RICHARD A MORTON – CLASS OF 1958

RICHARD A MORTON – CLASS OF 1958

Morton, Richard Arnott of Grand Rapids, Michigan

1935 – 2018

Morton, Richard Arnott "Dick", age 82 of Grand Rapids, passed away Sunday, January 28, 2018. He was preceded in death by his parents Arnott John and Louise (Goar) Morton; daughters Teresa Sue Edgerly, LeeAnn Hite; sister Frances Morton Warwick; and sister-in-law Paula Henry German. He is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years Jeanenne Ann Morton; extended family Walter (Judy) Perschbacher III; granddaughter Jenna (Eric) Pilipow; grandsons Jason Hite, Walter (Neele) Perschbacher IV, Scott (Jennie) Perschbacher; great grandsons River Pilipow, Walter Perschbacher V, Cole Perschbacher, baby Pilipow due in May, brother Robert (Joyce) Morton; sister Janet Morton Stoia; brothers-in-law Dr. John German, Steve (Jamie) Henry, Dennis Henry; mother-in-law Leona Henry; daughter Alice (Ray) Stuut; granddaughters Andrea Renee Grieser, Kimberly Ann Kuhtz; also several nieces, nephews, and close friends.

Richard was born in Lebanon, Indiana on September 26, 1935. Shortly after meeting him, you would be told that he was actually born at Mud Creek outside of Lebanon, IN and the Morton Cemetery is still there. He would then ask, with a wonderous look, "You do know where Mud Creek is?"

He graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School and Western Michigan University. He was a proud veteran who served in Korea from 1958-59 in the United States Army. He commanded a Unit on the DMZ in Korea. He was honorably discharged as a Captain on December 10, 1959.

Richard returned home to work at the Kalamazoo Gazette where he started as a delivery boy at the age of 12. He would entertain all with stories of Mud Creek and his business of 500 customers on his paper route. He loved to tell everyone how he hired other 12 year olds to work for him. He continued to work for the Grand Rapids Press as General Manager from 1978 until 1996. After his first retirement he went to work for the Frederick Meijer Gardens as interim director before joining Greenridge Realty Inc, from 1997 until 2013 as Director of Operations, overseeing HR and facilities. He was also a shareholder of Greenridge Service Group and was instrumental in founding The Greenridge DreamTeam Foundation supporting Make a Wish of Michigan where he remained a trusted advisor until his passing.

Richard was a committed advocate for many civic, business, and medical organizations. He chaired many campaigns for organizations in the community including Western Michigan Ronald McDonald House, Frederick Meijer Gardens and Greenridge Dream Team to name only a few. Any charity committed to helping children was his first priority. Richard's passions beyond work were his family. Being a husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather was his joy. They loved him and his stories, even after hearing them for the 500th time. Visitation will be Friday, February 2, 2-4:00 p.m. and 6-8:00 p.m. at O'Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Rd. S.E., Grand Rapids, and one hour prior to the service at the church. The Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, February 3, 11:00 a.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1100 Lake Dr. S.E., Grand Rapids. Rev. David Nellist officiating. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Western Michigan Ronald McDonald House, Greenridge Dream Team Foundation, or Frederik Meijer Gardens.