- Date Of Birth: January 24, 1941
- Date Of Death: July 3, 2009
- State: Michigan
Richard Charles Pokorny, 68, of New Buffalo, died at his home Thursday evening, July 2, 2009. Dick was born January 24, 1941 in Michigan City, Indiana to Charles and Clara (Mauch) Pokorny, instantly transforming the fledgling “Pokorny Plumbing” business into “Pokorny & Son”.
Dick grew up in the family business, managing it for a time after his parents retirement, and eventually converting the properties to the nautically designed LOOKOUT LANDING business center in New Buffalo.Dick enjoyed Dixieland Jazz to the extent of playing in a dance band, a Dixieland band, and in actual New Orleans clubs. His love for travel took him across old Route 66 as a youth, and to the far off destinations of Europe and Africa as an adult. The buying and selling of jewelry as he traveled later evolved into the establishment of the retail jewelry business at home.
Dick adopted the Vegetarian / Vegan lifestyle as a young man and combined this with his acquired taste for ethnic specialties after his travels, knowing the location of every ethnic restaurant within miles of New Buffalo. Dick was a devoted son, brother and friend who will be greatly missed by many. His last year was spent in Oklahoma where he was able to relax and trade the hustle and bustle of business for the warmth and nurture of family. Dick enjoyed card games and puzzles with the big people, and even learned to enjoy tea-parties and ballgames with the little people.
Survivors include his sister, Marcia (Daniel) Oney of Yukon, Oklahoma; brother; Allen (Debbie) Pokorny of St. Petersburg, Florida; nieces and nephews, Natalie (Craig) Crimmins and their children, Charles, Abbey, Tyler and Luke; James (Shalah) Oney and their children, Taylor and Baylie; Christopher Schulz, and Nicholas Pokorny. Local relatives include his aunt, Helen Pokorny Wiggs of Three Oaks and cousin, Bob Vorel of New Buffalo.
