Michael Orick

Michael Orick, of Commerce Township, was born December 27, 1961 to Rosalyn and Bill Orick. He had two sisters, Terri and Amy. He grew up in St. Clair Shores and went to Lakeview High School. Mike went to Eastern Michigan University and University of Michigan for his master's degree in Biology, and was a Professor at Schoolcraft College in Livonia for over four decades, a career that he was proud of and loved.
Mike worked as a Wildlife Naturalist in several Metroparks and at Cranbrook Institute of Science and started a maple-syruping program at Indian Springs Metropark. At Schoolcraft College, he taught Biology, Microbiology, Anatomy, and Nutrition. He was a pioneering adopter of molecular biology and DNA technology lab activities, a leading collaborator writing lab manuals and curriculum for major-level Biology courses, conducted innovative fieldwork, stream studies, and environmental restoration projects, and advised the Environmentally Friendly student club. Mike was a leading organizer of the annual Earth Day events at Schoolcraft College, an endeavor dear to his heart.
Mike married Stacey (Cohen) in 1997, and had daughter Carly, and son Ryan. He was a devoted father and loved spending time with his family travelling, hiking, beaching, kayaking, coaching Ryan's sports (basketball and baseball), playing tennis and golf with Carly, and being involved in their lives. Mike was a strong believer in education and so proud to see Carly graduate from MSU and to see Ryan begin his studies at GVSU.
Among his many hobbies and interests, Mike was passionate about nature, loved hiking, birding, cycling, and health/fitness. He had a passion for baseball, playing 95mph fast-pitch in the Men's Senior Baseball League for over 30 years. A much-loved highlight was getting to play a weekend tournament "under the lights" at Comerica Park. Mike loved music, concerts, screenwriting, woodworking, wood carving, gardening and cooking – he always thought he could "Beat Bobby Flay" (and probably could). He was extremely creative and artistic, and loved building furniture and unique, cherished art pieces.
Carly and Ryan are grateful they could share their Dad's dream to take them to Costa Rica last summer. They have memories of the puddle-jumping planes and jungle rides, beachcombing, howler monkeys, whale watching, and sharing an unforgettable week of adventures. Stacey has cherished memories of their time spent travelling to Who concerts, doing art shows, and beach combing.
Mike passed away peacefully on July 13, 2024, at the age of 62, surrounded by his family. Mike is preceded in death by his beloved nephew Ricky (Russo). He is survived by his loving children Carly and Ryan, former wife Stacey, mother Rosalyn Orick; sister Terri (Rick) Russo, nieces Dominique and Emily, sister Amy (Jim) Grieshaber, nephew Jimmy and niece Katie.
A Celebration of Life is planned for August 11th, from 2-4:30pm, at Schoolcraft College.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Gliobastoma Foundation (Glioblastomafoundation.org) or the Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy (smlcland.org/donate.php).