Richard Generou-Gainey
March 11, 1970 – December 16, 2022
Richard “Rick” Vernon Generou-Gainey was born on March 11, 1970 in Newberry, Michigan. Rick passed away on December 16, 2022 in Charlotte, Michigan with his fiancé, Brenda Moulton, by his side.
Rick was raised by is great-grandmother, Pearl Anderson, whom he lovingly called “Honey” until her death in 1976. Rick was then adopted and raised in McMillan, Michigan by his maternal great uncle, Pug (Vernon) Generou.
As a 1988 graduate of Tahquamenon Area High School, Rick enjoyed playing football and hinging out with his brother, Leonard Hanes and various cousins and friends.
After graduation and the passing of his dad, Rick moved down state to the Charlotte area where he worked various jobs, including cement work, cable installation for Horizon Cable, small engine repair, and where he discovered he had a love and real knack for cooking. It was during his employment at Joe Gizzard’s where he met Guy Fieri, who was there to film an episode of Diners, Dives and Drive-Ins. Later he became a bartender at the Eaton Pub. Rick also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and food dragging.
Rick was known for being a friendly, outgoing guy who enjoyed people and for sharing a story or a good joke upon occasion. He loved all animals and children, and the feelings were mutual. Rick enjoyed listening to music, but liked making it even better! He learned to play guitar from his best friend, John Steward, and together with a few other friends formed a band called “Quitin’ Time”.
Rick is preceded in death by his mother Karen Generou, great grandmother Pearl Anderson, father Pug Generou, grandmother Lorraine Hanes, grandfather Vern Hanes, brother Sam Maddox, and best friend John Steward. Survivors include his fiancé Brenda Moulton, brother Leonard “Lenny” Hanes, numerous cousins with whom he was very close, nieces, nephews, and many, many friends.
Graveside services will be held at the Columbus Township Cemetery on June 3, 2023 at 10 a.m. with Rick’s longtime friend, Chaplin Ed MacLean officiating. Friends and family will gather immediately after at the Columbus Township Hall.
