Richard S. Michels, 57, of Utica Street, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, April 16, 2009.He was born December 27, 1951, in Bridgeport, CT, a son of Edward and Mary Morawski Michels. Rich graduated from the local schools and received his bachelors' degree in biology from Southern Connecticut University. On October 20, 1984, he married Linda Wolak. Rich worked for Chesebrough-Ponds in CT before transferring to the Oriskany Falls plant, where he worked until 1999. He also worked for Bristol-Myers Squibb and at ConMed for the past three years. Rich enjoyed being outdoors, tending to his perennial gardens and he especially loved fly-fishing. He was very proud of his children as he watched them grow up and cherished every moment. Rich had a great interest in science and love for astronomy and also appreciated a good cigar. He was a past president of Trout Unlimited and had been a member of Mohawk Valley Astronomical Society.He is survived by his wife, Linda; his two sons and a daughter, Wade of Maryland and Steven and Lauren both of Clinton; his mother-in-law, Mary Ann Wolak of New Hartford; and a sister-in-law, Susan Wengert of Westmoreland. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Edward Michels.A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, April 18, 2009 at Noon at Owens-Pavlot & Rogers Funeral Service, Inc, 35 College St., Clinton. Friends are invited to call Saturday from 10am until the time of the service. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to American Heart Assoc., Heart Gifts Processing Center, PO Box 3049, Syracuse, NY 13220-3049 or Stevens-Swan Humane Society of Oneida County, 5664 Horatio St., Utica, NY 13502The family thanks Dr. William Ryan and his staff and Dr. Ferreiro for the care given to Rich over the years.