P.N. "Mickey" Rychen's Obituary
A Journey StartedMickey attended West End High School from 1953-1957. He attended David Lipscomb College and the University of Tennessee, Nashville. In 1964 Mickey earned an insurance certificate from Insurance Institute of America. In 1967 he completed his Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) Part I & III training.In 1965 he was employed by Insurance Services Office (ISO) which later became known as Commercial Risk Services. He was employed as a Field Representative Private Protection, Public Protection and Supervisor. ISO was a nationwide organization that provided information to the insurance companies doing business in the United States. He worked principally in fire insurance loss costs and underwriting and determining the insurance classifications of the various cities and graded areas in Tennessee and Alabama. Mickey worked alongside Tennessee Fire Departments and was a member of the Tennessee Fireman’s Association and the Honorable Order of the Blue Goose (an insurance organization). Though a bit reserved, Mickey made a point to know every member of every fire department and volunteer fire department in the state. He was very dedicated to his job and worked hard with others to ensure that operations ran safely and successfully.Finding Each OtherMickey met his wife, Norma Filson-Rychen, at a single’s dance. She had lost her husband, who Mickey had worked with, the prior year and was on the phone at the dance when she received a tap on the shoulder. There stood Mickey, and the two danced all night. They attended every single's dance thereafter. Mickey could ballroom dance, jitterbug, or do his own interpretation of "freestyle," so long as Norma was with him. They were married on Valentine’s Day and began a relationship of love and compassion that would last him a lifetime.Beach BoundWhen his family was asked about the places he visited and what location may be considered his favorite, the response was unanimous – the Beach! He would spend hours at the beach whenever possible, from sunrise to sundown. Along with the beach, he enjoyed swimming, fishing, and a game of shuffleboard. His son and daughter recall many pleasant fishing trips with Mickey. In 2009 when visiting Norma’s brother and wife in Florida, Mickey retired to change for the beach. He came out with his swim trunks and t-shirt both on backwards. “We’re going, not coming!” exclaimed his brother-in-law to which Mickey rolled over with laughter. “I don’t know how that happened!” Family friends recall similar moments of humor with Mickey.Life’s ChallengeIn 2008, he was diagnosed with mild dementia and in 2010 he suffered a medium stroke. Both of these occurrences challenged and oftentimes frustrated Mickey. But he fought to participate in life as fully as possible, and when he did things a little backwards (like choosing a broom closet to exit the bathroom versus the exit door), he would be the first to make light of the situation. Mickey was always bright, and his joy and love of people encouraged him to stay optimistic and be positive in all situations. Everyone he came in contact with will tell you that they remember his wonderful smile.Mickey’s MerrimentBeyond the beach and fishing, Mickey maintained other interests. In his youth he played baseball. In his adult years, he became an avid Vanderbilt fan. He and Norma had season’s tickets and enjoyed the tailgate parties before each home game. His grandson shared this heavenly thought: “We figure now, he’s got 50-yard line seats!” Mickey also attended the Tennessee Titans home games until his health prevented the trip.Grillin’ and Chillin’ – two of Mickey’s favorite pastimes. Mickey loved to grill food, especially chicken, and would host his friends and family for social times out on the deck. The chicken would be complimented by Mickey’s homemade sauces and drink specialties. Mickey also loved flowers. He would choose the colors, plant them on the deck and in front of the house. He had a green thumb and never tired of nourishing them. Mickey was also a fan of country music and loved Willie Nelson. He loved to go to Cajun’s Wharf and listen to Joe Savage. Beyond a favorite vacation cruise on the Mexican Riviera, Mickey loved to be home. It was at home that he shared the love of his wife, and later when required, was blessed by her care and compassion. With a daily dose of Norma’s company and ice cream, Mickey was a happy man. Mickey was a member of Judson Baptist Church and the Judson Jewels. He loved attending Wallace Anderson’s Life Group. He also attended the Sunny Day Club at Brentwood United Church, and looked forward to attending Fifty Forward every Thursday. He participated in activities sponsored by Fifty Forward, which included group visits to the Frist Center and Singing for Seniors.A Loving LegacyMickey leaves behind a legacy of love—love for family, love for friends, love for the outdoors, and a love for life. He is survived by his wife, Norma Filson-Rychen; children, Debbie (Sean) Morgan and Clifford N. Rychen. His stepchildren, Kimberly (Doug) Filson-Staggs and Jeff (Kiara) Filson; brother, Charles Rychen; grandchildren, Christopher Reed, Michael Abernathy and Clifford N. Rychen, Jr.; stepgrandchildren, Clark Staggs, Adam Filson and Evan Filson also survive him.
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