Richard “Dick” Rulison

Richard “Dick” Rulison, 66, passed away of a heart attack on Sunday, July 11, 2021, at his home on Cabbage Road in Tapiola, Mich. He was born in Charlotte, Mich. and was the son of Katherine and Robert Rulison. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Daniel, who was killed in Vietnam. He is survived by his brother, David; sister-in-law, Linda; and his nephews, Jesse and Adam (wife Rachel), whom he loved very much.
Dick started working with horses in his early teens and apprenticed with a local farrier after graduation from Charlotte High School in 1973. In the early 1980’s he moved to Tapiola where he continued shoeing horses locally and working at the Pelkie Co-op. In 1983 he took a job with Carriage Tours on Mackinac Island. Until his recent retirement, he worked and lived on the island during the summer seasons and spent the winters in Tapiola. He loved his U.P. Tapiola life, and for over 30 years he donated his “off-season time” as a volunteer for Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly and was a fireman for the Otter Lake Volunteer Fire Department.
Dick had a great sense of humor and never ran out of stories to tell, and embellish, in his own special way. He will be missed deeply by his family and many friends.
A celebration of Dick’s life will be offered on Saturday, July 24, 2021 at 12 noon at the Tapiola Pavilion. Food and refreshments will be provided.
The interment of his ashes will be held at a later date this fall at the Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte, Mich., followed by a celebration of his life.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly or the Otter Lake Fire Department.
The O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home of Hancock is in charge of the arrangements. To leave online condolences, please go to oneilldennisfh.com.