Richard "Rik" Edwards

Richard "Rik" Edwards Jr, died peacefully on October 9, 2023, with his wife Gena at his side. Rik was the proud father of Lauren Anderson (Rob), and Kirsten Marcum (Thomas), and the adoring grandpa of Willow and Reese Anderson, and Lennon "Lenny" Marcum.

Rik grew up in Akron, OH. He graduated from Springfield High School and moved to Columbus, OH to attend college. Before meeting and later marrying Gena in 2017, Rik was previously married in Columbus, OH. There he became the loving father to Lauren and Kirsten.

Rik was skilled in the kitchen, especially known for his delicious pizza and chicken wing dinners, and best-ever macaroni and cheese. Rik took special pleasure in sharing his cooking and baking talents with family and friends. He lovingly made all the challahs for his daughter's wedding and for the wedding of a friend. Those who knew Rik, knew of his year-round devotion to Ohio State Football, dedicating Saturdays from September to December to watching the games live, and taking in game reruns in the off season (even though he knew the outcome). Thankfully his Buckeyes gave him a win on the last game he watched from his hospital bed alongside his family.

Rik loved his work as a mechanical engineer, experiencing many aspects of the profession from facility operations and construction to energy management. Later in his career, Rik became a certified commissioning agent, tapping into his vast knowledge of the workings of mechanical equipment. Rik most recently worked for Summer Consultants as the Lead Commissioning Engineer, the perfect job for his background and experience.

Rik will be missed by many, including his sisters Paula (Don) Brown, and Susan (Gary) Zamis, and brother Michael Edwards, along with his uncles and aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews. Rik was preceded in death by his parents Richard and Joyce (Grutzmacher) Edwards. Rik will be especially missed by his wife, daughters and granddaughters.

A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held at a future date. Donations in Rik's memory may be made to the Israel Crises Relief Fund (https://www.shalomdc.org/together-in-mourning-solidarity/?form=israelcrisisrelief) of the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, or a charity close to your heart.