Richard Allen Kodat (Richie)
Richard Allen Kodat (Richie), age 81, of Davison, passed away peacefully, after a long struggle with Parkinson’s, on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family by visiting Richard’s tribute wall at detroitcremationsociety.com.
Born on April 6, 1944, in Flint, Michigan, Richard was the beloved son of Frank and Joy (Broome) Kodat. He was a proud and dedicated employee of the Buick Factory, where he worked for 30 years before retiring.
Richard was an avid outdoorsman who found great joy in hunting and fishing. He especially loved his fishing trips to Canada with his good friend, Bill Higgins. He cherished the time spent at his summer home on Bellaire Lake and at his brother Gordon’s cabin in Mancelona, Michigan, where many lasting memories were made.
He will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Janice Kodat; his brother, Ted Kodat; his sister, Kathy Mead; and his many in-laws: Elmer Skym, Bob Tolbert, Bob French, Marilyn Dingo, Betty French, Carol Thick, Faye Richmond, Barb Richmond, and Brenda Cumpton. Richard also leaves behind numerous special nieces and nephews who held a special place in his heart, and his special friend Charlie Boone.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Joy Kodat; his sister, Paula Skym; his brothers, Gordon Kodat and Jim Finley; his uncle, Dennis Green; and his grandparents, Leo and Leona Green.
Richard’s legacy of love for the outdoors, commitment to family, and strong work ethic will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Special thank you to Swan Hospice.
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He will b missed, he faught the battle of Parkinson and with a loving and caring wife who did her part in taking care of him , we lift up in prayer, you are in my thoughts and with much love I am always here for you Jan, God b with you, He will carry you through , much love ❤️ your sister Fay
I went to Beecher High School and Ritchard was a classmate of mine. We did some running of the roads together, were good friends and have a lot of good memories. He was the one and only person I knew who had a built in record player in his Thunderbird! I am sad at his passing. My condolences to all of the Kodat family, but for Ted as well who I knew and always liked.
Me and Rich were always close and had many wonderful memories. Family affairs were of many with those who wanted to be there. I miss the times we went out on the boat and went fishing, Jan always stuck with Rich in anything he wanted to do and always supported him. She is very special and I am honored she is my sister in law and love 💕 her so much. I will miss you Rich and cherish all our memories we made together. 💕
Rich was the kind of guy that if you called him your friend he definitely had your back. He was a fun person to be around with. He had many friends that will miss him.