Richard Lee Amble

Richard Lee Amble "Dick", age 74, of Brimley, Michigan passed away on Thursday, April 26, 2012 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born December 2, 1937 in Harrison, Michigan, the son of Elmer and Gladys (Sharp) Amble. Dick grew up in Harrison, Michigan and attended Harrison High School and went off to Central Michigan University where he majored in education and was a member of the CMU Chippewa football team and graduated in 1963. He married Beverly Jean Lyons on September 14, 1957. "Coach Amble", "Dick", "Gramps" or "Papa", he was known and will be remembered by all of these names affectionately. Dick began teaching at Brimley Area Schools in 1963 and it didn't take him long to realize he had found his new home. A school that he would love and support throughout the remainder of his life. Serving at various times throughout his career as a Football Coach, Basketball Coach, Cross Country Coach., Guidance Counselor, Driver's Ed Teacher and Athletic Director. Dick retired from Brimley Area Schools in 1995 only to return in 1998 as the school's Athletic Director once again. In 2006 he retired fully from Brimley Area Schools but although in retirement he remained active in Brimley Athletics and returned often to do substitute teaching. "Coach" was a word that encompassed all of the years he spent coaching kids and teaching them that sports was not just a skill that you learned for that season but lessons and skills that you would learn and carry with you throughout the rest of your life. He was the CCSS coordinator for Brimley Area Schools, taught classes for the Upward Bound program at LSSU,M ember EUP Athletic Director, EUP ISD Board Member, AFLAC representative and many more titles too numerous to mention. He was a proud member of the "Stroh's Old Timers" softball team and never missed a summer at the softball fields. "Coach Amble" will always be remembered for his stories and jokes but more so for his love of athletics and his love for kids. He always had a special name for most he came into contact with always leaving them with a smile on their face, a shaking of their head or another story or joke to go home with. He loved the outdoors and a Saturday afternoon ride down the old dirt roads. He is gone now and will be greatly missed by his many friends, his community and his family but we know that he is in good hands right next to Coach Roan and Coach Duncan. Dick is survived by his High School sweetheart, love of his life and wife of 54 years, Jean; three sons, Stuart Amble, Scott (Sandy) Amble both of Brimley, Steve (Cristi) Amble of Delta, Colorado, two daughters, Rhonda Amble and JoJo Harris both of Brimley; twelve grandchildren, Travis Lynn, Stephanie Lynn, Samantha Randle, Courtney Amble, Kara Amble, Maurice Harris, Marcus Harris, Mason Harris, Piper Amble, Paizli Amble, Megan (Steven) Stebbings and Jazmyne Amble; three great grandchildren, Trey Michael Lynn , Devin Bardy and Emma Marie Stebbings. Dick has further survived by his brother Raymond (Melvina) Amble of Newberry, Michigan and several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. Dick was preceded in death by his parents; sisters; Louise Murphy, Nellie Bauder, and Irene Engel; 3 brothers-in-law; Gerald "Jigs" Engel, Russ Bauder and Bob Murphy; Father-in-law; Patrick Lyons and Mother-in-law Evelyn Lyons. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held on Sunday, May 6th at Brimley Area Schools "Old High School" Gymnasium beginning at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorials may be left to Hospice of the EUP or War Memorial "Road to Recovery".

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Richard Lee Amble

December 2, 1937 - April 26, 2012