- Date Of Birth: June 1, 1947
- Date Of Death: March 18, 2021
- State: Michigan
Rick (Eric) Rodbard died peacefully after an extraordinary 73 years, having lived a vibrant life—full of good vibrations—in Chicago, Honolulu, and his beloved Kalamazoo, Michigan, for the past 50 years. He was born in Chicago in 1947 to parents Walter Rodbard and Gertrude Rodbard (Magarick) and grew up fast in the Jewish neighborhood of East Rogers Park, working memorable jobs in Kosher catering, delivering ice cream for Good Humor and groceries for Frankfort Pharmacy, and cooking on the Santa Fe Railroad. His deep love of food and people was lifelong and led him to Hawaii, where he lived (and lived!) for five years while attending the University of Hawaii, putting himself through hospitality management school while driving for Charley’s Taxi, and, as the story went, seeing a young English band called Led Zeppelin play at Diamond Head—among other bands and mind-expanding activities.
But it was in Kalamazoo where the story of Rick Rodbard was truly written. Partnering with a friend from Hawaii, in 1972 Rick opened the first Boogie Records location at 765 West Michigan Avenue. While the operation began small and scrappy, Boogie’s impact on West Michigan and beyond was profound, growing to seven locations and spinning off into concert promotion (with gigs by Genesis, J. Geils Band, ZZ Top, and King Crimson, among many others), paraphernalia sales (cough, cough), and eventually a successful waterbed and furniture showroom with the founding of Northwoods in 1978. Until its closure, and Rick’s early retirement in 2001, Northwoods was a fixture of the Kalamazoo business community and embodied Rick’s lifelong love of sales, as well as a profound dedication to treating employees, customers, and every human being he encountered with respect, empathy, equality, and compassion.
After retirement, Rick channeled a passion for reading and collecting first editions into a rare-book business, Oshtemo Book Sellers. He also served as treasurer of Temple B’Nai Israel for many years and remained active in the Kalamazoo Jewish community—though his Friday prayers never quite translated to Sunday afternoon wins for his favorite Detroit Lions. He was a fan of early morning tennis at West Hills, afternoon golf at Angels Crossing and The Prairies, visits to the Meadow Run dog park, and writing poetry that was profoundly in touch with Midwestern life and sensibilities. All activities with his many good friends. He was far too modest to admit his interest in the craft of writing, but those lucky enough to read his written words knew he had a gift.
Rick’s blend of intellect, generosity, and unwavering positivity will be deeply missed by all. His death arrived far too soon, and his many friends and family—from the early Chicago days to the more recent canasta crew—are only starting to realize a world without Rick. He is survived by his beloved wife and soulmate, Cheryl Rodbard, who supported him through illness and shared laughs and kisses until the end; his exceedingly proud children, Matt Rodbard and Julia Ellmers, along with their partners, Tamar Anitai and James Ellmers; grandchildren Isaac and Felicity Ellmers; his dear brothers, Jim Rodbard and Larry Rodbard; sisters-in-law Mary Root and Carol Deschenes; and nieces and nephews Mike Rodbard, Carrie Usyak, Dan Rodbard, Olivia Rodbard, and Jeff Garcia.
We are deeply grateful for the compassionate care of the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, Dr. John R. Lawlor at Bronson Methodist Hospital, and Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan.
Rick, you will always be da man. Our man.
