Felix Axel Ridsdale

      If heaven has a golf course, Felix Axel Ridsdale has already teed off. Felix didn’t just love golf—he lived for it. If he wasn’t on the course, he would be planning his next round, talking about his last one, or wondering why Michigan had so much snow when all he really wanted was to golf year-round.
      Born on July 9, 1942, Felix grew up in Ovid, Michigan, where he excelled in football, basketball, baseball, and track at Ovid High School before graduating in 1961. He took his athletic talents to Central Michigan University, where he played football for the Chippewas. Felix not only had a passion for playing sports but also took great interest in supporting Ovid-Elsie athletics and was a loyal fan of the Spartans, Lions, and Tigers. He later built a successful career as a sanitary coil cleaner, running his own business for over 50 years.
       Felix was always on the move—whether it was playing fast-pitch softball for Jumbos, heading north for snowmobile trips with the guys, golf trips, or making his annual escape to Florida to avoid winter (and, let’s be honest, to golf). He had a knack for finding the best courses, the best company, and the best excuses to sneak in just one more round.
        Felix is survived by his loving wife and partner, Connie Miller-Ridsdale of Owosso, MI; Mother of his children, Mary Healy of Spring Hill, FL; his son, Thad Ridsdale of Lakeland, FL; his daughter, Tina (Chris) Clifford of Brooksville, FL; stepson Gary (Erin) Miller, Kirk Clapp and his grandchildren: Karli Ulto, Celia Ridsdale, and Zara Clifford. Step grandchildren Riley and Cooper Clapp, Charlie Winemiller, Breanna Bell, Maddie, and Grace Miller. Cousins Owen (Patricia) Farmer and Ellen Brookins. He is preceded in death by his brother, Kim Ridsdale; his parents, Basil, and Marian Ridsdale; uncle's George, and Raymond Ridsdale; aunts Martha Coon, Grace Whitesell and Hilda Kennedy; his son, Tate Ridsdale, and stepdaughter Kathy Clapp.
      Since Felix believed snow was just an inconvenient obstacle to golf season, his Celebration of Life will be held in the Spring when the fairways are green, the sun is shining, and there is no risk of frost delay. Until then, hit ‘em straight and think of Felix every time you find yourself on the fairway, remember him every time you sink a putt, tell a great golf story, or take a swing at something you love.
      Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Houghton Chapel, Ovid, Michigan.