Rick Force of Watson Township died passed away, Wednesday, Feb. 28, at Borgess Pipp Hospital in Plainwell. He was 64 years old.

He was born Feb. 11, 1960, in Kalamazoo, the son of Ernest and Janice (Holdridge) Force. Rick grew up in Williamston, where he was active in the Boy Scouts, tennis and basketball. He also lived in Portage before settling in Watson Township in 2014. 

He was a skilled chef and worked at several restaurants over the years, including Tippecanoe Place, Mountain Jacks, Buds in Schoolcraft and Craftsman Chop House. Rick enjoyed gardening and loved his work as a chef. In 1990 in Mishawaka, Indiana, he married Kelly Miller who survives. 

Rick contracted Eastern Equine Encephalitis that caused a variety of medical issues in 2018

.Also surviving are his daughter, Shannon Eldridge; step-daughter, Stephanie (Donovan) Draher; mother, Janice Force of Florida and sister, Denise (Joe) Roe of Georgia. 

He was preceded in death by his father, Ernest. 

According to his wishes cremation has taken place. 

A graveside service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 5, at Augusta Cemetery, with Pastor Jeremy Africa officiating.

Contributions in memory of Rick may be made to the American Lung Association.