ESCANABA - Richard John Auble, 68, of Gladstone, passed away Oct. 7, 2009, at home.

Richard was born on Dec. 13, 1940, in Detroit, the son of Dr. Max Eugene Auble and Frances Auble (McGraw).

Richard Auble was raised in Detroit and Grosse Pointe Park, Mich., and graduated from Grosse Pointe High School in January, 1959.

He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1961 and served in the First and Third Marine Division. He was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps in 1964.

Richard Auble attended Michigan State University and received a bachelor's degree in English in 1967. He later attended Western Michigan University and graduated with a master's degree in social work in 1974.

On July 26, 1969, Richard Auble married the former Sandra Joan Briney at the Central Methodist Church in Waterford, Mich. Richard and Sandra have two children. John and Jennifer (Green) of Oceanside, Calif., and Erika (Auble) and Martin Fix of Escanaba, and two grandchildren, Olivia and Ava Fix.

Richard was employed with a variety of social service, counseling and mental health agencies including Child and Family Service of the Upper Peninsula, Delta County Community Mental Health and Behavioral Health Services of Marquette General Hospital.

He organized and ran his own private practice in Escanaba, North Shore Counseling Center from 1989-1994.

Richard loved outdoor activities including deer, grouse and turkey hunting, fly fishing, ice fishing, camping, canoeing backpacking and spending time with his grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited to gather and celebrate Richard's life at the Terrace Bay Inn from 4 to 5 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 12. Memorial contributions in Richard's name may be directed to the American Heart Association.

Richard's family is being assisted by the Skradski-Boyce Family Funeral Homes. For additional information or to leave Richard's family a message of condolence, go to www.skradski-boycefuneralhomes.com

My deepest condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace Richard Auble.

Semper Fidelis