1952
Michael Edward Rider
2025
Michael Edward Rider
September 26, 1952 — December 11, 2025
Etlan
Michael Edward Rider, 73, of Etlan, Virginia, passed away peacefully on December 11, 2025, at the University of Virginia Medical Center, Charlottesville, Virginia.
He was born on September 26, 1952, in Charlottesville, Virginia. Michael graduated from Madison College (now James Madison University), Harrisonburg, Virginia in 1974. After his graduation, he moved to Richmond, Virginia where he worked for the Reynold’s Corporation in addition to the State Comptroller’s office in the IT department. Michael received his master’s degree in business ( with an emphasis in computing) from Virginia Commonwealth University after moving to Richmond where he established himself in the “fan district” with many close friends.
Michael returned home to Etlan, Virginia to live after the passing of his mother in 2010.
Michael was a talented floral designer and eventually became a Virginia District Floral Judge through the Virginia Federation of Garden Clubs of Richmond, Virginia. He was an active member of both the Madison and Rappahannock Garden Clubs. In addition to being a talented floral designer, Michael was a wonderful baker of many delectable delights and won numerous awards over the years for his talent including Best of Show at the Virginia State Fair in Richmond, Virginia.
Michael was also an avid traveler and especially loved his visit to Scotland (his paternal homeland). In addition to Scotland, Michael loved Santa Fe, NM and Paris, France with many trips over the years to both destinations with his partner Glenn Fisher.
In addition to the above talents, Michael had many interests including complex knitting and many of his friends are now the proud owners of one-of-a-kind clothing items created by Michael.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Walter (Silver) Rider and Cornelia Coates Rider (Sis), and his lifetime partner, Glen Fisher. He is survived by his brothers Richard Daniel (Danny) Rider (Debbie) and James (Jimmy) Rider (Robin). His nieces: Tracy Rider Frye (Dee) and Martha Olivia Rider; and a great nephew Devon Frye.
A graveside service will be held on Monday, January 12, 2026 at 1130 am at the Etlan Cemetery on Church Hill Rd in Etlan, Virginia.
He was born on September 26, 1952, in Charlottesville, Virginia. Michael graduated from Madison College (now James Madison University), Harrisonburg, Virginia in 1974. After his graduation, he moved to Richmond, Virginia where he worked for the Reynold’s Corporation in addition to the State Comptroller’s office in the IT department. Michael received his master’s degree in business ( with an emphasis in computing) from Virginia Commonwealth University after moving to Richmond where he established himself in the “fan district” with many close friends.
Michael returned home to Etlan, Virginia to live after the passing of his mother in 2010.
Michael was a talented floral designer and eventually became a Virginia District Floral Judge through the Virginia Federation of Garden Clubs of Richmond, Virginia. He was an active member of both the Madison and Rappahannock Garden Clubs. In addition to being a talented floral designer, Michael was a wonderful baker of many delectable delights and won numerous awards over the years for his talent including Best of Show at the Virginia State Fair in Richmond, Virginia.
Michael was also an avid traveler and especially loved his visit to Scotland (his paternal homeland). In addition to Scotland, Michael loved Santa Fe, NM and Paris, France with many trips over the years to both destinations with his partner Glenn Fisher.
In addition to the above talents, Michael had many interests including complex knitting and many of his friends are now the proud owners of one-of-a-kind clothing items created by Michael.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Walter (Silver) Rider and Cornelia Coates Rider (Sis), and his lifetime partner, Glen Fisher. He is survived by his brothers Richard Daniel (Danny) Rider (Debbie) and James (Jimmy) Rider (Robin). His nieces: Tracy Rider Frye (Dee) and Martha Olivia Rider; and a great nephew Devon Frye.
A graveside service will be held on Monday, January 12, 2026 at 1130 am at the Etlan Cemetery on Church Hill Rd in Etlan, Virginia.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Michael Edward Rider, please visit our flower store.
Guestbook
Visits: 43
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors