“I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith” 2 Timothy 4-7. Rick Sands (My VIP), 54, passed away after a long summer of many health challenges that he endured without complaint. “He learned to unite his sufferings with Christ sufferings for the sake of His body, the Church” Colossians 1:24.

He was born South Bend, Indiana on January 26, 1967, to Lee H. and Josephine (Digirolamo) Sands.

Rick was a humble and kind man who loved God, his wife, his family and was the happiest when serving others. He loved rides in the afternoon in his truck with his dog, Hunter, stopping by St. Michael Church for a quick prayer before coming home and doing something special for his wife.

He was a hall and room monitor at Plymouth High School. Rick was grateful for the gift of each day he was able to walk through the doors of the school.

He is survived by his wife, Mary, and daughter, Ashley; stepchildren: Jessica (Russ) Stephic, Chasity (Javi) Mendez and Timothy (Liz) Wagner; 5 grandchildren: Troy, Helina, Jay, Max and Nora; special niece and nephew, Lesley and Joey; brother, Dennis Hagye; his mother-in-law, Joyce Pierson and sisters-in-law, Kathy (Richard) Eichstedt and Barb Pierson; and special friend, Joanne.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Betty Jo Tompsett.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 17, 2021, from 4-7 p.m. at Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth. A Rosary will be recited at 4 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, November 18, 2021, at St. Michael Church, 611 N. Center, Plymouth with Fr. Spenser St. Louis officiating.

Family burial will be held in the St. Michael Catholic Cemetery, Plymouth.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Michael Church, 612 N. Walnut Street, Plymouth.

Condolences may be sent to the family through the website:  www.johnson-danielson.com