Jay S. Richmond

Jay S. Richmond, age 63, of Trenary, died Tuesday morning, August 18, 2020 at his home after a 21 year battle with cancer. He was under the loving care of his wife, daughters, and Lake Superior Hospice.  He was born in Escanaba on July 8, 1957 to George “Sonny” and Jacqueline “Jackie” (Breault) Richmond.  Jay was raised in Trenary and worked at Richmond and Hawley Sawmill throughout high school.  In 1975, Trenary High School and Chassell High School combined classes for a senior class trip to Disney World.  It was on the Greyhound bus where he met Bonnie Rajala.  They were seatmates by the time they reached the Mackinac Bridge…..on the way to Florida.  Jay graduated from Trenary High School in 1975 and on September 25, 1976, he and Bonnie were married.  Lovebirds throughout their marriage, they together raised their two beautiful daughters.  Jay worked with his dad and brothers and then owned and operated Richmond and Hawley Sawmill for many years.  After the sawmill fire in 1999, Jay went to work at Timber Products where he was sawmill plant manager.  He retired in January of 2017.  Jay was active in the Alger County community.  He served on the Superior Central School Board and the Trenary Credit Union Board for many years.  He sang with the Vanguards and was a member of Pictured Rocks Golf Course.  Jay bowled, played softball, and basketball for many years with the Eben Alumni League.  He enjoyed playing golf, taking hunting trips to South Dakota, spending time at camp, yelling at the Packers, and most of all spending time with family and friends.  Jay’s world was complete and at its best when he could spend time with Bonnie, their girls (and their husbands), and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of over forty-three years – Bonnie Richmond of Trenary; daughters and sons-in-law – Danielle (Thomas) Kareus of Elizabethtown, Indiana and Heidi (Jimmy) Gleason of Abrams, WI; grandchildren – Carter, London, Kinsley, Emma, and Wyatt; father – Sonny Richmond of Trenary; siblings -Cindy (Mike) Frey of Sauk City, WI, Keith (Laura) Richmond of Trenary, Greg Richmond of Manistique, Auvergne “Abe” (Sally) Richmond of Rock, Wayne (Sheila) Richmond of Eben, and Brett (Amy) Richmond of Trenary; sister-in-law and brothers-in-law – Sharon (Chuck) Rocchi and George Rajala; and numerous nieces and nephews.  Jay was preceded in death by his mother Jackie Richmond and his parents-in-law Oliver and Mary Rajala.

At this time, because of the COVID restrictions in place, a private service will be held at a later date.  If circumstances change, there will be a public announcement.

Memorials in Jay’s name are suggested to be made to Lake Superior Hospice (914 W. Baraga Avenue, Marquette, MI  49855) or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (donate online at www.stjude.org or mail form off of website to 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN  38105.)