Richard Carter: Family, fitness let him fight ALS
July 26, 2007

BY JOE ROSSITER

FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER

Throughout his courageous battle with ALS, Richard Carter relied on two significant factors to sustain him: support from a loving family and an athletic prowess that provided him strength to continue the fight.

Both served him well.

A former high school and college track star, Mr. Carter died Sunday at his in-laws' summer cottage along Lake Erie in Harrow, Ontario. He was 42 and a resident of Bloomfield Hills.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, sometimes called Lou Gehrig's disease, is a rapidly progressing neurological disease that attacks the nerve cells controlling voluntary muscles. Mr. Carter was diagnosed with the disease three years ago.

"He was a funny, energetic person who loved his kids and life in general," said Meghan Carter, his wife of nine years.

"He hit the disease head-on and never backed down from doing the things he enjoyed. His phenomenal body strength kept him agile and mobile. He was the one who helped me remain strong."

Mr. Carter had a son, Richie, and a daughter, Mackenzie.

Born in Detroit, he graduated in 1982 from Clawson High School, where he was a distance runner on the track team. He earned a track scholarship to Michigan State University.

He attended MSU for several years before transferring to Oakland University, where he earned a degree in economics in 1988.

After college, Mr. Carter worked with Dairy Fresh Foods in Detroit for several years before being hired as a sales representative for the State of Michigan's lottery division in 2002.

Mr. Carter enjoyed playing volleyball, softball and golf. He took pride in his backyard garden, where he nurtured his prized black-eyed Susans.

And he could cook delicious meals at the drop of a hat.

Other survivors include his father, Richard, one sister and two brothers.

Funeral services are at 10 a.m. today at St. Hugo of the Hills Church, 2215 Opdyke Road, Bloomfield Hills. Visitation will precede the mass at 9:30 a.m.

Burial will be in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Southfield.

Contact JOE ROSSITER at 313-222-6594 or jrossiter@freepress.com.
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