Richard W. Fern

Richard W. Fern, age 73, a native and lifelong resident of Toledo, passed away peacefully in the early morning on February 12, 2014 at his home surrounded by loving family. Richard was born November 20, 1940 to the late Wilbur and Lucille Layman Fern. Richard attended Cedar Creek Church in West Toledo and was an avid sports fan, his favorite teams being the New York Yankees, Detroit Lions and Notre Dame Fighting Irish. He also enjoyed reading in his free time. Richard will be remembered for his strength and courage in battling cancer on six different occasions. He used his experiences to try to help others as the facilitator for Man to Man Prostate Cancer Survivors Group at St. Anne Hospital. Richard was a compassionate and affectionate man, extremely devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was a true family man, finding great enjoyment attending his grandchildrens sporting events and taking in the musical abilities of his daughters and granddaughter. His presence will be deeply missed. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of over 51 years, Margo Masney Fern; beloved daughters, Heidi Jeff Clausius, Heather Brandon Ward, Leslie Fern and Gretchen Joe Lapham; the six grandchildren whom he adored, Allison and Max Clausius, Ethan and Molly Ward, William and Jack Lapham; and sister, Barbara Dick Palmer. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Robert and a son, Richard on the same date, February 12, forty seven years ago. Visitation is Friday from 4-8 p.m. in the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Ave. west of Corey Rd.. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February, 15 2014 at Hope Lutheran Church, 2201 Secor Rd., Toledo. Committal will be private. In memory of Richard, the family requests in lieu of flowers and donations, that friends offer an act of kindness to someone in need. A special thank you to: Mercy St. Anne Cancer Center and Dr. Nasfat Shehadeh; Sue and Stephaney at Neuro ICU at St. V Hospice of NW Ohio and all their wonderful caregivers. Richard was blessed with compassionate care by all. Online condolences can be expressed at walkerfuneralhomes.com. Till death do us part. M.