv for when the spirit moved during a Michigan football game.

Beth Johnston

Friend

April 11, 2021

Dearest Claudette, Alex, Kerry:
My deepest sympathy to you and Rick's entire family. It breaks my heart to receive this news! I will miss Rick's earthly presence, but his kind, giving, easy-going and willing spirit shall forever remain.

Love,
Linda J. Smith

Linda J. Smith

Friend

April 10, 2021

Many of you know that Rick had a great singing voice and knew all the words, especially Beatles songs! No one who was there will ever forget his special rendition of the "Monster Mash". Rick's passing will leave a huge hole in our universe. Love to the Browers.

Carolyn and Bill VC

April 9, 2021

Many fond memories of our numerous interactions and meetings with Rick. He was a natural at his profession. Rick was the only inspector Bill would stop building a wall when Rick needed something looked at and go to give an opinion because we enjoyed seeing Rick. Our thoughts are with Claudette and family.
Bill/Ruth Ann Yadlosky

Ruth Ann yadlosky

Friend

April 9, 2021

Rick leaves a legacy with the Realtor Community of being knowledgeable, trustworthy, and keeping a calm demeanor. His smile and good humor always made one feel happy and comfortable. My condolences to his large family and many friends. He will be dearly missed by many.

Jeannette Middleton

Friend

April 9, 2021

Rick was always at the top of my list for my client’s inspections. I will miss his smiling face & easy going personality. My condolences to his family.

Pat Mueller

Coworker

April 8, 2021

Mr. Brower was such a warm, loving, and hilarious soul. It truly was an honor to have spent time with him and his family in high school. His hearty laugh and infectious smile will always remain with those who had the pleasure of knowing him. I also recall him being fond of pink flamingos and would bring him random flamingos as a gag gift whenever I came across one. His taste in music was very influential for me and I loved hearing his stories of his younger years. Rick always seemed to be young at heart - something I admire and aspire to be as I age. Our hearts go out to the amazing Brower family and we send our sincere condolences. Mr. Brower was unique and a treasure. May his memory live on through the sharing of stories. Here is a photo of him volunteering for the prom committee/event building.

Samantha Fall (Harris)

April 8, 2021

Rick was one of the finest men I knew. The pleasure was all mine. Keep nailing and building, my friend.

Jim Betts

Friend

April 8, 2021

My thoughts are with you Claudette, and with the whole family. Rick was a wonderful person and a longtime, great friend to Habitat for Humanity. Rick lit up the room wherever he was — always so funny, kind, as well as experienced and thoughtful! We will all miss him very much!

Sarah Stanton

Friend

April 8, 2021

My thoughts are with you Claudette, Alex and Kerry. Rick was an amazing man and I will miss him. I loved working with him over the years. I loved his sense of humor and his endless energy to be helpful and thoughtful. My condolences to you all.

Susan Fecteau

Friend

April 7, 2021

As part of the "family of friends" Rick has been a huge part of my life - in fact by coincidence he happened to be in Chicago the day I gave birth to my daughter so was one of the first people outside of immediate family to hold her. He was so many things, lovable, generous, knowledgable, funny and will be greatly missed at all family friend gatherings in the future. My thoughts are with Claudette, Alex, and Kerry.

Caitlin Van Cleve

Friend

April 7, 2021

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