Bedford Research is honored to help remember these remarkable individuals.

In loving memory of Dr. Ron R. Hart
September 20, 2014
Read more about his legacy.

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In loving memory of Gus L. Veach
December 2, 1925 – August 28, 2014
Read more about his legacy.

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In loving memory of Bradely Schuffert
February 22, 1983 – April 6, 2014

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In loving memory of Dr. Robert Christie Wray, Jr.
December 21, 1938 – November 18, 2013

Dr. Chris Wray was a director of the American Board Of Plastic Surgery from 1987-1993, Vice Chair of the Board from 1992-1993 and an Examiner for the Board until 2006. He will be greatly missed. Terry M. Cullison, RN, MSN, Administrator, ABMS

We thankfully acknowledge: Komal Bazaz Smith and Avtandil Chinchaladze.
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In loving memory of Mitch Sfair
To the Family of Mitch Sfair in Bloomfield Hills. We thankfully acknowledge: Randy Shacket.
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In loving memory of Rick L. Zache, January 5, 1957 ~ February 12, 2013.

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Rick L. Zache, 56, of Niles, was called home by his Lord on the evening of Tuesday, February 12, 2013 at The University of Chicago Medical Center.

Rick was born on January 5, 1957 to Arthur and Beverly (Miller) Zache in South Bend, Indiana. He was a proud Brandywine graduate class of 1975. Rick received his BSA from Central Michigan University in Business Management and his EMBA from the University of Notre Dame. Rick was employed at Minute Maid/Coca-Cola where he served as plant superintendent until his retirement in 2012. On August 30, 1986 Rick married Debra Wright at a ceremony in Portage, Michigan.

Rick was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who exemplified conviction, courage, loyalty, humility and love even in his final moments. The attributes that will be missed the most are his character, boundless strength and selflessness for his family. His priority in life was spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He is best known for his leadership and coaching in the community. He was an accomplished athlete who, like his daughters Kelli and Kendra, was awarded Athlete of the Year at Brandywine. Rick excelled in many sports, was a successful businessman, and a dedicated family man. He was a past member of the Brandywine School Board. He also served countless years as a coach for the Niles Brandywine Girls Softball Association in addition to starting the first travel softball team (Intensity) in the Niles Brandywine district. Rick was a lifelong member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.

Rick’s family will always remember the time they spent together; playing family whiffle ball, celebrating holidays, engaging in recreational water sports, and traveling to his daughter’s swimming and softball competitions.

He is preceded in death by his father Arthur Zache Sr. and his brother Gary Zache.

Rick is survived by his wife Debra Zache of Niles, a son Bobby (Leslie) Zache of Niles, three daughters; Amie Zache Kinkade of Mishawaka, Kelli Zache of Niles and Kendra Zache of Niles, his mother Beverly Zache of Niles, five grandchildren; Ben, Aaron and Taylor Kinkade and Riley and Berkley Zache, a brother Arthur Jr. (Judy) Zache of Niles, a sister-in-law Chris Zache Gowen of Niles, and five nephews; Adam, Brian, Mark, Brad and Bruce Zache.

Funeral services to honor Rick’s life will be held on Monday, February 18, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church at 1340 Sycamore Street in Niles with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. A time of visitation will be held at Brown Funeral Home on Sunday from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. A private family interment will be held at Silverbrook Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in Rick’s memory to Stem Cell Research or to a Brandywine Scholarship Fund being established in care of Brown Funeral Home; 521 East Main Street, Niles.

Those wishing to leave a message for Rick’s family, upload a photo of him or send a letter of condolence may do so on our website at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com or on our Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/BrownFuneralHomeNiles.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 521 East Main Street, Niles, Michigan 49120. Phone: 269-683-1155, Fax: 269-684-7355, Email: brownfuneralhome@gmail.com

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In loving memory of Jay Jones, San Diego, CA
Established by Julie & Terry Jones
We thankfully acknowledge: Kevin Carter, Katherine Umpleby, Dang Vo, and Edith Watson. Donate via PayPal.


In loving memory of William H. Scheurer, Jr.
Established by his daughter, Tricia Scheurer

Death Notice: The Honorable William H. Scheurer, Jr, loving Husband of Joy; Father of William III, Tricia, Terence and Jay; Grandfather of Terence Jr, Kyle and Spencer, passed on 8-9-08. He worked as an ALJ In Hauppauge. Judge Scheurer served as a Liutenant in the
U.S. Army Infantry and the Judge Advocate General’s Corp. On his day of rest he was honored with a Police Escort and Military Tribute. Mrs. Scheurer was presented with the American Flag as the Taps and Bag-Pipes played. Bill will be fondly remembered and greatly missed. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Bedford Research at www.bedfordresearch.org.

