Richard Sambrook

Richard Sambrook of Charlevoix County passed away early Tuesday morning, November 5, 2019, at the age of 90. He was in hospice care at his daughter’s home and died of natural causes.  Born on June 18, 1929, Dick was one of 4 boys born to Frank Jacob Sambrook and Helen (Matteson) Sambrook. A graduate of Fordson High School in Dearborn, MI, he married Leona Wakefield in 1950 and had 4 children; Richard, Susan, Mark, and Scot.

Dick was trained as a diecast design engineer and worked within the automobile industry in the  Detroit area throughout his career. His interest in outdoor activities including skiing and fishing, took him to Northern Michigan where he purchased his retirement home on the south arm of Lake Charlevoix in 1970.  In his later years friends knew him as Rich, a nickname he preferred. Rich spent his winters since retirement at a trailer park in Port Ritchie Florida, where he developed many close friendships and pursued his passion, golf.  Rich was a polite and positive gentleman whose cup was always half full. He was a tinkerer and a project oriented fellow. No task seemed too small to take on. He had a good sense of humor and when he could no longer physically complete projects on his own he was eager to offer advice.

Rich is survived by his son Richard Sambrook (Stephanie) of Ypsilanti, Michigan, and his daughter Susan Morris (Gerald) of Charlevoix, Michigan. Grandchildren include: Everett (Emily) Sambrook, Matthew (Samantha) Sambrook, Melinda (Andrew) Bellavia, Kirsten (Mark) Hayden, Colin Morris, Maxwell Sambrook, and Christopher Morris. Greatgrand children include: Owen Sambrook, Charlotte Bellavia, Luke Sambrook, and Logan Sambrook.  Rich is also survived by his youngest brother, Rodney Sambrook,  nephew Harold (LaNea) Renshaw, and cousin Lucille Sambrook.

Richard was predeceased by his wife Leona-2006, his two youngest sons; Scot-2014, and Mark-2018, and his older brothers Donald Sambrook and Eugene Sambrook.

Family, neighbors, and friends of Rich Sambrook will gather along the south arm of Lake Charlevoix at his home in the summer of 2020 for a celebration of his life. For more information contact his daughter Susan at 200 Elm, Charlevoix, MI, 49720.

Memorial donations can be made to Little Traverse Conservancy, 3264 Powell Road, Harbor Springs, MI 49740.  231-347-0991 - see website for online donations.

Arrangements are in the care of the Winchester Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Please sign his online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com