Richard Colby

Kalamazoo - Richard Colby, age 77, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, passed away May 24, 2020 after battling pancreatic cancer for 1 ½ years. He was born in Chicago to the late Leonard L. and the late Mildred Berman Colby (nee Cohen). The family moved to Kalamazoo when Richard was five years of age. He graduated from University High School and attended Michigan State University on a tennis scholarship. Tennis was an important part of his early life. He was a nationally-ranked tennis player in 1956 and 1957, reaching a rank of 23rd in the nation in Boys Singles, and 4th in the nation in Boys Doubles. He also won title for table tennis in the Kalamazoo area.

He graduated from Western Michigan University and his first employment was for the Portage Harold newspaper, which was founded by his father. He also wrote for the Jackson Citizen Patriot and the Battle Creek Enquirer News. He moved to Detroit in 1971 to become Director Public Information for the Michigan Civil Rights Commission, but in 973 returned to western Michigan to sell insurance, an endeavor for which he won many awards.

He was preceded in death by his only child, Jeffrey Louis Colby, who passed away in 2007. He is survived by his sister Karen Colby (Jerry) Weiner, her three children, Joel (Marcella) Weiner, Doren Weinstein, and AJ (Kara) Weiner, a great-niece, six great-nephews, and loving cousins. He is also survived by his former wife, Peggy DeBoer Colby, a devoted caregiver both before and during his final illness.

PRIVATE GRAVESIDE SERVICES WILL BE HELD ON TUESDAY AT 12:00 P.M. ARRANGEMENTS BY THE IRA KAUFMAN CHAPEL. 248-569-0020. www.irakaufman.com.

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Published by The Detroit News & Detroit Free Press from May 24 to May 25, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Colby

7 Entries

Peggy Colby

May 18, 2021

Rich, you have been gone almost a year already. I miss and think of you every single day. I have your keychain that I see everyday. It’s a blue anchor. So fitting because you were my anchor for many years. I could count on you for anything. I sure miss you in my life. Tuff and I are doing ok but without you our lives are empty now. Will see you again someday. I will always love you. ❤ Peggy (P)

Donna Kelly

May 27, 2020

My condolences to Richard's family. He was my insurance agent for a few years before he retired. He was a huge help to me in navigating this very confusing issue after I retired in 2014. I thought very highly of him and am saddened by his passing.

Peggy Colby

May 26, 2020

I will miss you Rich with all my heart. We had about 28 years together filled with fun, travel, wonderful dinners with family and some great pool parties with family and friends. My children Erich (Kim) Kelley, Shannon (Mike) Barnhill and Shane Kelley and my grandchildren Caleb, Ethan, Xander, Gabe and Cora also love you and will miss you in their lives. You always had wonderful advice for them. We became more like each other throughout the years. You brought me joy, happiness and a real understanding of forgiveness and love. You will forever be in my heart.❤

Mike Barnhill

May 26, 2020

I have known Rich for about 10 years. He is someone I admire and respect tremendously. My children have had the pleasure of being around him since they were born. A few years ago I remember a touching moment when our family went to dinner with Rich and Peggy. As we walked to the car my son grabbed Rich's hand. I was fortunate to snap a pic of the two walking together. I will miss Rich. His jokes, his wit, his kindness, gentle nature and his work ethic will be remembered.

Chris Oosterbaan

May 25, 2020

I remember watching Dick star on the tennis court back in high school. Years later
we were all so happy when Dick finally showed up at our class reunions. It was good to be with him again at John Quirings memorial. Condolences to Karen who was a devoted sister.
Chris Oosterbaan

Tom Moyer

May 24, 2020

Met Richard In my
Freshman year at U High. I was his doubles
partner when we one the city ping pong tournament. Dick was
a good athlete in football and played
guard on the Class B
State Champion U High
Football team (class B).
He was an accurate field
Goal and extra point
kicker. I held the ball
for his place kicks. We
were nicknamed the
hand and the toe. We
Became neighbors on
Fairfax Ave where Dick
gave my brother rides
To school. His main which he excelled. Dick
was a real person who
cared about others. I
know we will all miss him. Condolences to Karen and her family.
Respectfully,
Tom Moyer