Richard Frank Bachi (Butch) passed away unexpectedly on December 6, 2024, at the age of 77, surrounded by his loving family.

Frank was born, January 9, 1947, to Lee and Grace Bachi, in Traverse City, Michigan.  He graduated from Elk Rapids high School in 1965.

Frank served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Forrestal CVA-59 med cruises of 1965-66 and 1968-69, and West PAC of 1967, when the ship caught fire.  Frank was honorably discharged in 1969.

Frank was the proud father of Heather (Jim) Granger, Dawn (Bob) Rauch, the twins Lesli Wardell and Lori (Mike) Findley; grandchildren Joshua McColley, Kennedy (Logan) Hansen, Cameron Reffitt, Cassidy (Jeremy Mogford) Reffitt, Austin (Alicia) Findley, Noah Wardell, Shelly Rauch, Bailey (Weston) Hubbell and Harley Rauch; great grandchildren Cohen, Gracelyn, Haizlee, Kasey, Stetson, Jagger, Elijah, Miya, Jaxon and William.

Frank is survived by his sister ELee (Toot) Webb; nephews and nieces; Matthew (Cindy) Webb, Melissa (Paul) Brabant, Andy Webb, John (Cathy) Pomaville, Rick (Uyen) Pomaville, Renee (Steve) Ziemba and Michael Pomaville.

Frank was a member of the Elk Rapids Fire Department, since 1979, he retired in 2014.  He served as president for numerous years and was also the treasurer of the association.  He served as First Lieutenant, Second Lieutenant and Captain for several years.  He had a mutual aid agreement between Suttons Bay-Bingham and Elk Rapids Fire Department.  Frank also served with Elk Rapids Township Ambulance, first as a MFR then as an EMT, and he was Deputy Chief for the department.

Frank was employed by Wanigan Corporation.  Prior to that he worked at the Suttons Bay IGA, Village Market and Ed & Son Market.

Frank was an avid reader, and he loved his Tuesday night poker games.  He was always quick to lend a hand or a suggestion on how to do something.  He had a quick wit "let me be Frank with you" when being introduced to someone, and he loved hugging the ladies!  He was known and loved by everyone in the community.

The only way to complete this is by Frank's/Dad's well-known saying, "moving right along"…

A Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, January 11, 2025, from 12 to 2 PM, at the AMVETS Post 114 in Elk Rapids.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Elk Rapids Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com