The last two days have been overwhelming. Thank You is not nearly enough to cover the love, support and prayers our family has had the privilege of being covered with and it is overwhelming.  I love you Dad. Not saying good bye but saying I’ll see you soon. 

Gaylord was rarely without a smile on his face.  He loved life and people and that was obvious to those who were around him.  He loved to hug and show affection and almost always had a joke to share.  

I met Gaylord (aka POPS) as we called him 20 yrs ago when he was doing construction work on south cedar street in Lansing.  He always came into Jim’s Drive -In restaurant for lunch.  Wonderful man he was.   Last seen him 2 years ago and his looks never changed.  Will miss him dearly!  Prayers and hugs to all his family and friends.  

I first met Gaylord the day his brother Harold passed. He welcomed me into the room to see him and say good-bye. We struck up a conversation during this sad time and I felt bonded to him instantly. Harold was so sweet and Gaylord just as sweet with a little more spice. Later I was fortunate to spend a lot of time with him at work, he was a person I loved talking to and laughing with. He clearly loved his family and I always stepped away from him feeling happy, being sure I got a hug and a kiss.  Later yet, I would run into him here and there, hoping our paths would cross anytime I was in Williamston.  I took my boyfriend to Gaylord's favorite breakfast place a few years ago because I really wanted them to meet and they did.  I am saddened to hear of his passing, wishing I had seen him more recently.  My deepest sympathy to his family, what a great man who was clearly loved by all.  He will be missed.

John, Kathy, Jerry, Erlinda and the rest of the Risch family, I am so sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathy and empathy goes out to you. May you feel the presence and love of the Lord as you go through these difficult days ahead.  You are in my prayers.
In Christ,
Pat Maldonado 

I don't remember when I first met Gaylord.  He worked with my brother in-law Joe Travis, My husband
Howdy and his son Howard for T A Forsberg in the 60's or 70's.
Over the years we would see each other and have a little catching up.  
I used to go to the square dances in Mason with a group of friends that included his brother Harold.
Always waved as we passed when on the road.
Was glad to be able to attend his Fire Dept retirement party.
Will miss his smile.
   Margaret Travis

Met Gaylord when I worked at Sunnyside, and our friendship continued as auction buddies out at Geyer. Spent more time talking with him than bidding, and always said goodbye with a hug, a peck on the cheek, and a take care. He was an amazingly kind-hearted person and will surely be missed. Rest easy my friend. 

 Gaylord was our neighbor for 40 years. Over these years he gave us a huge amount of advice and help. He saw our girls grow up from babies to their weddings. Through the years of Dave‘s illness he always arrived before the ambulance, even in the middle of the night, and he often came to sit with Dave in the afternoons. He saw us through Dave‘s funeral, and was there to wave goodbye when I left Williamston. We were just one family of the many people Gaylord helped and “looked after”  even though his own life was so busy. This very generous man will be greatly missed.

Gaylord and I were cousins  always greeted with a hug and kiss, and most often with a  scolding for something I did or didn’t do.  He always seemed to know when I had done something I shouldn’t of done.   Whose  going to keep a eye on me now Gaylord?   Going to miss him more than  he’ll ever know.  Love you big guy. 

I lost my fire department buddy and my best friend yesterday. I have so many memories with Gaylord over 30 years. Going on fire calls, the fire department Christmas Tree lot,  meeting for breakfast and lunch at Sunnyside, pancake breakfasts, trips to look at tractors or go to Superior Saw to buy Stihl equipment. But the biggest thing I'm going to miss is just talking to him about anything and everything. My family and I are going to miss him terribly.  Rest In Peace my friend.

An amazing man. One of my heroes for many years. Whenever we met there was always a warm hug and a kiss.
He was loved and admired by his NIESA family and will be greatly missed.
Gone but never ever forgotten.
Rest well my hero I will miss you so much♥️

We had the good fortune to move across the street from Gaylord, over 40 years ago.  That winter when we came home from teaching school, we repeatedly found our driveway plowed, and it wasn't until much later that we finally found out who had done it! Typical of this generous spirited man, who was always looking for ways, large and small, to help people.  Our sons grew up knowing him as "Uncle Gaylord" and were often taken for tractor rides after he plowed or rototilled our garden. Certainly the community as a whole and his family, friends, and fellow firefighters will feel the loss of Gaylord for a long time. 

Simply one of the greatest men I was lucky enough to know and love.  A gentleman, a hero, a legend. Our small town will be dim without his great light......

OBITUARY

Gaylord Stanley Risch

June 23, 1933 – October 3, 2018

Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes

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