Community says goodbye to respected teacher

The Waldon Middle School will remember Bertram Richard ‘Rick? McNally for his valuable opinion. His family will remember him for his devotion. And his wife will remember him for his smile.
Rick passed away Wednesday, Feb. 25 after battling illness for four years. He was 54 years old.
Born and raised in Grass Lake, MI, Rick attended Albion College where he received a bachelor’s degree in education. He went on to earn his master’s degree in education from Michigan State University, after which he moved to Ortonville.
In 1986, Rick began teaching at Lake Orion High School. He taught English, science and social studies and coached junior and varsity football. He also served as the assistant coach for boys basketball for many years.
Rick moved to Waldon Middle School in 1991 and taught science.
‘He just loved working with his students and collegues at Waldon,? said his wife, Sue.
There, Rick was involved in school leadership like the School Improvement Team. He also served as the union representative for the building.
Interim Principal Randy Groya worked with Rick for the past three years.
‘He definitely had a presence,? Groya said. ‘When he spoke, it was well thought out. His opinion was respected.?
Outside of school, Rick was an avid golfer and he enjoyed hunting. Sue says he especially loved watching his two sons play sports.
Rick is survived by his wife and their two sons, by his parents, Dick and Betty Jo, siblings, Jim (Linda), Jeff (Judy), Mike (Kim), Michelle (Scott) Knapp and eight nieces and nephews.
‘It’s a tragic loss to lose someone so young,? said Superintendent Ken Gutman, extending his sympathy. ‘Our hearts go out to Rick’s family, the Waldon family and the community.?