Richard David DuBay

73, of Fort Gratiot, passed away on Thursday, October 10, 2019, after a strong battle with cancer at Regency on the Lake surrounded by his family.

He was born in Mt. Clemens, Michigan on April 6, 1946.

Ricky was raised by the Lang family which was the start of his interest in horses. Throughout the years he worked for many different ranches in the Midwest. In 2001, his childhood dream of having his family and his horses under the same roof became a reality when his daughter and son-in-law opened Phoenix Farms. The highlight of his career was reached in 2017 when he had a world champion horse within the family. He loved his time spent with his grandsons, family, and friends. Ricky was known to many as being a best friend and was known as the greatest horseman to have lived. His four passions in life were family, horses, beer and fried chicken.

He is survived by his daughter and son, Amy (Michael) DeLange of Fort Gratiot and Rick (Tanya) DuBay of Canton; three grandchildren, Tyler (Courtney), Dakota, and Luke; expected great-grandson, Barrett; mother of Amy and Rick, Kitty Braun; brothers, Roy, Louie, and Jack DuBay; as well as many dear friends.

The family honors the memory of Richard and invites you to visit and share memories on Tuesday, October 15, 2019, from 1:00 pm until 6:00 pm with a funeral service beginning at 6:00 pm at Smith Family Funeral Home, Hancock Street. Reverend Max Amstutz will officiate.

Memorials are suggested to the Youth Scholarship Program at the Great Lakes Cutting Horse Association.

For information and guestbook, www.smithfamilyfuneralhome.com