Richard William Mentzer

Mentzer, Richard 12/26/1946 - 6/9/2018 Portage, MI On June 9th, 2018, Richard William "Boomer" Mentzer lost his 8-month battle with Glioblastoma. He passed away at Glen Arbor Hospice House in Battle Creek, MI. Boomer was born December 26, 1946 in Philadelphia, PA. He attended Upper Darby High School in Drexel Hill, PA and later graduated from Parsons College in IA with a Bachelor's Degree in History. He then moved to MI and eventually settled in Portage. He worked for many years in the Beverage Industry and became a District Sales Manager for The Schlitz Brewing Company in the 80's. He later went on to work for several Telecom companies before retiring. In retirement, he continued to be very active in the community by volunteering at the Blood Bank and Animal Shelter, as well as with kids at the local golf course, and delivered meals to the needy every Christmas. Boomer was a connoisseur of Sports and Travel. He loved the Eagles, Phillies, WMU Broncos, as well as any local high school games that he could get to. He even worked part-time for the K-Wings and Kalamazoo Growlers. Boomer loved Mt. Gretna, PA, the beaches of Florida, and being on the back porch watching sunrises over Long Lake. He enjoyed traveling through most of the country and took time to learn interesting things about where he was visiting, especially if it related to sports, history, or local craft beers. However, Boomers greatest passion was for his family, friends, and everybody he met along the way. He had a gift for humor, laughed loud and often, told great stories, and cared about and was interested in what was happening in other people's lives. Through this passion, he exuded joy and a carefree attitude which made him lifelong friends everywhere he went. Friends that were there for him through everything. Boomer was preceded in death by his Father Clyde, Mother Elizabeth, and Brother Tom. Boomer is survived by his sons Thomas and Michael (Allison) of Ocala, FL, and eight grandchildren, the loves of his life: Jacob, Emily, Timothy, Berkley, Madison, Abigail, Matthew, and Lucas. He is also survived by his long time Significant Other Norma Bement and her daughter Monica (Darron) and her children Felecia, Lauren, and Brian. As a memorial he wishes all who knew him to have a celebratory cheer with food, drink and friends. In lieu of flowers, please donate kindness to someone you do not know, listen to people that need to speak, and explore new things and areas that you have not been.