Peoples Funeral Home, Inc. | Denton, TX

Obituary For Richard Malak

It is with great sadness that the family of Rick Malak announces his passing on Tuesday, November 23rd, 2021. Rick was born on September 12th, 1958 in Warren, MI and was 63 years old at the time of his passing.

His parents, Genevieve Hudak and Peter Malak raised Rick and his 3 siblings in the Detroit, MI area where he was able to learn and show his incredible work ethic. As a teen, he worked at his Dad's plastic molding company, eventually moving to Texas and always remaining in the trade - most recently as an Engineering Manager at Reliant Plastics.

His friends knew him as an outspoken, passionate man with a dream. Upon moving to Texas and discovering a newfound love for water-skiing he teamed up with a group of friends to build their dream lake and later he built his dream home on the lake.

That dream home included his wife, Donna Malak (formerly Donna Langdon) a native Texan. Upon meeting, she immediately recognized him for his charm and wit, but fell further in love with his big personality and even bigger heart. Together they had two children, Kevin M. Malak and Andrea N. Malak who knew their father as their biggest fan, support system and role model. Rick would agree and say his children were his greatest creations, passions, and loves of his life.

We were blessed for the many valuable Rick Malak life lessons and it’s no wonder those closest to him coined the phrase ‘better call Rick’ and deemed him the ‘coolest old guy I know’.

We pray he found his ‘happy place’ on a dock somewhere watching our former dog Benny chase ski boats.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Donna Malak, son Kevin Malak, daughter Andrea Malak, sisters Marsha Prose and her children, Bonnie Malak and her children, and Peggy Malak. In-laws of 33 years and their families include Pam Ledbetter, Paula and David Melton, Jerry and Cheryl Langdon, and Teresa and Mark Harper.

The family will hold a private Celebration of Life Ceremony at their home on Saturday, December 11th. Please reach out to a family member if you would like more details. He will without a doubt now be known as 'the coolest old guy we ever knew'.

Guest Book

I remember going to a hockey tournament, I think in Detroit and there was a man threatening my son when he got off the rink, I was worried cause my husband was not there, but Rivk had him stayed close to him & as big as he was the other man did not dare go near my son, I was so releaved, my son's gaurdian angel! Thank you for always helping, my son has some wonderful memories of boating with ya'all😇

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My sincere condolences to Donna, Kevin and Andrea and the extended family. I was just made aware of the sad news this past Friday. I had the pleasure of knowing and working with Rick on several occasions for nearly 30 years. I will always have many fond memories of Rick. He was a true family man who truly loved his wife and kids. In our conversations over the years he would always talk about Kevin and Andrea and where they were at in their lives and how proud he was of them. Rick was a good man and friend always willing to help out. Rick will be missed by all. Rest In Peace my friend. Ron Cirillo

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I was fortunate to have married into this special family. I'll never forget the first time meeting Uncle Rick... This tall, big man who spoke his mind, whon was incredibly intimidating to me...Overtime I realized he was just a giant teddy bear who was very opinionated lol. Some of my favorite memories include: Dock Parties, singing & dancing to the black eyed peas and him making THE BEST margaritas. But also being told "Remember, it's a marathon not a sprint." Zane and I receiving very important wisdom after getting married..it's always "Yes Dear" Him making us the best dang popcorn. Going on a cruise with him and Donna. Celebrating Donna's Birthday and our Wedding Anniversary at Trulucks. And the many many hockey games. My favorite memories were us staying the weekends...lots of chats on the dock, fishing, tubing, games, and just amazing quality time together. There was one time I was really struggling with something and Rick stepped in, gave me some amazing advice and comforted me. He was definitely a Father figure to me and I'm so incredibly thankful to have known him for the past 13+ years. We all know he had so much love for water skiing and teaching. He was so patient, encouraging and truly your biggest fan out there on the water. I watched him teach many kids including my nephew how to water ski. He truly was the happiest out on the lake. This past summer I finally gave it an attempt... I will say I only got up a few times out of the many tries and he was still so incredibly proud of me. He would have stayed on that lake the entire day if I would have wanted to.. My heart goes out to you Donna, Kevin and Andrea ❤ Love you guys I miss you so incredibly much Uncle Rick. "Love you more than dirt." -Laura

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Condolences and respect. Giant surprise on this man passing. Hugs to all the family. May calm and peace be upon your homes as you deal with this loss. Bruce and Susan Rudinger

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From his niece, Jenae Bryan. I keep hearing him greet me when coming over and asking me "How's it goin kid?". This past 4th of July, we had a family gathering at their place, and even with Uncle Rick recovering from knee surgery, he was determined to pull myself, Ragin and Jenny on the 3 seater tube, and we had the absolute time of our lives!!! I don't think I have ever laughed that hard from pure joy, and a little bit of fear. Perfect amount of joy and fear ;) He knew he was the coolest Uncle, and was always welcoming to all. I miss him terribly. Love you Uncle Rick!

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Although I didn't know Rick for a lifetime, I will always remember him fulfilling his dreams and reminding us all to have the time of our lives. I've seen him be an exceptional neighbor, mentor to ski athletes, role model to his kids and someone who always ignited energy into any room he walked into. He will be missed!

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Peoples Funeral Home, Inc. | Denton, TX