Obituary: Rick Hayrynen

Toivola

Rick (Carl) Hayrynen, 71, of Toivola, died Monday, October 29, 2018, at his home.

He was born January 28, 1947, in Hancock, Michigan, to Carl and Aili (Kemppa) Hayrynen.

Rick graduated from Jeffers High School in 1965, and Northern Michigan University in 1966.

He enlisted in the United States Army December 6, 1966. He proudly served his country for one and a half years in Vietnam, being injured twice. He was the recipient of the Purple Heart along with other medals. He was honorably discharged September 13, 1968.

Rick worked as a construction supervisor carpenter for Yalmer Mattila and Thomas Moyle.

Rick was a service officer with the Disabled American Veterans and helped so many veterans receive their benefits. He was the proud commander of the Percy H. Willson Post 115 Disabled American Veterans of Chassell. He served as president of the Forgotten Eagles for two years; was a member of the Chassell VFW Post 6507, and American Legion Post 90 of Lake Linden.

Rick was married to the former Patricia “Pat” Karry on January 18, 1969. The couple would have celebrated their 50th anniversary in January. Toivola was where they made their home and raised their children. Rick and Pat put on the Agate Beach Jamboree for 23 years up until Rick’s health prevented him from planning the event. They also worked closely with the JROTC for the Forget-Me-Not Drives.

Rick was one of the men to start the Toivola Volunteer Fire Department. He made friends wherever he went and was loved by so many. He served as chairman for the Houghton County Veteran’s Board at the Houghton County Airport for several years.

Rick is survived by his loving wife, Pat of Toivola; their children, Leah (Dave) Hauswirth of Atlantic Mine, Keryl (Darcy) Davidson of Alberta, Canada, Justin (Jody) Hayrynen of Hancock, Leon Hayrynen of Toivola, and Joan (Mike) Buchanan of Montana; grandchildren, Samantha, Aimee, Arty, Christina, Brandon, Robyn, Zakary, Brandon J., Hailey, Ryan, Jessica, Nic, Luke, and Jacob; great-grandchildren, Kahliel, Aniyah, Devyn and Audi; brothers, Neil (Sue) Hayrynen, Glenn (LuAnn) Hayrynen; sister, Carole (Mike) Whitaker; a brother-in-law, Gerry Karry; sisters-in-law, Anne (Mike) Wellman and Mary Lou (Dave) Wilson; two aunts, Laverne Hayrynen and Doris Hayrynen; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins; his music family and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Aili Hayrynen; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Irving and Angela Karry; brothers-in-law, John Karry and Bob Mohan; and granddaughters, Laura and Stephanie Karppinen.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 3, 2018, at the Mountain View Mortuary in South Range, with Pastor Elmer Liimatta to officiate.

Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service on Saturday at the funeral home.

Following the service, military rites will be conducted by Chassell VFW Post 6507.

Arrangements are being handled by Antila Funeral Service, Inc. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at antilafuneral.com.