Ronald "Ponytail Ron" Lazich

Known to many as "Ponytail Ron", Ronald Lazich was born in Detroit, Michigan, on April 5, 1945, to Boro and Stella Lazich (nee Jurich). He passed away peacefully on August 1, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, a loving family, deep friendships, and a lifelong love of the water. A proud resident of Grosse Pointe Farms since 1974, Ronald found great joy in boating. For many years, he kept his boat at the Grosse Pointe Farms Pier in Well 007, where he spent countless hours doing what he loved most - being out on the water. Boating wasn’t just a hobby; it was a way of life. On many summer mornings, he would leave the Farms Pier by boat, cruise to the Detroit Edison Boat Club, and walk the rest of the way to work downtown. Those moments on the water brought him peace and happiness and created lasting memories with family and friends. For many years, Ronald also spent his winters in South Florida, enjoying the sunshine and the slower pace of life he looked forward to each year. While there, he especially loved walking down each day to visit with the "old guys on the bench", sharing stories, laughter, and companionship. His Florida home became a gathering place, and he always looked forward to visits from family and friends who made the trip south to spend time with him. Ronald was known for his strong work ethic throughout his life. He dedicated the majority of his career to Detroit Edison, where he began as a cable splicer and steadily advanced through the company, eventually becoming a job training instructor and later a technician before retiring in 2001. During those years, he also worked a second job at night for many years as a bouncer at local bars, a testament to his dedication and tireless work ethic. Never one to sit still, after retirement he continued working for an electrical supply company for eight years and later for the City of Grosse Pointe as a parking attendant in the parking garage, where he enjoyed staying active and connecting with people. Ronald cherished his friendships and the simple joys of life. He especially enjoyed spending time at Memorial Park for music on the lake where he loved sharing laughter and good times with friends. He was known for his sense of humor, showing yo-yo tricks to his grandchildren, and often joked that his favorite color was green - because it was the color of money. Above all, Ronald was highly respected by all who knew him and was a devoted family man. He is lovingly remembered by his three daughters, Christine Drumheller (Michael), April Heiler, and Joanna Kutchey (Kyle); his five grandchildren, Matthew Peyerk (Kelly), Melissa Peyerk (Josh), Amber Youmans (Bobby), Christopher Heiler (Amanda), and Ashley Shibbish (Eric); his sixteen great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him immense pride and joy; and his brother, Leonard Lazich. His family was the center of his world, and his legacy lives on through them. Those who knew Ronald will remember his unmistakable ponytail, his love of the water, his gift for making friends wherever he went, and the smile he brought to those around him. He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and fondly remembered by all whose lives he touched. His legacy will live on in the hearts of his family and friends and in the countless memories made on the water, at the Detroit Edison Boat Club, Memorial Park, in South Florida, and with those fortunate enough to call him a friend. Memorial Visitation Friday from 10am until time of 1pm Service at Wujek - Calcaterra & Sons Inc., 36900 Schoenherr Rd. at Metro Parkway (16 Mile). In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Rainbow Connection (https://rainbowconnection.org/donate/) in Ronald’s memory. Please share memories with the family at their online guestbook at WujekCalcaterra.com

Ronald "Ponytail Ron" Lazich

April 5, 1945 - August 1, 2026