Donate to the William Scheurer Memorial Fund: download form | PayPal


In loving memory of Matthew Shehan
Established by Mrs. Catherine Shehan
Donate to the Matthew Shehan memorial fund: download form


In loving memory of Mike Smithlin
Established by Mark A Lewis.
Donate to the Mike Smithlin Stem Cell Research Memorial Fund: download form


In loving memory of John Merkins Jr.

October 14th, 2010 (memorial service on October 16th, 2010)

The Bedford Research Foundation is proud to serve the memory of John Merkins Jr., a remarkable quadraplegic double cancer survivor. Mr. Merkins dedicated his life to speaking and motivating students all over the country. He spoke on such topics as drinking and driving prevention, overcoming adversity, disability awareness, and helped to motivate students and faculty members to live life to the fullest. John lived those principles everyday. He will be remembered as a loving man who helped change the lives of many people, and will help find cures for many people with his passing. Thank you for your generous contribution to John’s memory, your donation will help the Bedford Stem Cell Research Foundation bring together world experts in Stem Cell science to find a way to treat people with disabling spinal cord injuries, such as Mr. Merkins.


(You do not need a paypal account to donate using paypal.
Just look for and click on the small “continue” link at the bottom
of the following page to donate without an account. Thank you.)

For more on Mr. Merkins incredible journey, please visit his website at www.johnsvoice.net.

“I know I can be angry over what has happened to me, but being angry is a waste of energy, how can you be happy if you’re angry? You learn to live life every day thinking about making a difference…I learned that I still have my mind and a voice.”
Mr. John Merkins Jr.

Thank you to these generous donors:

  • Rebecca Hergenroeder
  • Patrice Milani
  • Dr. Joel Porter
  • Geraldine Moran
  • Kathleen McCloskey-Bendetti
  • Jennifer Kanthor of Inglis Care Management
  • Debra Gruner and Greg Grillone
  • Joyce and Frank Nather
  • David P. Montgomery, CEO, Philadelphia Phillies
  • William and Linda Hutchinson
  • Joseph and Joyce Sann, Baltimore MD
  • Randi and Valerie Jones, Baltimore MD
  • Margaret Nielson, Swarthmore, PA
  • Rosanne Ceffaratti, Newtown Square, PA
  • John and Rita Devine, Philadelphia, PA
  • Franny Sama, Philadelphia
  • Albert and Ellen Brown, Philadelphia
  • Michele Brzozowski, Baltimore MD

In loving memory of Lt. Col. William C (“Andy”) Anderson

Andy died of heart failure May 16, 2003. He was a well-known author with a zest for life that inspired all who knew him. He authored books ranging from humorous accounts of family trips (The Two-Ton Albatross, The Great Bicycle Expedition, Roll Up the Wallpaper We’re Moving) to moving accounts of the Vietnam War (Bat 21, which also became a movie starring Gene Hackman and Danny Glover).

To support stem cell research that may lead to new cures for heart muscle failure, the family has created the Andy Anderson Stem Cell Research Fund. All contributions will be used for research.

Foundation Trustees gratefully acknowledge support for the Andy Anderson Stem Cell Research Program from:

George Wyman, Fairfield California
Lorry Roberts, Boise Idaho
Bart and Dorothy Brassey, Boise Idaho
Gail and Earl Bellamy, Rio Rancho New Mexico
Barbara Stern, Isleton California
Delta Brokers, Isleton California
Mary Ann Fluck, Boise Idaho
Jennie Nikitas, San Francisco California
Mabel and Irving Newton, Windcrest Texas
Alice and Donald Burggrabe, Roseville California
Mary Ann Ginter, Annandale Virginia
Mr and Mrs. Charles Link, Olympia Washington
Earline and James Pool, Aurora Colorado
Helen and Lt. Col. Dennis Clark, Clearwater Florida
John and Charlotte Gearhart, Fairfield CA
Gaylord Maxwell, Deary ID
Russell Bowen, Fairfield CA
The Jeanne Michael Trust, Fairfield CA
Jerry Hannifin, Cocoa Beach FL
William Johnson, Fairfield CA
Edwin Millson, Fairfield CA
Isabella Lively, Fairfield CA
Willard Snell, Destin FL
Craig Wilder, El Segundo CA
James Lynch, Fairfield CA
Marianne Smith, Fairfield CA
Helen Peterson, Castro Valley CA
Wayne Bogard, Fairfield CA
Bruce and Eleanor Farrow, San Marcos CA
Irving Newton, Windcrest TX
C.E. Link, Olympia WA
James Pool, Aurora CO
Richard and Joanne Anderson, Anchorage AL
Sharon McBride, Westlake Village CA
John and Nelda Hug, Meridian ID
Claudia and Leonard Baltzer, Waynesville NC
Dorothy and James Yessian, Brewster NY
Candyce and Scott Anderson, Rohnert Park CA