Rod Yaich

If there is one thing Rodney Yaich taught us, it was that life is for living to the fullest each day. He not only lived each day, he embraced each day, and he made sure those around him did the same. Rod was the heartbeat of his family and a huge part of the community he called home for the past several years of his life. A brilliant and highly organized and disciplined man, Rod could work a room like no other and with his warm and outgoing personality, he naturally drew others near. He cherished being a father, but perhaps would argue that becoming a grandfather was his greatest reward as nothing brought him more happiness than anything having to do with his beloved Noah, Emma, Anastasia, Amelia and Charlotte. We say goodbye to a mountain of a man whose character and legacy is unmatched, but his memories will remain forever near and dear to our hearts.

After the struggles of Great Depression and WWII engulfed our nation for more than a decade, 1949 saw America moving forward with renewed fervor. Prosperity was creeping in and along with it, there were more than six million new cars sold that year in addition to nearly ten million televisions. We welcomed soap operas as a viewing option and were on the cusp of a cultural phenomenon with the explosion of rock ‘n roll. This was a year to remember for one young couple from Detroit, Michigan, since it was on October 6th that they celebrated the birth of their son, Rodney. The healthy baby boy was welcomed into the arms of his loving parents, Donald and Suzanne (Dixon) Yaich, and was their only child. From his earliest years Rod was a Michigan fan and was loyal to the Maize and Blue throughout the rest of his life. He played some hockey as a boy and attended local schools including Redford High School and another local high school as well.

It was as a college student that Rod decided to pursue his dream of becoming a golf professional. This led him to a Detroit area golf course for a time and then to a course in Howell. It was in Howell that he met the woman who would forever hold the key to his heart. Her name was Barbara Ziegler and she worked for him at the golf course. Rod was smitten with her, and he had no problem lavishing Barb with gifts and treating her like a queen. After falling deeply in love, the couple married on November 12, 1983, in Brighton. A short time later, they moved to Vassar where Rod worked at a golf course and they completed their family with the births of two more children. He was glad that Barb was able to stay home to focus her attention on the kids while he worked. Rod was a bit strict as a father, but he mellowed some as the years passed by. There was plenty of room in the Yaich family for fun as he made every moment an adventure for his wife and children. Rod was highly organized, especially when it came to planning activities as even dinner out was accompanied by a detailed itinerary! Special days were more than just an opportunity to give a gift according to Rod as he took gift-giving to a whole new level with every chance he got.

Those who knew Rod could see that he was a man of many gifts. He was highly intelligent and hard-working, strong willed and a great leader. Rod was someone who always saw things through to the end, never taking the easy way out of anything. He was also a man of faith who used his beliefs as the compass he used to direct his path. Rod loved to travel and was skilled at planning trips, too, as he always did his due diligence in researching their destinations in order to experience the best of what every city has to offer. He managed to find the best restaurants in town no matter where they were and was always very aware of his surroundings. Rod’s organizational skills and spirit of adventure naturally led him to being the “social director” for any kind of group whether kids basketball teams or rotary functions. He loved tailgating at Michigan football games and never tired of watching his favorite movie, Caddyshack.

With a desire for more time to spend with his family, Rod moved his family to St. Johns where he opened Masters Auto Wash. He embraced his surroundings there and became both a successful businessman and a leader in the community. When grandchildren joined their family, Rod couldn’t have been happier. Whether he was spending time with these young ones or just pouring over their pictures, they were the highlight of his life.

Life became more difficult for Rod and those who love him when he was he was diagnosed with cancer last year. He bravely fought against this most unrelenting enemy and although his will to live never wavered, it was not enough to overcome the battle waged against him.

As the family and friends of Rodney Yaich struggle to adjust to life without him here, none would argue that their lives were greatly enriched for having known him. He was generous, kindhearted, and hard working each and every day. Rod never shied away from joking around with his family and friends, all in the name of having fun. Although his life ended much too soon, Rod fully appreciated every moment he was given whether he was taking in the majesty of creation or simply sharing a tender moment with his family. A true gift in every sense of the word, Rod will be deeply missed.

Rodney A. Yaich died on Saturday, February 26, 2011 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Rod’s family includes his wife, Barbara; daughters, Karen (Ryan) Eustice and Emily (Michael) Hanley; son, Stephen Yaich; grandchildren, Noah, Emma, Anastasia Amelia Eustice and Charlotte Hanley. Rod was preceded in death by his parents. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 2, 2011 at the St. Mary Cathedral in Lansing with Rev. Fr. John Ziegler as celebrant. Following the luncheon burial will be at Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery in Southfield, Michigan. The family will receive friends at the Osgood Funeral Home 104 E. Cass St. St. Johns on Tuesday, 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. and 9-10 a.m. prior to the mass on Wednesday. Rosary will be prayed at 7 p.m. Tuesday with the Divine Mercy Chaplet at 3 p.m. on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests masses to be offered for the repose of his soul. To learn more about Rod and view his Life Story Film, visit his personal webpage at www.lifestorynet.com/memories/67031 where you can share a memory or photo, and sign his memory book.