Richard T. Griggs

Richard T. “Dick” Griggs, 81 of Vanderbilt, passed away Friday, June 14, 2019 at home.

Born in Detroit on March 2, 1938, Dick was the son of Thomas and Marjorie (Armitage) Griggs.  He grew up in Detroit, graduating from Mackenzie High School and later attending Henry Ford Community College.  Dick also served honorably in the Michigan Air National Guard.

On June 23, 1961 Dick married Dolores G. “Dory” Townes.  They lived in Detroit for a few years where Dick worked at General Motors as a model maker.  Since he was a child in the 1940’s, Dick and his family had been visiting Big Lake in the Gaylord area where his grandparents had a cottage.  He loved northern Michigan and Big Lake; in 1967 he and Dory moved their family to Gaylord and to Vanderbilt in 1969.  After moving up north, Dick worked for 33 years at Georgia Pacific, retiring in 2000.

Dick loved hunting, fishing, boating and he was also a dog lover.  He enjoyed following University of Michigan sports, the Detroit Tigers and the Detroit Lions.  Dick loved Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and traveling throughout Michigan.  His family and friends will always remember his love of telling a good story.

Dick is survived by Dory, his wife of 58years; his children, Christopher (Tina) Griggs of Indian River, Cheryl Runge of Wolverine and Jennifer (Oren) Rekasi of Petoskey; grandchildren, Joshua (Tiffany), David, Cory, Kelly, Grace, Allie and Trinity; 3 great grandchildren; a sister, Joan Collick of Gaylord and her family.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 PM Friday, June 21, 2019 at Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service where the family will visit with friends beginning at 2:00 PM.  Rev. John Naile will officiate.  Those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions to the Otsego County Animal Shelter.

Arrangements are by Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service.  Please share your memories and personal messages with the family at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com