Throughout elementary and middle schools, Rich was on the Honor Roll while attending Utica Community Schools. He was reading chapter books in kindergarten and has always scored high on tests. He eventually became a student at Chippewa Valley High but didn’t feel comfortable, so his grades started to drop. Once he convinced mom to allow him to be homeschooled via the K12 Online program, he excelled and then graduated with Honors on June 4, 2021.
He discussed wanting to attend a technical college due to his love for game development, but decided to work instead. Mom knew his love for vehicles and that he had an extensive knowledge of such, ever since the age of 3, when he had a huge car collection that he would play diligently with. Mom also felt he would do well at a company such as AutoZone because of his knowledge of vehicles, so she called the AutoZone located across the road/adjacent to a doctor’s office complex where they live. Mom spoke with Scherry, who decided to interview Rich and took him under her wing once she hired him. Rich was promoted to a part-time manager at the age of 19. He loved his place of employment. He would walk to work, walk home for his hour lunches, order DoorDash for lunch regularly, and build vehicles/race cars/play Roblox games on his computer.
Rich accepted Christ into his life at the age of 10. Rich was funny, sweet, very articulate, loved to eat only the best of foods, could cook like a chef, loved drinking beverages (he would purchase case after case of nonalcoholic beverages), would speak his mind humbly, and stayed to himself with the exception of his online friends.
He leaves behind his dad, Richard Garvin Sr. (Rich); mom, Calley Garvin (formerly Calley Steen); sister, Caterra Garvin; and a host of family members. Predeceased family consists of Richard’s older brother, the first Richard Garvin Jr., who died after being born prematurely in 2001; his grandmother (mom’s mom), Shirley Steen, who died in 2005; and his grandfather (mom’s dad), Calvin Steen, who died in 2011.
Overall, Rich was known as, “A good kid”, who will truly be missed.
The family will greet friends for visitation from 1:00pm-2:00pm on Friday, July 28, 2023 at Kaul Funeral Home, 35201 Garfield Rd., Clinton Twp., Michigan.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, July 29, 2023 at Hope United Church of Christ, 35127 Garfield Rd., Clinton Twp., Michigan. Rev. Meg Wilson presiding.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the family.
Fond memories and condolences may be offered to the family via the online guestbook at www.kaul-funeral.com
