Mr. Root, age 64, died Wed, May 15, 2013 at his home. Rick was born in Owosso on Feb 19, 1949 to the late Lloyd and Mildred (McKay) Root. Rick lived in Byron all of his life. He was a 1967 graduate of Byron High School. Rick married the former Katherine Nichols in Byron on May 23, 1969. Rick served on the Burns Township Fire Department from 1968 until 1997 and as its chief from 1982 to 1987. He played men’s slow pitch softball for many years. Rick was a member of Bricklayers Local #12 Flint. He worked for Jones & Simpson of Flint and then Schiffer Mason Contractors retiring in 2007. Mr. Root is survived by his wife Kathy, their 2 children: Rob (Jennifer) Root of Byron and Shannon Root of Lansing. Also surviving are grandchildren: Sabrina and Derek Root of Byron, and his sister, Sandy (Bill) Taylor of Bancroft. He was preceded in death by his step mother Juanita Root. A funeral service will be held at 11am on Mon, May 20, 2013 at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Father Robert McKeon and Deacon Wayne Corrion will officiate. Burial will follow in the Byron Cemetery. The family will receive friends at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Sun, May 19, 2013 from 1 to 4pm and 5 to 8pm and on Mon from 10am until the time of service.