There will likely be a few gaps in the schedule this week at Slackers Family Fun Center at the Orchards Mall in Benton Harbor, however family, employees and friends will do everything in their power to keep the spirit that Rod Burch created there following his death this past weekend.
Orchards Mall officials say that with Burch's funeral this week, there will be times that the popular center may be closed, but plans are underway to keep the 4,000 square foot video arcade and laser tag center up and running for families to continue to enjoy well into the future.
Rodney Burch died at Lakeland Regional Medical Center in St. Joseph on Saturday at the age of 64. While he held many jobs over the course of his life, he truly loved his role as greeter at Slackers Family Fun Center. Rod also was a security officer at Bosch Braking Systems, and former Circulation Manager for The Herald-Palladium Newspaper in St. Joseph. As his obituary points out, "Rod had a big heart and was always willing to lend a hand, offer a ride or just be a listening ear to anyone in need.
Rod was born in Cincinnati and graduated from St. Joseph High School. He married Deborah Baker in 1973 and is survived by her as well as his son JJ of Stevensville.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Starks & Menchinger Chapel in St. Joseph with visitation planned for Wednesday evening from 5-7pm and services on Thursday at 1pm. Memorial contributions can be made to the Humane Society of SW Michigan or the Michigan Dental Assisting Association.
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Slackers General Manager Rick Burch says that the center will be closed on Thursday for Rod's funeral, but they will definitely continue the welcome families in search of fun for many years to come. Rick was the contractor who, with the help of many friends, built out the center for the Burch family and says that Rod was not just a cousin, but "my very best friend." He will be missed, no question.
