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'.
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