Philip Grover Rick

Philip Grover Rick, 91, born November 16, 1920 in Hillsdale, passed away July 20, 2012 at the MacGuire Skilled Nursing Facility in Hillsdale. His wife of 66 years, Lilian Libby Rick, also a resident of The MacGuire Center, survives him. He is also survived by his sister, Joyce Rick Atkins of Bridgeport, MI and two sons and their spouses, Jonathan and Judith Hempstead Rick of Windham, New Hampshire and Douglas and Judith Medved Rick of Farmington Hills, MI. Phil was the proud grandfather of Jeffrey Rick, Rebecca Rick Longo and Matthew Rick, their spouses and three great grandchildren, Reagan Rick (9), Carter Rick (4) and Esme Longo (2).

The son of Herbert Grover and Alice Phillips Rick, Phil was a life-long resident of Hillsdale. He graduated from Hillsdale High School in 1938 and the American Academy of Music in Chicago in 1942. He served as a Lt. JG in World War II, commanding the USS Antelope, a Liberty Ship. After the war he joined his father at Rick Motor Sales, which later became Phil Rick Ford Mercury. Upon selling the dealership in 1968 Phil joined Prudential Insurance Company where he served as an agent until his retirement in 1984.

Phil served as a Deacon and Trustee at College Baptist Church where he was a member for many years. He served as Chairman of the Community Chest drive and on the United Way appeal. He was a board member and frequent bell ringer for the Salvation Army and was active for his entire adult life in Kiwanis. He also was founder and President of the Hillsdale Meals on Wheels program. He loved gardening and travel, visiting many countries around the world but especially Spain where he and Libby spent extended stays while she did academic research. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family, especially his beloved wife Libby.

A visitation will be held Friday, July 27, 2012 from 6 - 8 PM at the Van Horn - Eagle Funeral Home, 40 South Manning Street, Hillsdale. A memorial celebration will be conducted Saturday, July 28, 2012 at 11:00 AM at the College Baptist Church, 200 North Manning Street, Hillsdale. Drs. Charles and Madelyn Johnson will lead the service. A luncheon reception will follow at the Dow Center, Hillsdale College, 22 East Galloway Drive, Hillsdale at 12:30. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Hillsdale Salvation Army or College Baptist Church.