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We are deeply saddened that Rick Laidler – who served on the Oxford Township Parks and Recreation Commission from 1988 to 2012 – passed away on Jan. 12, 2026. He left this world peacefully with his wife and children by his side.
It was under Rick’s visionary leadership that Oxford Township increased its number of public parks from two to four. The township acquired and developed the 56-acre Powell Lake Township Park and the 300-acre Oakwood Lake Township Park.
It was under Rick’s inspirational leadership that Oxford built the Kids Kingdom playground, the KLR Splash Pad, the Red Flyer Run sledding hill, six soccer fields and a basketball court.
In 2004, the Michigan Recreation and Park Association (mParks) presented Rick with the Local Elected Official of the Year Award.
Rick was instrumental in transforming Oxford Township into a vibrant community where people of all ages and abilities are able to enjoy nature, play together, make memories and relish life.
In July 2021, a spacious pavilion bearing Rick’s name was dedicated in Seymour Lake Twp. Park. At the time, Ron Davis, who was the parks and recreation director from 1995 to 2022, said the pavilion is “a great representation” of what Rick Laidler stands for – “bringing people together."
Rick Laidler will be greatly missed, but his legacy will live on every time someone visits a township park and smiles. He left Oxford a better place than he found it. Thank you for everything, Rick.
Write Up and Photo by C.J. Carnacchio
