Richard Wayne Blacker Jr.

Richard Wayne Blacker Jr. Born Dec. 16, 1964 passed away peacefully on Feb. 11, 2019 He was 54 years old. Born in Michigan, but raised in Florida, Richard would live a life well-travelled. In his youth, he travelled through all of the continental United States, accompanied by the love of his life. After returning to Florida for a time, Richard eventually moved back to Michigan, to be nearer to his family, whom he was loyal and dedicated to. No matter how far away, when the next generation was born, he did his best to be there, every time. This family was the most important thing to Richard's heart. And, he proved it as many times as he had chances. It was in Michigan where his Auntie Joyce lived, the last of the cherished sisters. Where he met his best friend of over 30 years, Terry Fruin. Where Brother Michael lived and breathed for his art. Where his cousins Ronny, Kathy, and Laura had their children. Michigan was his family's home, and for his last 24 years, it was his, too. But, he never lost the feeling of Florida as home, either. The sunshine, the tangelos, and all of the friends that he still held on to. Richard was the kind of man who magnetized people toward him. He did his best to be kind, always regarded with love, and never failed to "live in recognition, not judgement." His loved ones all loved him in return, and they all were blessed for it. Many of them have memories to share, stories to tell, and he was the kind of man to encourage them to do so. This was the life he aspired for. The life of a man who had experiences, who had a heart full of love for others. A life that he succeeded in living. He was also quite the eccentric. A rare, brilliant gem. He never failed to uphold this reputation, either. And, it was a reputation he was proud to have. He believed whole-heartedly in everything that mattered, and if you asked, he'd gladly tell you about hollistic health, the value of gems and minerals, and any of the wisdom that he had acquired in his life. He was like Dorothy in his own land of Oz. His friends were many, they were varied, and they all felt like the world was somehow more magical when Richard was around. For his loving, magical, and non-judgementing nature, Richard will be dearly missed. He will be remembered by: His Aunts~ Joyce Heath and Connie Dibble His Cousins~ Havenaar: Kathy, Justin, and Audrey Stampfler: Ron, Mollie, and Caleb Keeler: Mike and Laura Dibble: Todd, Tim, Steve, and Chris Goff: Michael and Shamrock Patsy McDowell, Judy Bigelow, Carol Wooten, Debbie Wild, Diane McKay His extended family~ Fruin: Terry and Mom Simmons-Piercefield: Ralph and Donald Michael Sobel Along with those back home in Florida~ Scott Cooper, Patti Day, Debbie Kaufman, and Lisa Curio Along with many other friends, whom he cherished. Join family and friends for a celebration of life on Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019 between 11AM and 2PM at Main Street Pub in Vicksburg. Love, love, love~