Richard Alan Pfau "Rick" died on Tuesday March 31st at the age of 71 after a short illness. Rick was born on December 29, 1954, in Lansing, Michigan, to Edward and Lois (Ulsrud) Pfau. After living in Okemos for 2 years, he moved with his family to Marquette, Michigan, where Rick learned to ski and swim in Lake Superior. He regarded those years in Marquette as the happiest time growing up.

In 1966, Rick moved with his family to Lansing, Michigan, where he graduated from Sexton High School (1973) and Michigan State University (1978), majoring in mathematics. In 1988, Rick earned a master's in economics at the University of Michigan. Rick spent time as a teaching assistant in Economics and lecturer in the Business School there while working on his PhD.

Rick' was employed as a staff economist at Michigan Bell (later Ameritech) from 1978 to 1986. After completing his master's and his course work for a PhD in Economics, was hired as a senior economist at Resource Economics (later applEcon), working on antitrust litigation and consulting in regulated industries. Rick retired from applEcon and a career that he loved.

Rick's passion was kayaking and spent many hours on the Huron River and the Great Lakes. Lake Superior was his favorite, and he loved paddling in the waters around Marquette. He was an avid walker. He enjoyed music of all types, including Bob Dylan, jazz and classical as well as playing his many guitars. He was a lover of history and had an extensive collection of books on the topic. He also enjoyed discussing politics and was a talented painter.

Rick found the love of his life, Carolyn, in 1996 and they were inseparable. With that, Rick inherited her large extended family.

Rick is survived by his wife Carolyn, his stepdaughters, Erika Weinstein, Renee Smith and her husband Chris, and stepson Barry "Butch" Weinstein and his wife Cheryl. He is also survived by his brother Mark, his wife Debby and their son, Bruce, as well as 4 great nieces and nephews. Rick will be greatly missed by many dear and long-time friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his niece, Kristin Pfau.

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